Page 20

After having a wonderful conversation with Maggie, we return to Larc’s room where Kyle and Tibald are talking in a corner, but the rest of the group has left. They stop talking when they see us. Maggie and I stand on each side of Larc’s bed, taking his hands in ours. We smile at one another, and then look down at the man we both love. None of us speak, only listening to the sounds of the machines.

Kyle steps to the end of the bed, and says.

“If you want, I can walk you two home.”

Maggie nods, but as I still stare at my wolf-charmer, I respond.

“No thanks. I think I’m going to stay here for a little longer.”

“I can come back for you?”

I shake my head.

“No need. I know how to get home.”

His face reflects pain, so I add.

“Don’t worry, Kyle. I won’t be sneaking off anywhere.”

He shoves his hands in his pockets and shrugs.

“I wasn’t worried about it. Larc would want me to care for—”

“Kyle. Really. I’m good. There’s no reason to care for me. We’re on pack property now.”

Giving me a slight nod, him, Maggie, and Tibald prepare to leave when Maggie asks.

“Would you like me to bring you something to eat?”

“No, thank you. When dinner rolls around, I’ll go to the mess hall then return to his room.”

She pulls me into a tight hug, and I give it right back to her. If anything, it’s brought us a little closer together with the hope of bonding more and maybe I can find some kind of friendship where Kyle is concerned.

They leave and I climb into the bed, cuddling into Larc’s side. My head rests next to the shoulder that wasn’t shot. I run my hand down his bare torso. Apparently, they don’t bother using gowns for the werewolves since they’re used to being naked, and it’s easier for the doctors and nurses to administer care. Drawing soft circles over his chest, I start talking to him.

“Your mom and I have made amends. Now the next hurdle is Kyle.”

A sob escapes, so I pause to prevent more. Larc’s skin is almost white, and every vein is visible from the silver. His stillness is eerie.

Wiping my eyes, I continue.

“I’m not sure if you can hear me, but…”

I choke down a sob.

“I love you so much. For once in my life, I know exactly where I belong, and that’s with you.”

I lean on my arm to get a closer look at his face. His gorgeous lips that bring my mind and body to life are cracked from dryness around the ventilator. Pressing my lips to the corner of his, I close my eyes, letting the tears spill onto his face, and I breathe him in. His aroma is faint—the earthy scent of the woods, grass, and soil, and a combination of chocolate and vodka martinis, his favorite drink. My eyes open slowly, wishing his would too. Unfortunately, they remain closed, and silver spidery veins decorate his lids.

I rest my head back down and whisper.

“Fight, Larc. Fight for the pack. Fight for our future.”

I leave the hospital for the mess hall, sick to my stomach, yet hungry. Once I walk inside, the place goes quiet with all eyes on me. Louisa, Tara, and Mandy come over. Their faces are solemn, and each one gives me a hug and offers to get me something to eat. I decline, wanting to find something that will stay down in my stomach. The three of them are the best friends I could ever ask for. Louisa gestures to the others for them to return to their seats. As I walk down the main aisle to the food, some pack members nod their heads while others say hello. It’s odd, because I haven’t had this kind of attention since Larc told the pack about us being fated mates.

The cooks welcome me while I peruse the different dishes. Thinking back, the last I ate was yesterday’s fries, so I grab a bowl of chicken soup to start off with. By now, everyone has returned to their meals and conversations. I walk over to Louisa, Tara, and Mandy where Shayna joins us.

Shayna opens a can of soda and asks.

“How are you doing?”

I give a half-hearted shrug.

“Hanging in there.”

“I’m pissed at you.”

My head turns to her along with the other women’s.

“Why would you run away?”

Conversations around us quiet down as they wait to hear what I have to say.

My eyes meet all of my friends’, and I talk a bit louder.

“Because me being here is dangerous for all of you. Ben knows I’m here, and he’ll stick to his threat.”

Again, the damn tears. I press my fingers into my eyes to stop them from falling and drop my hands on the table.

“Larc is in the hospital because of me. He might…”

My head whips to the side to brush the rest of my tears away.

Shayna places her hand on top of mine.

“You’re family, Ivy.”

She gives it a light squeeze.

“Family doesn’t run away. We fight together.”

I’m shaking my head.

“This isn’t your fight.”

“Yes. It’s the entire pack’s fight. He fucked with the wrong people.”

Her swearing has me smiling and I let out a quiet thanks.

“Listen, Ivy. Larc is a fighter. There’s no way he’ll give up, knowing he has some ass to kick. Well, lots of ass to kick.”

This makes me giggle.

“For now, you stay put. You have a problem, talk to one of us. If you need something, ask for it, but don’t run. We can’t have our future Luna disappear on us.”

This has me happy-crying, and I hug Shayna for saying those words to me. Women are normally pitted against each other. People love to create drama, yet a woman who was in love with my wolf-charmer has become one of my best friends. She has the biggest heart.

When I release her, I say.

“Good. Then your future Luna can count on you.”

“For what?”

I stand, scan the room of faces who have been listening to our conversation.

“To teach me how to fight.”

Louisa, Tara, and Mandy’s mouths drop open.

Shayna stands next to me.

“That’s not a good idea.”

“Why not? I’ve already spoken to Maggie about it, and you told me to ask if I need something. This is what I need.”

“Let me find someone smaller to teach you.”

I’m shaking my head for emphasis.

“No. I want you. My friend. I trust you, and from what Larc said, you’re one of the best female fighters.”

She bites on her lower lip while thinking about it.

“Fine, but on one condition. You do as I say during training. If I say keep going, you keep going. If I say take a break, you take a break. Deal?”

I thrust my hand out. “Deal.”

Whispers grow throughout the room as I hear them talking about the fiercest female fighter and the small human. None of them can believe it until my eyes meet Kyle’s, and he nods. It’s the first time he’s ever accepted or agreed with me, so I’ll take it.