Page 96 of Wild Games

43

ONE WEEK LATER

JAX

The pack dining room hums with conversation and laughter. Someone dragged out the good whiskey from Dean's private stash, and he's pretending not to notice as glasses get refilled.

The whole pack turned out, even the ones who usually keep to themselves.

"Can't believe you're finally leaving that cave," Callum says, dropping into the seat next to me. His head still has a mark from that nasty cut he got. "Does Kain know he's getting a medic who lives like a mole?"

"The basement has everything I need," I reply.

Kain’s well aware of all of my issues. He’s been giving me exercises to do, ways to dampen down my overreactions to threats, imagined and real, and tips on leaning into my pack connections to ease my wolf's concerns when he gets overwhelmed.

And it’s working. That, and having my mate to focus on.

"Yeah, if you're a vampire." He grins. "Bet Camille's looking forward to having some windows, too."

"Windows are overrated." But through the bond, I feel Camille's amusement from across the room where she's talking with Lynn and Jamie.

"So, Riverside pack." Callum continues, lowering his voice. "That's got to be rough. Taking over after what happened there."

I know what he means. Jamie's old alpha was cruel, ruling through fear and punishment. The pack that remains will be damaged, and suspicious of any authority.

"Kain knows what he's walking into. There’s nobody better suited."

"And you?" Callum asks. "Are you ready to help him deal with that?"

Yes, I think, surprised at my own confidence. I think I am.

Before I can answer, someone clinks a glass loudly. The conversations surrounding us die down as people turn toward the sound.

"Speech!" Lynn calls out from near the kitchen. "Come on, Jax. Can't leave without embarrassing yourself."

"Pass," I say.

"Get up there," Camille says suddenly from beside me, her encouragement mixing with mischief. "Or I'll make a speech about you."

That threat gets me to my feet.

The pack chuckles as I stand awkwardly at the front of the room.

"I'm not good at this," I start.

"No kidding," someone calls out, earning me laughter.

"But thanks. For trusting me with your medical care. For giving me space when I needed it and pushing when I needed that too." I look at Dean, who's leaning against the wall with Jamie. "For being my pack."

"To the pack," Dean says simply, raising his glass.

"To the pack," everyone echoes.

I sit back down quickly, glad that's over.

Camille's hand finds mine immediately. "See?” she murmurs. “Not so bad."

"Terrible." I correct, but I'm fighting a smile.