Page 53 of Scorned
Living in New Mexico my whole life, I’d never heard of a city called Ironclad before, so I assumed maybe it was one of the surrounding states. “Where’s that city at?”
“It’s not a city. Ironclad Claws is the name of the pack. Their alpha is a dickhead, so I don’t blame James for leaving.”
My brows rose at the fact the packs had different names. It irritated me knowing I’d missed a lot of information during my depressive months.
“Tilly and James were on their way to check out a new apartment they were going to settle down in,” Dani continued. “They were the only vehicle on the road when he lost control of his bike and wrecked. They both died.”
“Oh, no.” Lyric threw her hand over her mouth, her emotions engulfing her face.
A heaviness filled my chest and I laid my hand softly on it. If a supernatural creature like a shifter could die in a motorcycle wreck, then my human ass could have easily died.
“They were both so young, especially for wolven.” Dani shook her head, her eyes wet with emotion. “Kaysa, one of the females in Ironclad, was the one who had my brother-in-law call me. Since the alpha of that pack doesn’t have a luna to make decisions, it was up to him. Knowing Galen’s a dick, I knew the answer would be no, but Kaysa asked anyway. Galen said they had enough members to feed and James shouldn’t have left his pack to become a Freepelt, which is a nomad wolven.”
“And a luna is a female alpha?” I asked. I had heard it said before during discussions, but I wasn’t positive.
“Yes, and most of them sit on councils, contribute to food swaps, run activities, and anything else the pack needs. Everyone always talks about how strong an alpha is, but lunas are the true leaders of any pack. The alphas know this, and it’s the reason most of them choose a luna at a young age. If Galen had made Kaysa a luna when he was supposed to, none of this would be a problem because the decision would’ve been hers.”
Another baby in the distance began wailing, and I assumed it was Dani’s newborn daughter. A few seconds later, a good-looking man with shoulder-length blond hair popped his head out the door. “I think she needs to eat.”
“I’ll be right there, Lane.” Dani sighed, then turned back toward us. “That’s my mate’s brother. They’re both from the Shadow Hounds in Arizona. By the way, he’s single if any of you ladies are looking.”
“Do you want me to take the baby to the other camp for a while?” Peach asked, completely avoiding her statement. “I know you have a lot on your hands.”
“The unmated wolves don’t mind alloparenting at our camp, but they don’t like taking the kids over there.”
“Well, Aunty Peach doesn’t give a shit what they like. Come here, little one.” Peach took the baby from Dani, admiring her beauty.
“I have plenty of breast milk right now, so I pumped extra for her. I usually donate it. I’m glad my over-productive boobs came in handy.”
Lyric brushed her hand over the baby’s red hair. “She’s so beautiful. But isn’t she cold out here?”
“Wolven babies don’t get cold as quickly as humans do. She also screams when I go inside.” Dani let out a long sigh, her shoulders sagging. “If I didn’t already have two kids and a newborn, I would raise her in our pack, because without one, this baby will know nothing about our culture or her true potential. After I talk to Drag, maybe we can come up with a way for us moms and dads to co-parent. I don’t know what else to do. Everyone here is raising young children, but she needs to be raised in a pack.”
The door popped open again, and this time Lane had a look of panic on his face. “Dani, this baby is trying to feed from my chest and I don’t have milk like you! Plus, I think she needs to be changed.” Lane scrunched up his nose, and Lyric giggled.
“I have to go. Thanks, Peach. I’ll have Lane pack you a bag with everything she’ll need for now. Just bring her back when you get tired.”
Dani took off into the house, and Lyric turned to Peach. “Are you wanting to keep her?”
“No. I love kids and I might adopt one someday, but I’m too busy fighting for the equality of vampires right now to raise a baby.”
Lyric and Peach both took turns admiring Scarlet with happy squeals and awe sounds. I stood there with my arms crossed afraid someone was going to hand her to me. She was definitely cute, but I sure as hell didn’t want to be responsible for something so tiny and fragile.
A few minutes later, Lane came out with a car seat and a diaper bag. “Do you want me to stick these in your car, Peach?”
“That’d be great. Thanks, Lane.”
Peach headed toward the Jeep and we followed, Lane falling into step with me. He was very handsome and after seeing him up close, I couldn’t help but realize he looked similar to the main character of a popular motorcycle club TV show.
“I haven’t met you before. Name’s Lane.”
“Sage. Nice to meet you.”
A knowing look fell upon his face. “Oh, you’re Luka’s woman.”
Before my twenty-fifth birthday, I would’ve cringed at that term, but now, it only made me feel lonely. “I guess I am.”
“Luka’s my friend so I’ll refrain from flirting with you.” He gave me a gorgeous smile before opening the Jeep door.
