Page 49 of House of Wolves
He grabs my chin. “Then I actually listened to the words around your insults. I heard how much you cared for your people and how far you were willing to go to bring them justice. I envied you so damn much. I wish I had grown up surrounded by people like me, people who cared if I lived or died. I couldn’t think clearly around you. One moment, I wanted far away from you. The next, I wanted inside of you. I think I knew the truth that night you cared for me when I was drunk. I was an idiot, trying to wash away my confusing feelings for you, knowing you were using me, and even though I didn’t know the extent of it, I knew I cared for you and wanted you safe. But then you took care of me, even though you hated me and thought I was working with the Hunters. You could have demanded I reveal answers. I was so vulnerable, and yet you didn’t take advantage of me. I realized it wasn’t jealousy; it was a pounding want for more than just to knot you and further my genes, but to own a piece of your heart because you already held so much of mine without me even realizing you were taking it. I think now I’m optimistic about a higher power. Because damn, something magical had a hand in giving me such a perfect mate as you.”
My eyes are blurry with tears, and I clench my mouth to hold back my sob. Damn him. Damn his words for doing this to me. His hands still dance over the skin on my face and my neck, and his eyes take me in. He’s still attached to me, holding himself up as he looms over me. The emotions are too much, especially after the hormone dump from coming twice. I want to be vulnerable. I want to be soft, but instead, I part my lips and say, “I don’t think I’ve ever heard you talk so much.”
He narrows his eyes and shakes his head, pushing himself off of me as his knot deflates. I laugh at his annoyance, even if I regret my choice of words. I pull him back, cradling his jaw. “I never thought I’d have a mate either. I’m too stubborn. I believed in a higher power and thought if anyone was looking out for me than they wouldn’t dare punish someone with a problem like me. I didn’t feel the mating bond when I met you. I didn’t expect it, so I assumed it was just a strong sexual charge between us. But I’d be lying if I said I didn’t know before you told me. I think it was the day of the picnic—our first time. It snapped into place, but I pushed the realization away. It’s been so short together, but I can see our future as clearly as I can see my past. Now I question if there’s a god, because I don’t deserve you. Why do some people suffer so much, and I can be immune from all that? I get to have you, and it’s so not fair.”
He smiles, his eyes almost clear of all their smoke. “You deserve everything.” He smashes his mouth against mine. I’m unsure if it’s because he can’t resist being connected with me or if it’s to make sure I don’t ruin this beautiful moment by countering his statement. He’s smart to do it either way. My hands crawl up his back, letting our words mix together as we seal them with a kiss.
He pulls back and raises an eyebrow. “It seems we have some conflicting religious views. Should we figure this out before having children?”
I pop a laugh. “Brick, if I know anything about us, I bet we have many more conflicting opinions than something as silly as religion. We have a lot to figure out before we have children.”
He smirks down at me. “Can’t wait.”
My phone rings, and I groan with a stretch, reaching overhead until I feel it buried in the bed. It’s probably time for both of us to get back to work. I answer without catching the caller, but once I hear their voice, I don’t have to question. “It’s time.”
My heart stops.
23
House of Wolves
I’llneverfindthem.After I turn a sharp corner and yet again discover another sterile white hall without any indication of where I’m going, I’m seconds away from giving up—from shifting and tearing down this place with fangs and claws. Brick grabs my arm, steadying my canine brain, reminding me there’s no need for such dramatics. It’s just a hospital.
I whirl to him, hoping he holds my answers. Sure enough, because he is annoyingly perfect, he points to the sign above the double set of doors. I breathe, turning toward the entryway, barreling down the new hall while reading the names next to each door.
Badson. I storm in, stopping once I enter, the sight before me leaving me breathless.
Red lay in the hospital bed, looking more beautiful than I have ever seen her. Her hair’s a mess, and her face is puffy, but a glow shines through her pores. My brother hovers over her, looking so different, so at peace, so complete. He stares down at the bundle in Red’s arms. When he pulls his eyes away to catch me, I feel immense guilt—how rude of me to interrupt this moment—but Cameron’s smile doesn’t falter. He stands, motioning for me to come closer. “Come meet your niece,” he whispers.
I creep forward, feeling like a child again, unable to hold down the emotions tugging my heart every which way. Red doesn’t look up until I’m standing next to her. “Isn’t she perfect?”
I take her in. Truly perfection personified. The tiniest nose above a pair of lips. “She’s so beautiful,” I say, tears running down my cheeks. God this day is making me a softy.
“Do you want to hold her?” Red asks.
“Yes.” I lean over to grab her from Red, immediately regretting my decision to take on such an immense responsibility. I’m going to drop her. “You’re a natural,” Red says, once the baby’s safely in my arms. I roll my shoulders, letting the compliment ease my nerves. “What’s her name?” I ask, not removing my gaze from her sweet face.
A silence passes and I glance up at Red and Cameron smiling at each other. “Christine Carmen Badson.”
“No, shit?” My cheeks hurt from my smile, and tears completely fog my vision.
“Shit,” Cameron replies.
I give a content sigh, still in disbelief at the angelic bundle in my arms. “Well, I hope for your two’s sake she’s less of an ass than her name suggests.”
Red slaps my arm. “Hey! Her first name is my middle name.”
I eye my brother. “Good luck, man.”
Red laughs at that even as she mutters profanities under her breath.
I’d been so distracted that I completely forgot about my mate I left stranded in the hallway. “Come on in,” Cameron says, and I turn to catch Brick hovering in the open doorway.
He enters, his head bowed. “Congratulations,” he whispers, coming up from behind me and placing his hands on my shoulders.
“Isn’t she beautiful?” I ask, staring up at him.
“So beautiful.” He smiles down at her, a reverence and awe shining in his irises. Seeing him look at little Christine stirs something in me. Damn it.
