Vaughn looked good, if a little tired. He ran a hand through his hair as he approached the house, then she couldn’t see him for a moment until he came through the door. He stopped when he saw Michael standing over her.
“Everything okay?” Vaughn asked.
“Autumn went into labor and Tulip woke up alone. There was an incident at the garage when she became frightened and rushed across the street,” Michael said.
Vaughn growled softly. “What kind of incident?”
“Hunter slammed her to the floor thinking she was a threat.”
Before Tulip could blink, Vaughn was out the door, his boots thudding against the ground as he ran. She struggled to stand and grabbed onto Michael to pull herself up. They maneuvered to the front door and she gasped when she saw Vaughn hit the wolf.
“You have to stop him,” Tulip said.
“Interesting.” Michael watched for another moment before letting out a sharp whistle. The fighting came to a stop and Vaughn stormed back across the street. He gently reached for Tulip’s chin, despite the anger rolling off him in waves, and lifted her face.
“Did he hurt you?” Vaughn asked.
“Just some bruises.”
“Right,” Michael said. “So, I’m going back to work. Vaughn, are you going to stay with her? She’s too weak to take care of herself.”
“I’ll take her to my place. The alpha will be busy when he comes home, taking care of Autumn and a newborn. Let him know that Tulip is protected whenever you talk to him. I’ll call Connor to find out what we should do about the dark fae, in case they come for her.”
Michael smiled and headed back across the street. Tulip didn’t know what to make of him, or his amusement at Vaughn’s reaction. Shouldn’t he have been angry that they were fighting because of her? When Michael left, Vaughn helped Tulip over to the couch, then went upstairs. He returned a moment later the plastic bags full of her new things.
“I’m really going home with you?” she asked. “You trust me in your house?”
He sighed and knelt at her feet, reaching for her hand. “I’m sorry how I reacted last night, and I’m damn sorry for hurting you. I was furious with myself when I saw the bruises on your arms.”
“You’re the one who dressed me for bed?”
He nodded. “I won’t let anyone else hurt you. When I call the other alpha, I’m going to see if his mate will come and heal you. And if she won’t help, we’ll just call on the cranky sorcerer.”
“Once I’ve rested and eaten enough, I’ll be able to heal myself. Teleporting to the bar last night, and then illuminating the road, burned out the last of my magick.”
“Then let’s get you home and fed. Have you eaten anything today?”
She shook her head.
“I’ll come back for you in a minute.” Vaughn grabbed the sacks again and carried them out to the truck. He came back a minute later and lifted Tulip into his arms, pausing only long enough to shut the door.
She was curious about his home. She watched the passing houses as he drove, noting how unique they each were. The truck pulled into a driveway a few blocks away and she looked up at a smaller version of the alpha’s house. The green paint and white trim made it look pleasant and welcoming. Tulip looked around the yard at the different trees and plants and couldn’t wait to breathe them in.
Vaughn came around to her side and lifted her out of the truck. She turned her face toward the sun and opened her senses. She could feel the plants growing and hear the buzzing of nearby bees. He carried her up the steps and pushed open the door. A loud screeching sound made her cling to him tighter. There was a panel on the wall with brightly lit buttons and he pushed several, making the noise go silent. Vaughn pushed the door shut with his booted foot and carried her into the living room.
His furniture was different from the alpha’s and she was intrigued by her surroundings. The walls were a soft gray and the honey colored hardwood floors gleamed. The furniture was charcoal colored leather and soft against her skin as he eased her down on to the couch. He stepped back outside and returned with her sacks in his hands.
“I don’t have as many bedrooms as Gabriel and Autumn, but there’s a guestroom upstairs. Or I could let you have the Master bedroom since it’s downstairs. I’m not sure you should be going up and down the stairs by yourself.”
“I don’t want to kick you out of your bed.”
“It’s fine. I’ll just put your stuff in there. I have an empty drawer in the dresser and some space in the closet. Give me a minute and I’ll make something for us to eat.”
“How is it you’re home?” she asked. “Don’t you work? Most humans work.”
“Not human. And I took some personal days, so I’m off until Monday. You timed your visit just right since the load at work is a little light right now.”
“You took off because of me?” she asked.
