And it wasn’t just Kit who came. It was both packs and all my friends.
I spent years thinking I had no value, but I had forgotten the whole time that there’s a place I always belonged.
By the time we get to the estate, the sun is sinking behind the horizon, and the wind is sweeping down from the peaks, carrying an icy chill. When we get inside, Susan has the fire in the study blazing and couches laid out with pillows and blankets.
While Cade and Galen get Kit comfortable, Susan and the other girls make me lie down so they can have a look at me. The pack healer, Skylar, has been waiting for us, and she gives me a quick examination before going to tend to Kit.
Meanwhile, Joe starts bringing in plates of sandwiches, fried chicken, and ribs. All the pack members gather around the fire, sharing food, laughter, and nips of black-label brandy.
After a couple of hours, once the other men have recovered, Susan chases everyone out. Kit has begun to heal, but is still in a lot of pain. Skylar orders us both to rest, and I promise her I’ll keep Kit in bed and relaxing.
“I don’t know about that,” Kit remarks, pulling me under the blanket with him. “If you’re keeping me in bed, it won’t be restful.”
“Hmm, I don’t know,” I dither. “I’m still pretty dizzy from the head wound, so I doubt it.”
“Really?” he asks, concerned. “Are you sure you’re okay? We can get Skylar back—”
“I’m okay,” I reassure him. “I trust Susan to look after us both, but I am really feeling better. I just need to sleep.”
“Me too,” Kit says, sighing. “I can’t believe so much has happened today, and we’re right back where we started this morning.”
“Almost,” I say, chuckling. “We’re not on the floor.”
“And there’s a full basket of wood,” Kit says. “I made Joe get extra. Don’t go walking around by yourself, please. For any reason.”
“Okay,” I reply, giggling. “I’ll drag you to the bathroom every time I have to go.”
Kit leans down and kisses me, but it’s a feather-light, gentle touch of the lips. I realize that his eyes are closing, and his head is sinking into the pillow. He literally can’t stay awake, so I wrap myself around him and let dreams claim us both.
Over the next couple of days, both of us recover, but slowly. Kit worries that he’s missing the planning for the festival, but the others assure him they have it all under control and he shouldn’t worry.
On the third day, we’re sitting out on the dock, watching the lake, when Kit gets a message from Cass.
I just want you to know that Loretta got involved with the festival planning. There was nothing we could do to stop her. See you soon, guys.
“Oh no,” Kit mutters. “She’s taken this opportunity to get control of the pack. She’ll undo all our good work. The people in the West End won’t get to come.”
“It’s okay,” I say. “We can make it better next year, and there’s a lot we can do in the meantime.”
“That’s true,” Kit acknowledges. “I just feel bad, you know? We promised the whole town they could come.”
“We’ll do something else,” I reassure him. “All I have to do is live through the formal dinner.”
“Well, you survived your father,” Kit reminds me with a grin. “How hard could it be to endure a formal dinner with Loretta and her social rivals?”
We both look at each other and laugh. I try to give him a teasing poke in the ribs, but he winces and doubles over.
“Shit!” I cry. “I’m so sorry.”
“It’s okay,” he says. “They’re almost fully healed up. Don’t worry about it.”
“But I do worry about it.”
Kit hugs me close, stroking my hair. “Don’t be scared. Not ever,” he says. “I’ve got you, and I’ll never let you go.”
“I am scared,” I admit, sighing. “I’m scared I’ve got nothing to wear to the festival.”
“Didn’t you bring all your new clothes? Don’t you have something in there?”
