Chapter 19
594words
I lie still, savoring the sense of belonging. The pack bond hums faintly—warm and reassuring, unlike Marcus's intrusive connection.
A knock at my door breaks the peaceful moment. "Decent?" Thea calls.
"Barely," I answer, sitting up and running a hand through my tangled hair. "Come in."
She enters with her usual energy, carrying two steaming mugs. "Thought you might need this. You were out late."
"Thanks." I accept the coffee gratefully. "What time is it?"
"Almost noon. Most of the pack is still sleeping it off." She settles on the edge of my bed. "So. Your first pack run."
"It was..." I search for the right word. "Perfect."
"Looked like it." Her eyes sparkle with mischief. "Especially the part where you and Kieran disappeared into the woods alone."
Heat rushes to my face. "We didn't 'disappear.' He was showing me the territory."
"Uh-huh." She sips her coffee, not bothering to hide her grin. "And the private moment under the moonlight after the shift back?"
"You were watching us?"
"Half the pack was watching you two." She laughs at my mortified expression. "Relax. It's a good thing. They're starting to see you as part of us."
I groan, burying my face in my hands. "There's nothing to see. We just talked."
"While naked."
"We had robes!" I protest, then catch her teasing expression. "You're enjoying this way too much."
"Can you blame me?" She nudges my leg. "My sister and my alpha, making moon eyes at each other? It's the best gossip we've had in months."
"We were not making moon eyes." I take a long sip of coffee to hide my blush. "And there's nothing between us."
"Right." Thea's voice drips with skepticism. "That's why he chose you as his running partner before you even asked. That's why he growls whenever another male wolf gets too close to you. That's why he looks at you like—"
"Like what?" I interrupt, unable to help myself.
Her expression softens. "Like you're the answer to a question he's been afraid to ask."
I look away, uncomfortable with how much I want her words to be true. "You're imagining things."
"Am I?" She sets down her mug. "I've known Kieran for two years, Selene. I've never seen him act this way with anyone."
"He's just being kind," I insist. "You should know better than anyone—he's like that with everyone who needs help."
Thea shakes her head. "Not like this. Not even close."
Before I can argue further, another knock sounds at the door. Nora pokes her head in.
"Sorry to interrupt," she says, "but Kieran's asking for you, Selene. In his study."
My heart skips traitorously. "Did he say why?"
"Something about the joining ceremony." Nora smiles. "Since you've decided to stay."
After she leaves, Thea gives me a pointed look. "Just being kind, huh?"
"Shut up," I mutter, climbing out of bed. "It's pack business."
"Keep telling yourself that." She heads for the door, pausing with her hand on the knob. "For what it's worth, I think you'd be good for him. He carries too much alone."
Her words follow me as I dress and make my way to Kieran's study. The house is quieter than usual, many wolves still resting after the full moon.
Those I pass nod or smile in greeting, a marked change from the wary looks I received when I first arrived.
I knock on Kieran's study door, suddenly nervous.
"Come in," his voice calls.
