“Probably I took a decent blow to the head,” he says with a grimace. “It’s healed now.”
“Wow, you really heal that fast?”
“Yes, as long as there’s no wolfsbane or silver involved,” he nods.
“Ryder said Callen had been hit with wolfsbane Does that mean he’s not healing?” I ask, worry twisting in my gut.
“The healers are working on him. Once they get him stable, they’ll drain it from his system. Luckily, he has a twin that can donate a decent amount of blood,” he explains “We should go. The others are waiting”
I nod, grabbing my jacket and slipping on my shoes without even thinking. There will be time for questions later. There’s no time for fear, not yet. That part will come later. For now, I just have to move.
Parker leads me down the path, and I finally see them, the others he mentioned. Big, powerful wolves in human skin. I count three. One of them has a long scar across his jaw and a look in his eyes that says he’s seen too much.
He nods at me. “You must be Paige.”
I swallow, my voice shaky when I answer. “Yeah.”
“I’m Ronnie. It’s a pleasure to meet you. Although, I wish it was under better circumstances. We’ll keep you safe.”
I nod stiffly, not sure what to say. I know Ronnie is the guy that saved Callen and Ryder, the man they consider a father, but now doesn’t feel like the right time for a meet and greet with him.
The other two give me nods that seem more like bows, and then they move into formation around us as we walk towards the school. I’m not sure how to react to being protected by what feels like a walking army.
When the school comes into view, Ronnie and the two others jog ahead while Parker stays by my side.
“They’re checking the perimeter for any strange scents before Regina brings the kids out,” Parker explains, before I even get a chance to ask.
“Would the hunters target the school?” I ask, my pulse picking up its pace again.
“No, there are too many humans around. They might scout it and watch from a distance, though. If they’ve been anywhere near, we’ll know.”
The thought of Jaxon in their sights makes my stomach twist. Images flash through my mind of grabbing him and running far from here. Moving to a busy city where hunters wouldn’t dare strike. I could surround him with humans, drown him in noise and crowds.
But how long could I keep him safe that way?
Eventually, we’d be alone again. Eventually, his wolf would come, and he’d face it with no one to guide him. No pack that understands him. Just a frightened boy in a strange body, wandering the woods and praying no one saw what he had turned into
I can’t do that to him. He deserves more than fear and isolation. He deserves to belong, and he can only have that here, with the people that would put their lives on the line to protect him
“It’s all clear,” Parker says, snapping me out of my thoughts
I blink at him, still half caught in plans for Jaxon’s future “How do you know?”
He glances toward the woods, then back at me like the answer should be obvious.
“The guys didn’t pick up any scent. No broken branches, no fresh tracks Nothing to suggest anyone’s been near”
There’s something in his tone that makes me realise he thinks I’m doubting them.
“I’m not questioning their skills,” I say quickly, holding up a hand. “I just mean… how are you getting that information?”
Parker’s mouth curves into a faint smile, a little less guarded now. “Right. Sorry. I forgot this is all still new to you.” He taps the side of his head. “Mind link. Pack members can talk to each other telepathically”
I stare at him for a second, trying to wrap my head around it. “Like… you can hear them? In your head?”
He nods. “Clear as if they’re standing right next to me.”
I exhale slowly, imagining how that must work. “That’s… incredible. Kind of terrifying, but incredible.”
He chuckles. “You get used to it. Comes in handy, especially when things go sideways.”
I glance toward the tree line again. “So that’s how Ryder knew the second something went wrong.”
“Exactly.” Parker’s voice softens. “We’re never really alone out here.”
That thought is both comforting and overwhelming..
?
We reach the school gates and the front doors open. Regina pops her head out and locks eyes with
Parker. He gives her a nod, and she ushers out a small group of kids. Jaxon spots me first.
“Mummy!” he shouts, breaking free from the group and running toward me.
I crouch just in time to catch him in my arms. He smells like home. I hold him tight, breathing him in like I haven’t seen him in years.
“You’re okay.” I whisper, smoothing my hand over his dark hair.
His small hands pat my face. “Are you crying?”
“No, baby,” I lie, sniffling. “Just happy to see you.”
“Where’s my dad?” He asks, looking from Parker, to Ronnie and the other men.
“He’s busy, but you’ll see him soon,” I smile, standing and taking his hand in mine as Regina and the other kids approach
“Ready to move? Parker asks
Regina nods once and gathers the rest of the children like it’s a fire drill. The children are quiet and look worried. Do they know what happened?
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