Jackie stares in awe, and I want to punch something. Yes, my cousin has quite the reputation for himself, while Jackie’s stuck with the shifter mate who can’t control his temper. The contrast couldn’t be more stark—the perfect family man versus the rage monster.
“He shot my woman,” I say through gritted teeth, needing to justify my actions. “I threw him through the decks. I didn’t think my strength would send him all the way through.”
Tristian looks at Leah with a frown, and I can tell from the way he tenses that his bear is ready for war too. “Yes, I’d like to go after the bloodline myself,” he admits. “If there’s one monster, that means there’s more.”
A black cloud of smoke signals another arrival, and Kade appears in the center of the room. She’s drenched even worse than before—her uniform plastered to her body, her hair hanging in wet ropes around her face. Lake water drips from her clothes, pooling on the floor, and she smells like algae and smoke.
Her eyes find me immediately, narrowing with rage. “Oh look, the ship sinker is awake. How nice.”
Leah walks over to Kade and gently wipes some of the water from her face. Immediately, Kade’s anger seems to melt away, her expression softening as she gazes at her mate with naked adoration.
“Most of the humans on the ship can’t swim,” Kade says, her voice taking on a dreamy quality as she looks into Leah’s eyes. “I’ve been swimming and saving them, helping to make sure the women and children—and the worthless men—get onto the rescue boat.”
“That’s so honorable of you, honey,” Leah tells her, love shining in her eyes. “Stop getting so upset. We’ll get you another ship in six months, tops. Damon’s already looking into making a purchase for two this time.”
Kade tears her eyes away from Leah long enough to glare at Tristian. “This was your idea with a mutter,” she accuses.
Tristian merely shrugs. “And look what good came of it. His beautiful mate is here.”
Everyone turns to look at Jackie, who’s blushing again. Something possessive and primal stirs within me.
Kade sighs dramatically, water still dripping from her clothes. “I’d like to dry off now.”
“Okay,” Leah says softly, then turns to Tristian. “Make sure Jabari and Jackie get to Wintermoon, then help Damon with the rest of tonight’s shift and the rescues on the tourist island. The paying patrons will feel put out as we accommodate them, but we’ll work this out. Get them to the hotel.”
Tristian nods while Damon walks over to the cell and unlocks it, swinging the door open. I don’t waste a second—I’m out and rushing straight to Jackie, cupping her face in my hands. My head is still pounding mercilessly, but I need to check her arm for myself, to see where the bullet tore through her flesh.
“I’m alright,” she assures me, her eyes soft with concern—for me, not herself. “I feel almost a hundred percent.”
I press my forehead against hers, only to moan in pain as the contact sends fresh agony through my skull. The teleportation has done a number on me.
“You’ll need to take care of your bear for a few days,” Leah says. “Teleportation isn’t good for shifters, as you can see. But he’ll recover quickly. And the supplies I brought for you are already in your new home.”
Jackie grabs onto my shirt, and I move closer to her, breathing in her scent to ground myself. “I’m ready to take you home so I can take care of you,” I tell her, though I’m probably the one who looks like he needs taking care of right now.
Kade grabs a handful of her soaked hair and wrings it out onto the floor, creating yet another puddle. “Jabari needs a lot of water,” she instructs Jackie. “Make sure he drinks at least a couple of gallons. Even better if he can get more.”
She nods, taking the advice seriously, which warms something inside me.
Tristian puts his baseball cap back on his head. “Let’s get moving,” he says, all business now.
I grab Jackie’s hand and start pulling her out of the station as Tristian holds the door open for us. Jackie looks at him as she walks out, and he smiles at her. I roll my eyes, not caring if anyone notices.
The night air hits us as we step outside, cool and fresh despite being summer. She stops for a moment, her face tilting up to take in the sky. I watch her as she stares at the stars, her expression one of wonder. On Wintermoon, the stars seem closer somehow, brighter and more numerous without the light pollution of the city.
Tristian steps out of the station and starts leading the way through the tourist island. She walks beside me, her eyes flicking everywhere, taking in the structures and shops that line the main road.
My gaze catches on a small retail space that’s being built near the harbor—prime real estate with large display windows facing the main path where tourists would pass. I make a mental noteto ask Kade and Damon about it later. It looks like a perfect spot for my mate to set up shop, to pursue her dreams while still being close to me.
I want to give Jackie the world. But more than that, I want the privilege of standing beside her while she enjoys it.
14
JACKIE
Tristian’s big pickup truck rolls into what looks like a small cozy village. The stars above us are incredibly clear, far brighter than I’ve ever seen them back in Detroit. Several two-story cabins are scattered throughout the clearing, warm light spilling from their windows and illuminating the surrounding area.
Jabari squeezes my hand, and I glance up at him. His eyes study my face, and I know he can sense my nervousness. How could he not? My heart is pounding so hard I’m surprised it doesn’t echo through the entire truck.
