"I was scared of going back, but when I heard the fear in your voice, when you begged me to come get you, my Alpha instincts snapped to attention so fast, I wasn't thinking clearly. I didn't even realize it was a trap. I just knew I needed to get to you. To save you, because you needed me."
"You don't hate me?" I whispered, and River shook his head.
"I was angry. I saw the blood on Xan and it terrified me that I could lose him and our son because of your misguided jealousy.I said things I shouldn't have. I regret them, but they can't be unsaid. All I can do is move forward."
"Right. Forward." I touched my tummy, where the little one was kicking joyfully. "I'm glad you're okay."
"Me too," he agreed. "Kind of want to stick around and be the cool uncle for your little girl, you know?"
I grinned. "The cool uncle? More like the only uncle."
"Means I'll be extra cool." With a soft groan, River lay back in bed. "Tired. Sorry."
"It's okay. I just…wanted to clear the air between us, I guess." I took a few steps toward the door. "I'll see you around?"
"Yeah," my brother agreed. I'd just reached the doorway when he called, Sky?" I turned back to him to see the boyish, lopsided smile he used to wear when we were teens, the one he always saved just for me. “I love you, bro.”
My chest tightened, then flooded with warmth. I swallowed emotion and choked out, "Love you too, River," and then fled the room before he could see me break down.
I slipped into the bathroom to compose myself, then returned to the living room, where my mates were talking with Gracie. I hesitated in the doorway, but she ushered me in.
"Ah, Sky. I take it things went well with your brother?"
"Yes," I murmured.
"Good. I have an apology of my own, if you'll have it.” She looked a little rueful. “I’m sorry for how I've acted towards you and River both, since the very first day. I was distrustful and worried for my family and my pack’s safety. But I shouldn’t have ostracized you, and that's my cross to bear. Harming Xan and Canyon? I had a right to be upset, but again, I went too far. No one deserves to be taken to the middle of nowhere and dumped on the side of the road like a stray, and I'm sorry."
I nodded slowly. "I deserved it."
"No, you didn't," she said. "You were struggling with your mental health, and I should've been more accepting.”
She sighed and ran a hand through her hair. "I'm determined to atone for my sins, however. As of next month, Rubydawn will welcome four new members into the pack—two different pairs of Alpha-Omega twins rescued from the facility. I want to give them a safe harbor, since finding mates has settled both your and River's chaotic energies. I'm hoping the same will happen for them, but time will tell."
"Damn,"Adam murmured. "I'm impressed."
"Are you sure?" Fletcher asked, but Gracie nodded firmly.
"Kace was the one who suggested it, actually, and since he wasn't wrong about River and Sky…” She smiled. "Nothing will undo the trauma that that man has caused, but perhaps, in time, the pain will lessen and their lives will become brighter."
I touched my stomach, then walked over to where Adam and Fletcher sat. Reaching out to them, I took their hands in each of mine. "It was a long journey, but I think my future is gonna be a bright one."
"I'm glad to hear that, Sky," Gracie said.
"Me too," I agreed, and I'd never meant something more in my entire life.
61
SKY
It was coming.
It was coming and there was nothing I could do to stop it. My memories of being strapped to a table, screaming through the agony alone, wrapped tendrils of fear around my heart like barbed wire.
“ADAM!” I wailed, panic choking me despite the fact that my Alpha was right there on the bed beside me, stroking my sweaty hair and peppering kisses atop my head. “I can’t do this! I CAN’T!”
“Yes, you can, Sky,” Adam assured me in that soft, steady Alpha tone. “We’re here, baby. We’re right here.”
Fletcher squeezed my hand, encouraging me. “You’re doing amazing, baby,” he breathed, his mossy eyes shiny with tears. “Just breathe. Breathe.”
