Page 44 of Red

“Okay,” she says, and I give her the smallest half-smile and leave. I don’t need her changing her mind on me.

I join Jocko and Kiya at the table, along with a few others, for dinner. Lirea headed into town with Nikki to do a supply run. Jocko is walking better and joining the rotation tonight.

I eat quick and go back to the med room. The nerves clash with the magic energy inside me, and my arms burn. My pulse slows before opening the cupboard. The black fob sits alone. I pocket it, and the cabinet snaps closed.

It’s time for another shower. With the full moon in two more nights, everything is going haywire. Twenty-seven days have passed since I got to see my ruby fur—an excruciating record. I have yet to figure out the rest of my plan. I got the map, bag, and ride. I still need to figure out how to leave. The full moon means everyone will be out of the house, but it’s still a risk. Last time, Stark stayed.

The days creep by, and I sink against the icy wet stone walls. I hope for another book from Stark to occupy my brain, but nothing comes. He has only stopped in once to thank me again for helping with the healing. Tonight, I have to act. If he’s gone, things at the border aren’t better. I’ve heard the talk in the house, and many are getting nervous to go on their shifts as injuries grow in frequency.

By dinner, I have everything tucked under the curtain by the window. It’s all about timing. The house is extra busy for dinner, and the mood in the room has shifted. Smiles fill most everyone’s faces.

“You joining us this time?” Hudry asks.

“No, you guys have fun.” I smile back at him.

Jocko leans in my direction. “You have the inside man. He mention anything about fixing the house yet? Sometimes it’s so hot in here.” He fans his face.

I drain a glass of water before answering. “Uh, no. I know he’ll figure it out though.” I thought it wasn’t so noticeable in the main room. The med room is a different story, as the space is too confined. Faira brought a small fan in yesterday.

A few head out to Lake Fawnett right away, while others gather in groups around the main space, chatting. I head off to get ready, slipping into a pair of black leggings.

The door swings open as I stick my head into a black sweater.

“You look better in red.”

I try to hold off from smiling as I pull my face through the hole. “Did I ask you for your opinion?”

Stark skips over my question and steps closer to me. “You can’t go melting snow tonight.”

I give him my best shut-your-mouth glare. He’s been good on his promise but there are still lots of ears around. “You going to break another door?” I need him gone.

“I won’t be here. The younger members won’t have enough control, and I can’t risk them running into humans tonight. They’re heading off to the lake like normal. Jocko, Mitus, and I are continuing watch.”

“Oh,” I say. Perfect.

“Red, I mean it. Stay in this room. Even if everyone’s got used to you over the past few weeks, it’s not enough when they can’t control themselves. You could get hurt.”

I move toward the door, hoping he’ll take the hint and leave. He comes close—too close—and I take a step back next to the handle, keeping my eyes down on his chest. Tingles skate the side of my face as he lifts my chin up. My heart pounds and the heat in the room changes with me.

Stark lowers his head and his breath hits my lips. “Look at me, Red.”

I’m obligated to do so by his tone. Those eyes stare into mine. I go to move back further, but my heels hit the door, and I fail to keep an even breath. His eyes are dreamy—blue like snow reflecting off clear ice on a lake—and his body . . . I can picture every line, even with his shirt on. Muscles stretch down his arms to his back where that tattoo lies. If I rose up half an inch, our lips would meet.

I gulp. This is wrong. He has a mate.

I push him back, but his body doesn’t react.

He’s an Alpha in control, as he speaks again. “You better listen to me.”

I lift my shoulders against the door.

“I have no desire to kill more werewolves.”

“What?” I gasp. There’s no sarcasm in his face.

He lifts up my open jaw, letting his finger trace back toward my ear, tucking loose strands of hair behind it. “You think I let those two who hunted you in my home live?” The silkiness of his voices circles me.

Of course I did.