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“A deal’s a deal. You want her back, you can pack your shit up and leave. She’s mine until I’m bored.”
“No wonder you don’t have a pack.”
“You’re still here out of the goodness of my heart, so I suggest you keep the insults to yourself. A wolf I may be, but I don’t have time for packs. I can’t abide by them. You carry a wretched stink.”
He lied. This pack didn’t smell like any of the others.
It was strange; other than Henry, all other wolves had smelled the same. At times acrid to his sense, but also like something was missing. When he was younger, he’d searched for a home, only to not be able to find it. No one but Henry had been able to match him. Christopher and his pack, they had no vile stench coming from them. They smelled free and wild. They were pure.
He didn’t know why he thought that, but he did.
Henry followed close behind him as he left the town hall and went straight to the nursery.
Rather than barge in, he opened the door quietly.
He entered the room with Henry at his back to watch Holly as she was surrounded by children. In her arms was a baby. He wondered if that was the son she’d told him about.
Another girl pulled at her arm, demanding a hug.
Natalie took the baby from her, and Holly picked the girl up.
He was so mesmerized by her. She loved those children, and they adored her. From the moment he saw her, he’d known she was special. Her loving nature shone through.
Someone pulled on his pants leg, and he saw it was a little boy. He crouched down to get to eye level with him.
“What’s the matter, little guy?” he asked.
“Are you the big, nasty wolf that is hurting Holly?”
“No. Holly and I are good friends.”
“She’s everyone’s friend.” He glanced back toward Holly.
“I’ll take care of her.”
“Please. She’s really nice. We all love her.”
He got the feeling everyone did. Holly glanced at him with a smile. She held her hand up for five more minutes. He didn’t want to share her for another second, but seeing the kids around her as well as her overall love, he couldn’t bring himself to tear her away from them.
Chapter Six
The following day, Holly slammed her hand on the door, stopping her father and Damon from leaving. “No!”
“Do you think you’re in a position to tell me what to do?”
“You’re not going. You’re not going to put my father or yourself at risk.”
“Do you care about me now?”
“It’s suicide.”
“We’re going to be careful.”
“You have no reason to go back. There is nothing good that can come from seeing … that. Are you just doing it to make my father miserable?” The accusation was out of her mouth before she could stop it. The moment she spoke it, she felt ashamed.
“I have no reason to make your family miserable, Holly. If you actually thought clearly rather than emotionally, you’d understand how important this is.”
Holly got it, which was why he was so annoying for being right. “It’s dangerous. I’m coming with you.”
Damon grabbed her arm. “No.”
“If something was to happen to the two of you, I wouldn’t forgive myself. I’m not letting either of you go. You’re going to need someone there.”
“We’re going to check it out. We’re not staying long. I want to see the damage, smell the area, and leave. That’s all.”
She shook her head. “No.”
“I will take care of your dad.”
“Who will take care of you?”
He fell silent, and she slowly lifted her head to look at him, expecting to see a smirk. Instead, he looked confused. His brow was puckered as if deep in thought.
“Do you care?”
“Yes,” she said. “Don’t ask me why. That I have no answer for, but the last thing I want is for either of you to end up dead.” She looked past his shoulder, and he cupped her cheek.
“I know what I’m doing. I’m not going to die.”
“Then take me with you. You’ve got nothing to lose here.” She covered her hand with his. “Please. I’m a good tracker.”
If they didn’t take her, she’d only follow them.
Damon sighed. “Fine. You will do as you’re told.”
“It’s all you do, tell.” She was in jeans and a shirt with a pair of boots. Ready to go hiking at a moment’s notice.
After she followed Damon out to the car, her father climbed out and shook his head. “Not happening. You go back inside.”
“No. I’m a grown woman.”
“I’m your alpha.”
“And I’m your daughter. I’m not going to let anything happen to you. I’m sticking around, and that is final.” She climbed into the back of the car.
Her father and Damon were up front, and Henry lingered outside the car.
“I’ll call you when we’re on our way back. Go into town. I don’t want you to be alone. Help out where you can. Let them know where we are.”
