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“Do you know who I am?” I asked him curiously and he shook his head. “I’m Jess and you’re staying in my old room.” I held his hand tightly as we slowly made our way down the stairs. “I’m friend’s with your uncle,” I paused, uncertain if he knew about Dom. “Dominic?”
He glanced up at me and then nodded and I smiled. “He’s a secret,” he confided, his voice barely a whisper. He put his finger to his lips and I forced a smile as I wondered how many secrets he kept.
“Well, he doesn’t have to be a secret anymore,” I told him firmly. “Your mom is really brave and she wanted you to know him.”
“That’s why we ran away from Daddy,” he replied solemnly and I flinched at the acceptance on his young face.
“You’re a brave boy. Just like your mom and your Uncle Dom,” I said, not knowing what else to say. We walked down the breezeway, stopping when the office door opened suddenly. Hank Navarre walked out, pausing when he saw me.
“Jess,” he rumbled, his enormous size rivaling that of his son, but his voice was deeper, almost gravelly. “It’s good to see you.”
“You too, sir,” I answered automatically, inexplicably nervous around the man. I could blame his size but it was more the air of command he maintained. I could see why the Pack would want him as alpha. I couldn’t imagine any wolf having the nerve to challenge him.
“And who is this little guy?” He asked, keeping his voice low as Nicky ducked behind my leg. I knew the moment Hank realized his identity because he sucked in a sharp breath.
“This is Nicky,” I replied, my hand running over the dark brown locks falling in his face. “He’s a guest at the motel.” I nudged him lightly and he stepped out from behind my leg. “Nicky, this is Hank Navarre.”
Nicky looked up, and I watched as his head tilted back so he could take in the impressive height of his grandfather. “Are you a giant?” He asked, his voice polite, but his fingers clung nervously to my pant leg.
Laughter boomed from Hank as he kneeled down. “Some might say so, but if I am, then you will be too, little Nicky.” He reached out one hand to Nicky. “It’s nice to meet you, finally.” Nicky stretched his hand toward Hank’s, glancing at me and I nodded. Hank shook it gently as I watched, catching sight of my Dad standing in the door of the office. “You’re a mighty fine boy, Nicky Navarre.”
“My last name is Hanley,” he replied quickly, glancing over his shoulder carefully.
“No, it’s Navarre,” Hank corrected, easing back to his full height. “And you’ll never need to be afraid again. You have a pack now. One that will protect you,” he promised, his eyes gleaming. He glanced at me and gave a quick nod. “I have to go. Keep him safe for me.”
“Always,” I answered, my hand still on Nicky as we watched Hank cross to the forest. It was rare anyone arrived by vehicle, most preferring to take the shortcut though the woods to the Pack houses.
“Who is he?” Nicky tugged at my shirt and I glanced down at him.
“Your grandfather,” I replied, crossing my fingers Sam didn’t beat me for telling him.
“Will I be as big as him one day?”
“Bigger,” I replied, making my eyes wide as his mouth dropped open. “Hey, Dad.”
“Hey, Bunny. I see you found a new friend.”
“Yep, Sam needed a shower. Figured we’d take a walk.” I gestured to my Dad. “Nicky, this is my Dad.”
Nicky giggled, glancing at me. “Why does he call you Bunny? You’re not a bunny.”
“That’s a good question,” I replied, pursing my lips at my Dad. “Maybe one day I’ll tell you. For now, let’s go see what we can find in the field.”
I led him to the small grassy area separating the motel from the forest, knowing there was a wolf or two patrolling the area. They’d be impossible to spot unless they wanted to be seen but I took comfort knowing they were there. The dense tree line didn’t seem as threatening as it once had when I didn’t know what the nightly howling represented. The Pack had been protecting me from the first moment Dominic had set eyes on me and I knew they were determined to continue protecting us.
“I’m going to be a wolf one day,” Nicky mentioned idly, his fingers sinking into the earth as he got down on his hands and knees. “I’ll be big and strong and no one will be able to hurt us.”
“You will. You’ll be the defender of your Pack one day,” I replied, propping my chin on my knees as I watched him pretend to be a wolf. I turned my head slightly, feeling eyes on us, and watched as Trent melted back into the woods, as silent in human form as he was as a wolf.
