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He’s a shifter, Paige corrected me, like I didn’t know that better than she ever could. And you’re the one who called him Captain America.
Because of his looks! I said, exasperated. Not because he’s some hero who’s going to save the day.
You don’t know that, Paige protested, snagging one of the comics off the nightstand we shared. Why do you read these if you don’t believe? At least a little bit? Her face pleaded with me to agree, but I only shook my head.
They were Dad’s, I answered, taking the comic book back and setting it gently on the stack. She scrutinized me, seeing everything I didn’t want her to see. You need to stop talking to Caleb, I warned her. It’s too dangerous.
If she kills him, you’re not going to be okay, Paige stated and my chest tightened painfully. See? Just saying it pains you.
It’s just the stupid mating thing, I argued, dismissing her words. I tapped the bite mark on my lip. Heal it and I’ll be fine.
I don’t think it works that way, Paige disagreed, staring at me sadly.
We won’t know until you try.
She reached over, placing her finger against my lip, but the familiar warmth never came. I glanced at her, but she shrugged helplessly. It’s not a wound I can heal, she answered, her mouth pinching worriedly. Why didn’t Caleb escape when he had the chance?
He wouldn’t leave without me, I grumbled, trying to hide the tiny spurt of pleasure that thought brought me. I’d spent years being the strong one, relying on no one because there had never been anyone, and now he’d shown up and was refusing to leave, and I was the reason.
And why didn’t you go with him? Paige prodded and I gave her a cross look.
I’m not leaving you, I stated, shaking my head adamantly. You know this.
Paige’s eyes darkened as she frowned. I’m not a child anymore. I can take care of myself.
I know you can. There was no mistaking her surprise at my agreement. But leaving you at her mercy isn’t an option. My expression tightened. I can’t do it. I’d spent too many years acting as a buffer between Paige and Gran, and the idea of leaving my little sister defenseless was abhorrent to me.
I’m not completely defenseless, Paige retorted and I blinked, not realizing I’d pushed that thought to her. I’m as powerful as Gran.
That startled a laugh out of me. The fact that you think so is enough reason for me to stay. A hurt expression crossed her face, sobering me. You’re strong, but in a different way, Paige. I clasped her hand, grateful when she didn’t jerk away. You heal, and it is a powerful gift, but never underestimate Gran.
I don’t, she snapped, standing up, and my hands dropped away from hers. You are the one who underestimates her.
I sat back, surprised by her outburst. I know exactly how powerful she is, I contended and some of the steam left Paige as she dropped back on the bed, shaking her head.
I’m not talking about power, she answered tiredly.
Then what are we talking about? I asked in confusion.
Intention, Paige replied, one shoulder lifting then dropping. Her casual demeanor belied her next words. She intends to rip the wolf right out of your body and if you think I can fix that, then you overestimate my ability.
I lowered my head, my amber eye twitching at Paige’s interpretation of the situation. I started to shake my head and the weight of her sigh ruffled my hair.
I’m not stupid, Dru.
She’s never succeeded, I protested weakly, not needing to see her irritated expression to know exactly how ridiculous my argument was.
Not for lack of trying, Paige countered waspishly. She can’t see past her anger and you can’t see past your guilt. My head snapped up and she bit her lip. I shouldn’t have said that.
Why? You’re right, I admitted thickly. If our parents were alive, everything would be different.
We can’t know that, Paige reminded me. It might have been worse. I gave her a cynical stare. Okay, it probably wouldn’t have been worse, but we can’t think about that. All we have is the here and now.
And right now, it’s my job to protect you, I declared, standing abruptly. You deserve a life.
Paige’s smile was brittle. And you don’t? She waved her arm around the room we’d shared our entire life, the rough log walls barely adequate in the cold winters. There is no life to be had here, she said, saying what we both knew but rarely acknowledged. No future. No love. No job. Nothing. This place is dying.
Her words unleashed a torrent of emotions, the strongest being bitter regret. Are you okay? Caleb’s voice caught me off guard and I sat down as waves of cold and hot flashed through my body at the unexpected concern he expressed for my wellbeing. His arrival had taken me by surprise. I’d never expected to meet anyone like him, to care about anyone besides my sister, or to want to feel responsible for another person, and then he’d shown up.
