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“Yes, I suppose that’s true.”
“I don’t know what happened to you a year ago,” My stomach lurched, a part of me wanting to look away, but his gaze held mine steady. “But whatever it was, you’re still healing from it. Maybe that’s what your wolf is doing, too? Healing from what happened. And when it’s ready, when it’s healed, it will come back to you.”
My breath hitched at his words, the truth in them bringing me a sense of clarity that I had been missing for so long.
“You are strong, Kasha, you are a survivor—that I can tell.” Awe lit up Nolan’s features. “You are a fighter and a leader and I am honored that you are my Beta.”
His words took my breath away. I had been so worried that he would judge me, I had never realized that he was the only person who didn’t know me before. He only knew this Kasha, this moment, and yet he still saw me as strong—and I had been so cruel to him for weeks. I didn’t know if there was anything I could do to make amends for my treatment, but I was going to try my hardest to find a way.
“Thank you,” I whispered, biting my lip. “I don’t deserve your kindness after everything.”
“You do. After what I witnessed with the High Faction, you deserve so much more than just my kindness, but it’s all I can offer right now.”
“Thank you all the same,” I said. “I wish there was something I could do to prove just how thankful I am that you made me feel safe trusting you right now.”
“Just don’t hate me for what I’m about to do.”
He leaned forward, my breath catching, wondering if he was going to kiss me again, contemplating if I would let him or not. But instead, he wrapped his arms around me, pulling me to the edge of my seat. His legs sat on either side of mine, my cheek pressed lightly into his chest, one of his hands gently stroking my hair. He smelled of warmth and comfort and bright summer days. He was safety, a place I hadn’t found myself in for a long time.
“Thank you,” he whispered against the top of my head.
“For what?” I mumbled into his shirt.
“For giving me your trust, or at least a part of it.” He rubbed his cheek gently against my hair. “I promise to cherish it.”
I choked back a sob. I had no idea what was happening in this moment; all I knew was that something was shifting between us, and only time would tell what direction we were now heading in.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Somehow, it was easier to breathe walking around the Compoundthe next morning.
My bag was still slung over my shoulder when I walked from the tiny kitchen to my office, a steaming cup of coffee clutched in my hand. Yet, as I was about to turn inside, I hesitated, my ears perking up at the oddest noise coming from down the hall. It was almost like…a snore? I walked toward it, the slight wheezing growing louder as I approached the slightly-ajar conference room. I pushed it open, peeking in, and tried not to laugh at the sight I caught.
Nolan. Lying across the conference table, one arm slung off the side and his mouth slightly opened, sleeping as if in his own bed.
I could just shut the door and let him sleep; it was obvious by the case file lying on his chest that he’d been working all night. However, that would’ve been just too easy. So instead, I walked forward, staring down at his peaceful face for one more moment before giving a swift kick to one of the table legs, the whole thing moving half an inch at the impact.
He jolted upright as if being attacked, eyes darting around the room before settling on me, wide and frantic. “What’s going on?”
“You know, even I’ve never found myself so tired that this table looked comfortable, and I work late nights and don’t live here anymore.” I dropped my bag in one of the chairs. “What are you doing? Your cozy bed is only steps away from here.”
He sat all the way up with a groan, bending his knees and wiping his hands up and down his face a few times. “I didn’t even realize I fell asleep. With the High Faction’s visit, I got behind on reviewing the autopsy report from Elliot’s most recent victim.”
“Looks like you could use some coffee.” I smirked at him over the rim of my mug before taking a long, drawn-out sip.
“Rude.” He grumbled, a glint of amusement in his eyes. He shoved off the table, walking down the hall toward the kitchen. I didn’t follow, as there was no need when you could talk telepathically. “I don’t like that I fell behind.”
“He’s a serial killer who’s been on the loose for ten years,”I said to him, shuffling coming from the kitchen. “You have to give yourself a break. Overworking yourself is not going to make catching him any easier.”
“When did you become so concerned for my health?”
“When I stopped resenting you.”I laughed, trying my best not to think about the kiss we’d shared only a few days ago.“I didn’t lie last night, you deserve to be the Alpha, even if I do want the post someday. The only way we can continue earning each other’s respect is by being open to it and working together.”
“Aw, you really do have a heart.” He walked back through the door, a full cup of coffee in hand, the scent of sweet cream wafting from it.
“Behind the guarded, sarcastic exterior, yes I do.” I rolled my eyes. “Did you even remember what the report said?” My eyes trailed him as he walked around the conference table to stand in front of investigation board.
“The last thing I remember was reading over the toxicology portion.” He picked up a piece of paper from the floor before perching on the edge of the table. “But no surprise the only thing found in her system was wolfsbane absorbed through skin contact.”
