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Her beautiful gray eyes glistened with unshed tears. “I put my hands on his neck and tried to slow the bleeding down. I was angry that I had let the vampire kill another supernatural. And then I worried that you would blame me for his death.”
“Anything else?”
“My hand felt really hot. Like blistering, but I refused to let go of Devon’s neck. I thought if I could slow the bleeding long enough, he could heel himself.”
“Devon believes that you heeled him.”
She swallowed but didn’t deny it. “It was the first time anything like that had ever happened. I didn’t understand it. Still don’t. But I’m grateful that he and Kelly are alive.”
I kissed her cheek. “Okay, love, don’t worry too much about this because it does not change anything. We will eventually figure it out.Together. You are mine to love and mine to protect. I will not give you up.” This past week, I have made progress. At night, she lounged with me and my pack. She trained every day with Devon. She smiled more, and I could tell she was letting down the highly constructed wall surrounding her heart. Not that I blamed her for it. After being passed from foster home to foster home, and then placed with Caroline, Ivy’s walls and hesitation were completely understandable. And pumas weren’t exactly known for their loving nature.
I still had so much to teach her about being a wolf. So, when we mated, Ivy would have no doubt about how I felt about her. She would feel my moods, and I hers. I hadn’t imparted any of that yet. I was letting her get settled in first. She needed to feel safe and happy before I added more stress.
She sighed. “I need to meet Devon…or Rage downstairs. I really hope it’s not Rage.”
I chuckled. “He means well and wants to help.”
“We will see.”
“Okay, love, go train. I’ll see you at the pack run tonight.”
Chapter 20
Ivy
Darkness gathered around the house and trees. Wolves congregated with excitement, and the air crackled with anticipation. Low talking and laughter eased my frayed nerves. My wolf couldn’t wait. The thought of running with a pack, even if they weren’t hers, had my wolf leaping for joy.
I weaved in and out of the crowd, trying to locate Luca. He said he would meet me here but never specified exactly where and at what time. Then, finally, I spotted Devon talking with a cute blonde. Even with his smile and easy demeanor, the blonde had him deep in conversation, using her hands to tell a story. I didn’t know how he knew I was there, but he glanced at me and winked, maybe reassuring me that I wasn’t alone, which was indeed appreciated.
I kept walking. There were more wolves than the ones I met at dinner. They smelled foreign and set me on edge. Maybe Luca had invited the local pack to run as well. That had to be it.
Someone snatched my arm, a young wolf with shaggy blond hair and an easy smile. “Hey, pretty lady, you must be new.” He sniffed long and slow before his eyes lit. A huge smile spread across his face. “How about after the run, you and I find us a nice grassy spot and….”
“Sorry, I’m busy.” I yanked my arm away and gave him a narrowed stare. The guy shrugged as to sayno problemand darted away, probably to find someone else.
It didn’t take a genius to know what he was suggesting. Looking around with new eyes, I inhaled deeply, something I should have done when first stepping into the clearing. That told me how comfortable and complacent I’d become with everyone here.
Lust and sex mingled with excitement. It looked like a singles meet and greet with smiles and small talk combined with the smell of desire and a promise of a one-night stand later. A few older couples held hands, probably mated already.
Where was Luca? I wove in and out of the wolves, trying to spot him.
I stopped in my tracks. The busty brunette—Violet—had latched onto Luca’s arm. Her skintight low-cut top barely covered her tits. She batted her eyes and laughed when appropriate. Frowning when needed before laughing again. Fake as shit and probably a little desperate, in my opinion. Anyone could tell they were very familiar with each other after cataloging their actions. Jealousy, white-hot and explosive, covered my vision and I needed to make a quick decision. Rip the bitch away from him and claim him as mine or walk away while giving Luca the two double middle fingers. For the first time, I wished my magic would rush to my defense and blast that slut wolf against a tree. Maybe even break her nose and let it heal crooked. That would be…satisfying. Luca proclaimed me his mate every damn day and this is how he acts? Well, fuck him!
Spinning around, I held my shoulders back and schooled my features as I stalked toward the opposite end of the gathering. The crowd parted. Even Axel caught my gaze. He must have seen the anger blazing in my eyes because his smile disappeared, and he straightened. Obvious concern had his own eyes narrowing. I’m not sure who for, me or the others here at the gathering? My gaze shifted from him and passed over Devon, Trace, and Rage. They wore the same expression as Axel.
Not for the first time, I noticed how the four of them seemed to be in sync with each other and Luca. I chalked it up to the mind-link wolf thing they had going on, and I didn’t like to think that they were discussing me now.
After a terse minute, the crowd quieted as Luca made his way to the front of the pack.
“Welcome everyone, and welcome Black Hills pack!” Cheers went up and Luca grinned. “Tonight, as the full moon rises, we give ourselves over to our wolves and connect with nature once again.” More cheers erupted but I wasn’t feeling it. Jealousy still burned hot and slow. Luca’s eyes slid to mine, and after one good look at my anger, his smile faltered. Good. At least now he knew that I was pissed. Beyond pissed! Even though I liked Luca, I didn’t need a fucking man. I was fine before I met him, and I didn't need any of this shit.
A little part of me wondered if maybe I was overreacting. My heart said yes and to give Luca a chance to explain. But the other part that I tried so damn hard to protect screamed for me to run like hell. I would love to pick up and leave. Maybe leave tonight while in wolf form. I needed to see Kelly, and the added break would be great. But my wolf would never let me run away. It wasn’t in her nature.
Training with Devon was somewhat enjoyable, but I was getting tired of doing what I was told. My magic wouldn’t manifest into a usable weapon, so there was no point.
Looking away, I noticed everyone getting undressed. I slowly peeled off my clothes, closed my eyes, and inhaled a slow deep breath. Lust, anticipation, trees, dirt, decaying leaves…my wolf leaped in excitement even though she remained irritable with Luca. I wasn't part of this pack, and I didn't need to run with them. But my wolf did. Half pissed and half excited, this should be an interesting night.
Holding my arms out, I tried to embrace calm. I thought of my beautiful, strange wolf and the tingling feeling overtook me. Bones contorted in a blink and my wolf stood in my stead. She pranced through the crowd of wolves and was pleased when they lowered their gaze. She basked in her dominance as she threw out her alpha vibes, telling every female that she welcomed the challenge. Watching the other wolves’ reactions sent a bolt of pride through me. I never realized how strong my wolf was.
