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Oh, Jesus. I’d fucked this up. Dylan didn’t need to join the rest of us in trying to live up to a ghost.
I stumbled to think of something to tell Dylan about who he was that wouldn’t feel like a trap, like something he might fail at any moment. In the end, I just reached over and ruffled his hair. “He would have been delighted by just who you are--even when you’re scared or naughty or even a little mean, because everyone is those things sometimes. You’re a good boy, and you’re going to grow up into a great man, like your dad. But in your own way.”
Dylan stood up. “I’m going to go find a band-aid.”
I had no idea if he’d even listened to a word I said.
I twisted to watch him as he ran into the house—through the open door, ducking past Amelia.
Her curvy figure was framed by the light from the door, and a gentle smile carved her lips. “That was nice.”
“I tried.” My heart leapt seeing her, even though I’d come out here to be alone. It was hard to ever be alone in the King pack.
She walked down the steps, then settled next to me, so close her arm brushed mine. Her scent was soft tonight, oranges mixed with vanilla, so teasing and fragrant that I wanted to bury my face in her throat and breathe her in.
I rested my elbows on my knees, knotting my hands.
“Are you all right?” she asked.
I nodded. “I’m fine. I just want to take care of you.”
“Oh, Cole.” She exhaled softly, resting her head on my shoulder. I froze, not wanting to move and ruin her pillow. “You’re a good protector. But didn’t you hear what you told Dylan? That’s not your value. Your worth is in just… being you.”
Those words made my muscles tighten in resistance, as if believing that were a threat. “You know, there’s a big difference between all the right things, that we know we’re supposed to tell kids, and what we really believe as adults.”
“Oh, I’m keenly aware.” She yawned, her head still on my shoulder. “I was thinking, maybe we could get Dylan his own bed? I think he would like that. I think maybe I’m… not too terrified anymore for that. Not if you’re here.”
“Yeah.” It didn’t mean anything, but my heart quickened anyway, imagining holding Amelia in her sleep and knowing she was safe. I’d sleep as a wolf outside her door tonight. Or maybe not… I could barely sleep at all since her sleepwalking.
I’d come out here because I’d wanted to be alone. I’d want to brood over my jealousy for Amelia. But now I knew I’d suffer whatever feelings I must to be close to Amelia and Dylan. To protect them.
They might not be mine, but I was theirs.
CHAPTER38
Amelia
After I’d readDylan two books and found a box of band-aids that he fell asleep clutching, I kissed his round little cheek and left the bed. Cole would make sure he was safe until I came back. In fact, when I opened the door, the wolf padded in and settled down at the foot of the bed. He gave me a look as if to say he’d make sure I stayed in bed now.
“Later,” I promised, knowing my son was safe as could be. “I’ll go to bed. I just need to talk to… our alpha.”
Those two words felt odd on my tongue. Butalphadidn’t have to be a word that conjured fear.
I went down the hall to Stone’s room. I knocked softly, though it felt pointless; I could practically feel Karissa listening down the hall.
Stone swung the door open. His face was resolute, as if he expected an argument. When he saw me, his eyes softened, then hardened again as if he knew he was indeed going to get an argument.
“What are you doing, Stone?” I asked as I ducked under his arm and into the room.
He turned, looked exasperated. “I didn’t invite you in.”
“No, you didn’t invite me here at all. You took me, remember?”
“You know what I mean.”
“What are you doing?” I spread my arms. “Trying to take down Nathan. Leaving Joshua alive. Now, you’re starting a war with another pack. It’s too much, Stone. You’re going to get hurt.”
“I’ll handle it.”
