Page 98 of The Thief

He lowered his head. “That too. But Lucian’s a night owl.” Bear tenderly stroked my fingers.

I knew what he was thinking from the guilt-stricken look on his face. He wished he could have been there for me. Maybe he wanted to say I shouldn’t have gone alone, but he was afraid to. I shouldn’t need a bodyguard every waking moment of my life. In fact, as I remembered my nightmare, I was glad Bear hadn’t followed me.

“Normally Tak would go to the Mageri for something like this.” Bear shook his head. “As far as I’m concerned, that maniac made you fall off your bike even if he didn’t push you.”

“I kicked him and lost control.”

“He’s playing games with us.” Bear looked away and muttered, “If he wants to play games, I’ll put him in checkmate.”

“Please don’t do anything,” I urged, remembering my nightmare. “That’s what he wants. He’s doing just enough without getting into legal trouble. He aims to terrorize me so I’ll give up the stone. I don’t want to, but I’m afraid he’ll come after one of you next.”

Bear flicked his handsome eyes up to mine. “You aren’t thinking of running, are you?”

“I’d rather fight, but I don’t know what he has planned. He doesn’t even know what he’s looking for, so that puts him at a disadvantage. He needs me whether he likes it or not. And he’s gonna make me pay for that.”

I finished my drink.

“I don’t want you living in fear.” Bear set the empty mug on the island and kissed my knuckles on each hand. “We’ll stick together in pairs. That asshole isn’t the first enemy we’ve had, and he won’t be the last. But I can’t promise that I’ll stay in control if I see him again. He choked you and kicked you,” Bear growled, a dark fury pulsing in his eyes. “Nobody, but nobody, hurts my girl.”

“I tried clawing his eyes out, but I couldn’t see in the dark. Maybe I should grow my nails longer.” I chuckled softly and touched Bear’s cheek. “Don’t you worry about me. No matter what happens to me in life, I want it to be my choice. I drove home alone because I deserve the freedom to live my life without supervision or fear. And if that means facing my enemies, so be it. I refuse to let him scare me into an invisible cage. I’m not to blame for what happened, and neither are you. Let’s put that blame where it rightfully belongs.”

Bear stood. “I’ll help you to your bed.”

“Not tonight.” I rose and secured the warm blanket around me. “I want to return to the pack. That’s where I belong.”

Chapter 18

Two days after crashing my scooter and healing from near-death injuries, I finally crawled out of bed. Now I had an inkling of what humans experienced with the flu. Lethargic and barely able to stay awake, I only got up to use the bathroom. Each time I woke, there was always a fresh tray of food in my room with at least three choices of drink. My pack cared for me like no one ever had, and I felt closer to them than ever before. Wolves didn’t fear larger predators who might hunt them, so I refused to let that Mage beat me down.

While the pack didn’t know what Argento was hunting me for, they drew their own conclusions based on my past criminal behavior.

Before I got out of bed, Robyn paid me a visit. She understood what I was going through and mentioned that Tak had warned everyone to keep their opinions to themselves. They only needed to know that a Mage posed a potential threat to our pack and to stay vigilant. Though curiosity glittered in her eyes, Robyn didn’t ask me invasive questions. She was grateful for my recovery and said if I needed anything to let her know.

After showering, I put on cropped jeans with frayed ankles. Melody had left them for me. Capris had always been my go-to choice since they made me look taller. Or so I thought. These pants combined with a wedge sandal were incredibly flattering on my petite frame. Melody understood how women’s bodies were shaped differently and always made sure her clothing reflected that. Some had adjustable buttons or hooks.

She also left me a white blouse with embroidered flowers, and I used the hanging ties on the side to make a knot.

“You look lovely,” Hope said from the foot of the staircase. She pulled me into a hug and drew back. “You seem rested. How are you feeling this morning?”

“Guilty for missing work.”

“Don’t be silly. All that’s been arranged. Tak spoke with Calvin, and he understands the situation.”

Lakota walked through the front door stark naked. He had taut muscles and brown skin—definitely pleasing to the eye. But the ugly scar over his heart drew attention from his handsome physique. Melody said it was from a hooked blade like Tak’s and that he’d almost died.

After shutting the door, Lakota noticed us in the hall. “Do we have any lemonade left?”

Hope shielded her eyes. “I left a towel out there for you, brother. Didn’t you see it?”

He scratched his ear while approaching. “I shifted on the porch. Must have missed it.”

“A sister shouldn’t have to see such things.”

He chuckled softly and gave me a respectful nod as he passed by.

Hope’s hair looked like spun silk, the length reaching her midsection. She wore a new pair of red-and-black feather earrings I’d never seen before.

“You like them?” she asked, noticing the direction of my gaze. “The woman I do business with has a red-tailed black cockatoo Shifter in her house. She finally convinced her to sell the fallen tail feathers. Since she’s a rare bird in these parts, I’m considering a higher price.”

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