Page 64 of Out of Peril

I didn't know what to say. He couldn’t possibly be this naïve. No one would just accept a beast like me.

But he does, a small voice reminded me. And so do the kids.

“Where are the twins?” I asked him once more.

“You've been out for over a week, Lindsey. For a while there we didn't think you'd survive. I've never been so terrified in all my life. I'm afraid I didn't handle it very well. When it was safe to do so, I had you transported here. This is my home, our home. For now, at least. If you strongly believe we should be elsewhere, then we'll discuss it after you're completely healed and your strength is regained. Until then, you're just going to have to trust me. And all I ask is that you keep an open mind.”

There was something different about him. He was stronger somehow, more demanding. Though that wasn't exactly it either. I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but he had changed.

“As for the kids,” he continued. “Kyle and I spoke and decided it would be best if they had a bit of structure and routine while they are here. They are so worried about you and school has helped them to take their minds off that at least for a few hours each day. And they're thriving. You'll see.”

I didn't know what to say or think. Maya and Dante deserved a normal life. They weren't genetically my children or just average shifters. As long as they didn't tell anyone about their abilities, no one would suspect they were witches.

“But what if someone discovers they are witches?”

“No one here cares that they are witches. We provide safe harbor for witches all the time.”

I snorted. “Right. A magical perfect place this is. Are you crazy? There is no place safe for two young witches. No Alpha would allow it.”

“Kyle's mate, Kelsey, my Pack Mother, is a very powerful witch. We've rescued dozens of other witches, many of which have taken up residence right here in San Marco. The kids are not alone. They aren't odd or different here, Linds. They can just be perfectly normal kids.”

Tears pricked my eyes. It sounded like a dream. I couldn't help but be skeptical of it.

“You should shift now.”

“I can't.”

“You can, sweetheart. I need you to. The kids need you to.”

“But it's not safe,” I insisted.

“Maybe not indoors. I have normal ceilings, not like the high ones at the Manor. But we can go outside and shift. I'll be right by your side. Quite frankly, I’ve struggled to leave you for even a moment, though I did when I had to get the kids settled in at school. It killed me to be away from you, but I tried to honor the promise I made to them and to you that I would always take care of them.”

“Thank you,” I whispered. I didn't know what else to say. This incredible man had stayed by my side and protected me and the children when I couldn't. It blew my mind, but I was so grateful for him.

He leaned over and kissed me.

“You never have to thank me for that. I'm just so relieved that you're awake. You don't know how horrible it's been watching you lay there and fight for you life.”

I shuddered. I had no idea what that would feel like, and I was still in awe that he even cared. No one else had cared if I lived or died, not for a long time, if ever.

“Do you think you can walk?”

I shrugged.

Grant had removed the IV from me before he left, but I felt so weak it was pathetic.

“Here, let me carry you.”

Before I could protest, Walker swooped me up in his arms and cradled me to his chest as he walked through the house and out the back door. There was a big lake and a few other houses scattered around it.

“Mostly Bravo team lives out here, but when Shelby and Ben built a house here, I did too. It let me be closer to them and the triplets. I pitch in and babysit as often as they need.”

I remembered him talking about them, but very few details. Everything in my head was a bit foggy.

He walked down the stairs of the back deck and gently set me down.

I looked around to see if anyone was watching.

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