Page 19 of Dawn of the Pack

“When did my adorable mate become so wise?”

“Maybe I just needed a nap.”

“Maybe you did.”

We ride in silence for a while. It’s comfortable, not tense. I presume Lily is considering what to do in both scenarios, with Dom either there when we arrive or gone. Despite her casual response, I know she’ll be upset if he left instead of staying and following her. It will feel like a strong rebuke on her ability to lead the pack. An incredibly unfair and selfish rebuke, for which I may have to hunt him down and use my fists to explain the error of his ways.

I suddenly realize my jaw is clenched so hard my teeth feel as if they could shatter, and my knuckles are white from gripping the steering wheel so hard. I force myself to draw in slow breaths and relax.

What the hell is going on? I feel as if I’ve been on an emotional rollercoaster in the last couple of hours. The only thing that’s changed is…

“Hey, question: after… everything tonight, does anything feel different to you?”

I have no idea why I can’t say what I mean, but hopefully she can read between the lines.

“Different how?”

“I dunno, just different.”

“Well, I realized I don’t feel the same when I touch you anymore.”

That’s not what I expected. “Is that a good thing or a bad thing?”

“I don’t know. I don’t think it’s bad. When I first met you all, it was like… electric tingles on my skin when you touched me. Then when we got closer, it was kind of like a vibration. And now,” she reaches over and claims my hand, “nothing. It feels the same whether or not I touch you.”

“That’s a bummer,” I tease. “So I don’t do it for you anymore. Is that what you’re saying?”

“No,” she laughs. “I’m saying that the comforting feeling I got from touching you is just… all the time now. Like you’re always with me. Is that what you mean?”

I allow myself to preen internally while I consider what she said. “Not exactly, but now that you mention it, something does feel… different between us. I mean, aside from the obvious.”

“Were you asking for a reason?”

“No, just curious.”

“Hmm.” Something tells me she doesn’t believe me, but she won’t push the issue.

Which is good, because I don’t even know what the issue is yet.

“Lily?”

“Yes?”

“I… I’m really happy. Is that weird to say, with everything going on?”

“I don’t think it’s weird. Despite everything, I’m happy we made love, too.”

My heart rate picks up. “No, not that. I mean, yes, that makes me happy, too. But I mean just… in general. I’m happy we’re together, and I’m happy you figured out that Derrek is one of your mates and it makes you happy. I mean, I assume it makes you happy. You were kind of sad about it, but that’s because he’s at Montrose…” I trail off when I realize I sound like a lunatic.

What the hell is going on with me? I’ve never suffered from this kind of verbal diarrhea before. It’s like I have absolutely zero control over myself right now. Like I’m freaking Landon.

Fortunately, Lily laughs it off. “That’s a lot of happy. But I think I know what you’re trying to say, and I feel the same.” She gives my hand a squeeze and my heart slows again.

Deciding it’s safer to stop talking, I focus on the road until we arrive safely at Harridan House. When we climb out of the car, I walk around to Lily and claim her hand. Whatever we’re about to face, we’re going to face it together.

Chapter Eight

Derrek

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