Page 33 of Kodiak's Heart

“Shit.” Sidia looked contrite. “We never meant for her to hear us.”

“No, you only meant to take her away from the only mother she’s ever known. While her father is also gone. Because that makes perfect fucking sense.” Emersyn’s voice rose slightly, and she had to clamp down on her temper again.

“I—” Jaeda began, but Xandra cut off her sister.

“It’s my fault,” she admitted. “I…” She paused, shaking her head. She opened her mouth several times, but nothing else came out. Finally, after a brief glance at both her sisters, Xandra turned and walked out. Surprisingly, her mate stayed.

“You know she never meant to hurt Ruby,” Declan said to his brother.

“She needs to deal with her emotions,” Laramie warned, which made Emersyn realize more was going on than an aversion to her.

“I know. She’s working on it,” Declan assured then turned to Emersyn. “She watched her younger sister die.”

Sidia and Jaeda both gasped.

“Not an excuse,” he continued, talking to Emersyn. “She couldn’t stop it, couldn’t protect her. She can deal with everything else she’s been through—and is. But that haunts her. And Ruby…” He sighed. “She brings out every protective instinct in Xandra. She’d die to protect Malachi’s daughter.”

“And I’d kill to protect her,” Emersyn told them though her focus was now on Declan.

He nodded. “Give her a little time, please. We’ll be heading out soon. Please, don’t leave because of us.”

“Her,” Emersyn corrected. “As far as I know, you’ve done nothing.”

“Us,” he reiterated. “When you’re mates, there’s no distinction. If you’ll excuse me, I’ll go find her. We’ll see you guys later.”

The room was quiet after he left. Emersyn knew she needed to say something. Her heart ached for what the other woman had witnessed, but she couldn’t let compassion put Ruby at risk of being hurt again. Her daughter had to come first.

“About the cabin,” Laramie began, and Emersyn braced herself for the argument.

There was a brief knock at the door before it was pushed open. Matheus ducked his head in.

“Hate to interrupt, but you should probably come out here. We’ve got some people outside, and they’re not leaving until they see you.”

“I thought we’d seen the whole pack already,” Laramie groused as he headed toward the door.

“Not you,” Matheus told him then flicked his gaze to Emersyn. She saw the questions lingering there. “They’re here to see Emersyn. They’re from her den.”

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