Page 14 of Hunted

Then I close my eyes and forget about grounding or mastering powers that have done a disappearing act.

I enjoy the peace and tranquility of a place I love so much. Because Adela was right. Sometimes things change and you don’t always have the things you love anymore. As someone who lost their mother before they even got to know her, I know all about it.

6

MACK

When I called the pack over for dinner, I didn’t envision sitting with my back flush to a tree, ostensibly kicked out of my own home. At least I’m not out here alone.

Bennett, Warren, Colton, and Chris sit beside me in a dark, quietly talking about the latest football game. Preparing Aerin and Thumper’s nursery surprise has taken over most of my relaxation time, so I missed the game. They didn’t seem as surprised by the girls kicking us out of the house the moment we’d cleared our plates of the Chinese takeout Bennett brought over.

Usually, we’d have followed up the meal with a pack run, but Aerin is too far along in her pregnancy for it to be safe for her or the baby to shift. Lately, the rest of the pack would go for a run and I’d stay at the house eating ice cream with Aerin. This time, the moment I set my fork on my empty plate, Penny was up off her seat and practically shoving me out the back door with a hastily called out,

“Go for a run. Have fun. We’re watching a movie, so don’t hurry back.”

And then I was outside with the rest of the guys staring at the door that she slammed shut, wondering what the hell had just happened.

Bennett had just shrugged his shoulders and led the way down my garden where, earlier this morning, Aerin had been frustrated by her lessons with Adela, which had led to it ending sooner than usual.

Aerin and I spent the rest of the day together, discussing baby names, napping on the couch, and reading, a much loved habit I’ve fallen out of the habit of.

I’ve had so much on my mind that shutting my brain off and reading hasn’t been high on my agenda.

The distant sounds of female laughter drift from the house. It sounds like Aerin is laughing, which is a relief. Between Penny, Helena, and Tina, they’ll distract her from the problems she’s having with her powers.

Adela and Aerin’s grandparents are early to bed type and skipped the meal in favor of an early night.

“I know we’re out here for a run, but…”

“It’s not as fun without the girls?” Colton says, raising his eyebrow.

“I think that makes us whipped,” Warren says.

Warren and Tina have been together for years. He’s a soft-spoken, big hulk of a guy over 6’5, and who would do absolutely anything for Tina.

“I don’t mind,” Chris adds with a shrug. “I like spending time with Zoe.” He focuses on me. “She was saying that apparently Aerin’s powers aren’t working properly. Is it because of the baby?”

“I have no idea what it is. I just know that she’s plagued by self-doubt and doesn’t know who she is if she isn’t an omega.” A small animal scampers toward us, a rabbit I think, and my wolf growls in my head. The rabbit must smell a pack of wolves feetaway for it to freeze, then dash away before I continue. “I don’t think she wanted me to hear her admit it to Adela this morning, and I was tryingnotto listen, but…”

“You did,” Bennett says. “Now you don’t know what to do with what you overheard?”

I nod. “I want to protect her, but I also don’t want anything to happen to her. The more overprotective I am, the less sure of herself she is, and I don’t know what to do.”

I have a problem in front of me, and I don’t know how to fix it. As the Alpha, it’s my job to fix it. The house thing might work out. Everyone seems excited about living together, including Adela and Aerin’s grandparents, when I asked them what they thought.

But this? I don’t know how to help Aerin. I want to, but I don’t see how I can fix this problem she’s having with her powers.

“Have you tried talking to her about losing her identity?” Colton suggests. “Penny was the same with her lack of confidence about baking.”

“She’s emotional.” Immediately, I wince.

If Aerin heard me use that word… “I just meant I don’t want to upset her when she’s already struggling.”

Bennett leans to the right and picks up something from the ground, handing me it. “Here.”

I take it before I realize what it is.

A bottle of beer.

---