Page 57 of Run Free

“Cole, how are you feeling?” Peyton asked.

“Good as new kiddo. No worries,” he said.

“Liam, how’s work at the Westin Foundation?” Thomas asked.

“Busy as always, I’m afraid. I don’t think we’ll be able to schedule another visit until after New Year’s.”

The girls groaned in disappointment.

“I know, we were hoping to make it for the holidays, but it doesn’t look like that’s going to be the case,” Maddie informed them. “But maybe we could plan to do something like this once a week. That way even when Clara’s away for work we could stay in touch better. I don’t think we need the excuse of a new brother to set aside family time.”

Everyone seemed to like the idea.

Clara just smiled and nodded. She was acting odd. I leaned down again. “What’s wrong?”

She shook her head and the eyes that met mine begged me not to draw attention to her. I didn’t understand.

“Okay, back to the task at hand, people,” Lily said. “Well, truth is Gage and Clara already sealed the deal before they even got home.”

“What?” Ruby asked.

“When?” Shelby demanded.

Lizzy smiled and gave two thumbs-up. “That’s my girl!”

Clara buried her face in her hands clearly embarrassed.

“So,” Lily continued. “That means there’s really nothing we can do about that. We’re sort of stuck with him at this point, but that doesn’t mean we don’t want to get to know you, Gage.”

All heads nodded.

“Who has the first question?” Lily asked.

“I know you met while she was away on a job, but how?” Peyton asked.

“Yeah, was it love at first sight? Did you fight the bond?” Shelby asked.

“Everyone in this family fights the bond,” Ruby said, rolling her eyes.

Lily shot Clara a sympathetic look and I knew she was already aware of what had happened. I stared down at Clara still sitting at my feet. She was pale with a haunted look on her face. I reached down and took her hand, placing it on my lap as I linked our fingers together.

“Well, it’s definitely not the storybook beginning you’re all fantasizing about,” I joked. “I know Thomas and Lily have already heard this.” They both nodded. “It’s not an easy story to tell, so bear with me. I guess I should back it up and explain a few other things first.”

Clara shook her head. “No, you don’t need to do that.”

I knew she was trying to protect me and I wasn’t going to go into details, but I could tell her sisters cared too much about her to not ask the hard stuff. I squeezed her hand for reassurance.

“It’s okay,” I told her. “When I was sixteen, my brother died. I’m not going to get into details and today has proven I’m not even certain what actually happened, but regardless, he died, and I felt responsible for his death.”

“You weren’t to blame,” Clara said, stubbornly.

“I know, angel, but that wasn’t important. I took that blame on myself and I ran away from home that night and swore I’d never have anything to do with packs, or shifters, ever again. From that day forward I lived as a lone wolf, traveling the country, mostly bouncing from concert to concert. I love music. I’d pick up odd jobs here and there whenever I needed money. I’m not a huge fan of cars, but the Lamborghini is making me rethink that stance.” They all laughed.

“She’s a beauty, isn’t she?” Liam asked. I didn’t know it at the time, but would later find out Liam Westin was a huge car nut.

I smiled. “Yes she is. And a lot of fun to drive.”

“No way! Clara let you drive her baby?” Thomas protested. It was clear he hadn’t been afforded that privilege.

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