Page 89 of War Games

“I wanted to tend to you in reality,” she answered, patting my shoulder with a towel to dry me off. “I don’t often get to tend to my children like this.”

“Maybe because we’re adults who all know personal hygiene.”

“Perhaps,” she said, smiling. “Perhaps because the modern world doesn’t believe in community bathing anymore.”

“Wait, so you would do this with Jabari or Zuri?”

“Have, will again. We came from the same time. Bathing in rivers and the like. Helping each other reach all the difficult spots was as natural as eating a meal together,” she explained. “I know you aren’t as comfortable with it, but…” She met my eyes in the mirror. “I would rather you be a touch uncomfortable here and know that I will do anything for you and with you than let you be alone right now.”

I swallowed. If she wasn’t there, I would have gone back to thinking of my memories of childhood or, worse, her memory of that terrible day I wasn’t supposed to see.

“Thanks,” I whispered, letting her towel me off without fighting against it. It was comforting, the attention from her, which was warm, gentle, and caring, but also just respectful enough not to turn me red from embarrassment. I felt her fingers glide over the scars I had, most of them bullet holes that were fading slowly, but they had been caused by silver, so they would never fade entirely.

She went out to get me clothes, leaving me to my own thoughts for a few moments. I couldn’t stop myself. I reached out to my territory, letting it reconnect with me after I felt so disconnected with it in my mind. I did a mental tally, starting with each person closest to me.

Subira is right outside. Niko and Dirk went downstairs. Olivia isn’t doing any magic right now, but I bet she’s down there as well. Ranger is down there, too. Huh. Teagan is in my office…

Shamus is at Kick Shot with Stacy, Kody, Arlo, and Benjamin. He must be on young werewolf watch.

I reached out further.

Roselyn and Piper are at home. Carlos is with them? Carlos is always at home with Jenny.

Ah.

Jenny is missing.

So are Heath and Landon.

I opened my eyes, staring at my gold eyes in the mirror. I remembered everything I had just gone through. It was easy to put the pieces together.

Heath, Landon, and Jenny. Jenny isn’t high-ranking enough to be at an important meeting.

She’s either going to die or is already dead. Is she on the run, and they went after her?

It upset me knowing Heath wasn’t going to be out there once I left the bathroom. I wanted to see him. A little part of me wouldn’t know this was real yet until I saw him.

Subira walked back in, putting down a simple outfit I would have picked for myself, and noticed my eyes.

“How does your territory feel?” she asked benignly.

“Two of my werewolves are missing,” I answered. “Any idea where they could be?”

“Only two?”

“I don’t keep traitors,” I growled softly.

Subira put a hand on my shoulder.

“For the best. They took the traitor to those who needed to see the traitor and finish up what they need to do after such a betrayal.”

“Have you seen them?”

“I saw them go into the little security building you make Dirk live in,” she answered, teasing me.

“They aren’t there now,” I explained.

“I know,” Subira whispered, running her hand over my head.

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