Page 85 of The Pack

She was here now, safe and sound. Our mate.

“Zara,” I said softly, my voice steadier than I felt. “You’ve been through hell. Let us take care of you.”

Her brow furrowed, confusion flickering in her dark eyes. “I’m fine, really. I just need to?—”

“No arguments,” I cut in, allowing a smile on my face to soften the command. “Not unless you need to find out what a real spanking overmyknee feels like…”

Her eyes flicked to mine, and I saw her visibly tremble, but her gaze held no fear, only desire and my cock jumped at sight. I tucked that knowledge away for later. I had a feeling it would be useful very soon.

Callum stepped forward, his grin warm and teasing. “Magnus is right. You’ve earned a little pampering.”

“There,” Thorne said, nodding toward the corner of the room where an old cast-iron tub sat mostly hidden beneath a pile of debris.

“That’ll do,” I said, looking at the hearth. “Callum, get the fire going stronger. Killian, find something to carry water. Tobias, Thorne—keep watch.”

“And me?” Zara asked curiously.

I turned to her, keeping my smile in place. “You sit. Rest. That’s an order.”

My pack moved quickly, the small cottage bustling with quiet efficiency as we cleared the debris from around the tub and heated water over the fire. Zara sat near the hearth, her hands folded in her lap, her gaze flicking between us with a mixture of amusement and wariness.

“You’re all taking this very seriously,” she declared.

“Of course we are, lass,” Killian said, pouring steaming water into the tub. “You’ve earned it.”

Callum crouched near the fire, his sharp grin flashing. “You might even call it an apology for not being the ones to saveyou.”

Her cheeks flushed faintly, and she looked away, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of her cloak.

When the tub was finally ready, the water steaming gently in the soft light of the fire, I turned to her.

“It’s ready,” I said, my voice softer now. “Come on.”

She hesitated, glancing between the tub and the pack. “I can do it myself,” she said quickly.

Callum chuckled, his gray eyes sparkling. “Where’s the fun in that?”

Killian leaned against the wall, his grin turning wicked. “Besides, we’re not exactly shy, lass, but I think you know that already…”

Her flush deepened, and she shot me a pleading look.

I stepped closer, crouching in front of her.

“Zara,” I said softly, my eyes locking onto hers and my voice full of warning. “Let us take care of you.”

Her shoulders sagged slightly, the fight leaving her. She glanced down at my hands, and I saw her gulp, probably remembering my threat about how I would use them if she disobeyed. Her eyes flicked back up to mine and she finally nodded.

“Fine,” she muttered, her voice barely audible and just a tiny bit nervous.

I liked that.

Callum grinned as he stepped behind her, his hands deftly untying the cloak from around her shoulders. The rough fabric fell away, revealing the dirt-streaked, bloodstained clothes beneath it.

“See?” he said, his tone warm. “Not so bad.”

Killian moved closer, his fingers brushing against the hem of her shirt. “Let’s get you cleaned up, then.”

Her breath hitched, her dark eyes wide as she glanced between us. “You’re really doing this?”

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