Page 83 of Homecoming

“What I really need is to get back on that assault course with the rest of you guys. But to do that, I need to get this evaluation completed. You know what? I’m going to try to schedule another appointment with Alana today when I get back. I want to ace that test, then I only have to focus on the physical training. I might stand a better chance that way and if not… I’ll have to dig out the burgundy satin—it’s one of Darius’ favorites,” she smiles.

“Well, it’s always good to have a Plan B and if you mean that deep red corset with the little bows on the front, then I gotta say it would definitely work on me,” he laughs. “Did I tell you one of the other shifters dropped out during trainin’ yesterday after clashing with Darius? The shifter lost it and now… he’s gone.”

“Darius, got rid of him?” Kat smiles.

“No, he quit. I think Darius scared the shit out of him,” he laughs.

“Well, that’s one thing he can’t do to me. So just one more shifter to scare off and maybe I can get my place back by default? I mean, if there are no other options—only me—that is, after all, how I ended up on the team in the first place, right?”

“Yeah, but I’m not so sure this shifter is gonna scare that easy. He’s actually pretty damn good. His weapons handlin’ is pure class, and he’s a real mean fucker too—huge grizzly type with the most massive arms I’ve ever seen. He makesNoahlook small.”

“But I thought he was supposed to be recruited as a medic? I mean, that’s what the team’s missing—a medic—so why is his weapons handling so important?”

“Oh yeah, he’s a pretty good medic—that’s what he trained for originally. But he’s more like Bud, in that he likes guns and to blow things up,” Digby laughs. “And I can’t imagine he has your attractive bedside manner.” Digby teases a soft squeeze of Kat’s breast, nuzzles her neck, taking a long sniff her of scent as his hand rides up her thigh.

“Yeah, but he’s the one getting to train with the team every day, so he has the advantage.”

“Oh, I don’t know…” Digby grins, “you have a lot of advantages he doesn’t.” His fingers continue to tease inside the hem of her running shorts. “You could train with me right now if you want a decent work out?”

“Digby, stop it,” Kat smiles.

“You’re thinkin’ about it, I can tell,” he laughs. “Well, the way I see it, you have two choices: you can quit or you can keep goin’.” He stands up and drags Kat to her feet. “Up to you, Lieutenant. Let’s get the head-quack outta the way and get you back to full trainin’.”

“Yeah, I’ll call Alana when we get back to the house. Talking to her has… well, it’s opened my eyes to a lot of things.”

“What do you talk to her about in these sessions? Do you talk about me? Hey, I’m just curious,” he smiles.

“Digby, I can’t tell you what we talk about, but we’ve talked about a lot of things, not just you. But yes, I do sometimes talk about you too.”

“Is it helping?” he questions in earnest.

“I think so.”

“Well, that’s good enough for me. You can talk about me as much as you want. All I care is that you’re happy. Kat, we knew this wouldn’t be easy—for any of us, but especially you. I know you feel like you’re caught between the three of us—all of us wantin’ to be with you. And with the pups, I get that it’s harder on you.”

“Wow… and what the hell happened to you?” Kat frowns. “It sounds like Digby Westwood is finally growing up and becoming more emotionally aware?” She presses her lips softly against his in a long, slow kiss. “You know this is so nice—being up here with you.” Her hands stroke the curves of his butt and over his shoulder. She takes a deep breath, looking at the view across the valley.

“Okay, are you ready to go?” Digby frowns, watching her. “You wanna try carryin’ me again?”

“No, not for a minute. Just wait, I want to take a moment and soak in this beautiful view. Up here, it reminds me of being on Noah’s mountain—at the cabin. You know we should all go up there, unwind, and take a break when training is over. I miss the peace and the view from the mountain. And I know Noah does, even if he won’t say so—I know he misses his home.”

“Well, his cabin in the valley seems like it’s nearly finished, so he can get back to bein’ a wilderness ranger now that he has that.” Digby laughs. “Did I tell you I should be gettin’ the paperwork back this week from the DNA test we did? We finally got around to gettin’ it done. Marco said the results should be back sometime this week. Then, I guess, we’ll know for sure if Noah’s really family.”

“Digby… Noah’s already part of our family, whatever that test says.”

“I know. And I will admit, he’s kinda growin’ on me. Things are changin’. But those pups are growin’ way too damn fast. Evelyn’s a real live-wire. She’s even givin’ Lukas a run for his money—despite how small she is.” Wrapping her in his arms, Digby holds Kat tight against his chest.

She leans back and takes a deep breath as they stare out over the valley below the hillside path where they stand. Enjoying the warmth of the sun on her face, she sighs loudly. “I remember how much I hated that place.” She gestures toward the commune. “That night we went for dinner with Ezra and Elspeth. When I was alone after in that small room, I just cried and cried. I wanted to shift so badly and run away, but for some reason, I really believed what I was doing was going to be for the best. I can see how wrong I was and I would never have given the boys up. Now, after everything that’s happened, I love it. I love living here. The freedom and safety. The way all the wolves in the commune are thriving.”

“Yeah—it’s like our own little sanctuary away from the world. A place to call home for our family. It’s changed a helluva a lot and mostly for the better. It’s certainly not the place it once was. Kat, we’re making new history for this place. A place away from the danger the world holds for us. Do you know what I wish for, though?”

“What?” Kat leans back against him, gripping his arms.

“I wish instead of trainin’ we were talkin’ about you givin’ me another pup.”

“Digby, we already talked about this.”

“I know—like I said, it’s just wishful thinkin’. It’s just I love you being pregnant so much. Seein’ you carry my pups inside you. I miss it. I know the whole Evelyn situation didn’t quite turn out like I hoped, but I still want more pups with you. I’m sorry, but can’t help it—I guess it must be genetics,” he smiles. “Please… just say it’s not a ‘no’ forever. Say that you’ll think about it sometime in the future?”

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