Page 10 of Homecoming

“Kat, what is it?”

“Nothing. No, really, I’m just… I’m a little overwhelmed and tired right now. It’s good. The tears: I’m happy,” she smiles.

“Kat…” Darius smiles as his hand reaches toward her and he slides a comforting arm around her shoulder and while his other hand rests on her cheek, he watches as her eyes soften and yet another tear rolls down her face. “I read your letter. I kind of wish I hadn’t, but I'm also glad I did. What Travis did to you… I’m going to make Auriel pay for that. I should have read the letter much, much sooner—when you first left—and for that I apologize. I just couldn’t bring myself to read your words, but maybe if I’d read it sooner, maybe I could have found him by now and maybe I’d be here offering his head as a welcome home gift. Kat, I want you to know, I will get it—his head. I’m going to take it clean off for you.”

“I know you will. And you’re right, we will make him pay for everything but for now, I just need to keep Evelyn safe. Darius, we can’t let anyone find out about her. Promise you’ll help keep her safe. She needs this pack and she needs you to be strong for her. She’s so special.”

Kat steps closer, closes her eyes and as she tilts her head to one side, it exposes the soft skin of her neck.

The throb of her pulse becomes obvious and Darius inhales deeply filling his senses with the smell of her blood. He closes his eyes and concentrates his thoughts on anything except for Kat as he tries to protect himself from the intense desire released by her scent. With her contented grin continuing to offer permission, he can't resist and as sinks his teeth into the soft warmth of her flesh the blood pools like a satisfying delicacy of fiery spice on his tongue. His eyes glaze over as he continues to savor the pleasure of Kat’s skin between his teeth.

Darius takes a last gratifying taste then licks the two small puncture wounds healing them over. The thud of her pulse pounds loud in his head, it sends a rush of desire flooding through body and in a low whispered growl he purrs, "I love you!"

Digbybrushesakissagainst Kat’s cheekandtaking a hold of her hand, he watches the way she nervously fidgets as she finishes dressing. “You ready for this?”

Looking down, she smooths the front of her shirt—which was obviously grabbed in a hurry from the closet—and covers the last unfastened button of her shorts as they pull tight against the curve of her stomach. “I seriously need to get back to training soon and lose some of this pup weight.”

“Hey, stopworryin’. Youlook fantastic,” Digby smiles. The sight of her long-tanned legs makes his heart race. Kat’s always been fit, but now, with the glow of motherhood, he can’t resist her. Kissing her lips, his hands stroke gently at her cheek and his fingers dance along her shoulder, down her arm until they come to rest on her hip. “Really, you look great.”

He leans in and with his thumb grazing her chin, he again presses his lips to hers, grabs her hand tightly, and smiles. His blue eyes widen with bright intent as they study Evelyn, the tiny pup fast asleep in her mother’s arms and he melts with pride as he strokes a finger on the small silver-gray pup’s head.

Kat can feel the thump of her heart in her chest and her breathing becomes more rapid as she clenches Digby’s hand tight and follows him out of the door.

With a sharp intake of breath, she focuses her thoughts, trying to control her anxiety before they step outside into the last of the early evening sun.

The dusk is creeping in and as the sun dips behind the surrounding trees, Kat stares across the lawn at the buzzing throng of people still gathered. She can see the assembled crowd: their faces, their expressions, their gaze as they turn to look at her and Digby heading towards them. Her emotions are heightenedandit feels almost as though they surround her, like a cloud of humid air that drifts over the ground.

The lawn sprawls between the pool and the main house and even now it’s still filled with a chaotic crush of party guests and the delightful sounds of celebration—music, laughter, and excited children. Kat’s over-sensitive nose picks up on the exotic scents of freshly brewed beer mixed with the smoke and barbecued grilled meats.

As they step closer, everyone swings around and stares at them while Digby, filled with pride, struts with his chin up and a grin splashed wide across his face to greet them.

There’s a sudden flurry of noise and low-mumbled whispers as the guests all take an interest in Kat’s sudden return.

The unwanted attention makes her anxious and as her chest tightens, she grips Digby’s hand even more firmly and tugs again at her shirt.

“Hey, it’s okay.” His lips brush her cheek with the warmth of a kiss. “C’mon, it’s gonna be fine,” he continues. “They’re just curious to see you and the new pup.”

“I know, but… it’s been a while since I’ve been around this many people. I just feel a little… anxious I guess.” She takes a breath. “It’s okay, don’t worry. You're right,let’s do this.”

She smiles and leaning against his arm, they walk around the pool and stride with purpose across the grass to join the rest of the team still gathered at the barbecue grill.

“Kat!” QT’s the first to rush across and greet her. His face fills with a huge beaming smile as he grabs a hold of her and wraps her locked in a tight embrace. “I…I m-missed y-you.”

“I missed you too.” She kisses his cheek. QT smells of fresh air, grass, trees, and a heady mix of his own distinctive musk scent. “So what’s this Riley told me? You’ve started studying for your medical exams?”

“Y-y-yeah… I-I… t-t-tr-y.” He nods nervously. In his excitement, his voice pitches high, making his words come out in a rush of stuttered garble that Kat can barely understand.

“Hey…” Zak kisses her cheek as he joins them, “did he tell you we missed you?” he smiles. “Are you okay? Only with you notshowin’up last week… What I mean is, with youstayin’away, we were concerned that you might not—” he quiets, noticing the way Digby is shaking his head over her shoulder. “You look great by the way.” He grins and, dropping his arms over QT’s shoulders, he holds him close against his body.

“Thanks. I’m good.” Kat hesitates as the conversation stalls.

One after the other, the rest of the team ventures forward to welcome her back until she’s completely cocooned in a circle of large, muscular men.

Closing her eyes, she takes in a long deep breath, enjoying the enveloping warmth of the heavy musk filling her nostrils. “I missed this. You can’t know how glad I am to be home.” She smiles and with the throng of strong arms wrapping around her, she feels a flush of warmth—secure and protected.

“Well, we’re glad to have you back.” Darius smiles as he watches on. Standing aloof from the tangled fray of strong men. “C’mon, give the woman some space. You’re going to suffocate her.”

The team backs away and Bud smiles. “I’ll go and uh… put some more ribeye’s on the grill. I’ll bet you’re hungry after shifting, right?”

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