Page 72 of Wolf Touched

“Uh … Sky, look at the sky.” Keith pointed upward like I didn’t know which direction to look in.

From our left, Adam groaned and rubbed his temples. “How long have you been waiting to say that?”

“Don’t get upset because I said it first.” Keith stuck out his tongue, proving he’d lost his mind to boredom.

“What I think the young shifter is trying to say is … it’s late. You need rest, or you won’t be able to train tomorrow.” The priestess smirked, seeming more human than supernatural again.

There was no winning against the four of them. “Fine, but I need to do better tomorrow.”

“Don’t be so hard on yourself.” The older lady patted my shoulder. “You’ve only been able to harness it for a day.”

Maybe, but we had too much at stake for my progress to be this slow.

Dinner’s ready,Lucy linked to us, and my stomach grumbled.

Priestess Caroline headed toward the woods and her home while Raffe, Adam, Keith, and I went back inside. Raffe stayed close by, no doubt feeling my exhaustion through our bond, but I didn’t want the others to worry about me. I needed them to know I could be strong.

Each step was harder than the last, but I managed to make it up the stairs and sit down at the table without collapsing.

You’re pushing yourself too hard,Raffe linked, kissing my cheek as he sat beside me. He placed his large hand on top of my thigh, the buzz springing to life even through my jeans.

Octavia, Lucy, Dru, and Fane had lasagna, salad, andchicken laid out on the counters, and Raffe jumped up and made us each a plate.

Fane slid into the seat beside me, glancing around. He swallowed loudly. “Sky, I’m sorry about yesterday. I know it sounded like I resent you, and that’s not fair.”

“Hey.” I reached over and placed my hand on his arm.

Is everything okay over there?Raffe linked, concern brewing between us.

Yes, you can listen in if you want.I wouldn’t ever hide anything from Raffe, but I focused on my brother. “I get it. I had a hard time growing up, wondering why they didn’t want me. I can’t imagine feeling like you were sharing them with someone you didn’t even know. I’m sorry too.”

Fane hung his head. “Lucy told me you’d understand. I hoped she’d be wrong. It would be easier if you were upset with me because I was acting like a child.”

“Childhood is where we get most of our baggage.” I bumped my shoulder into his and smiled. “But I’m willing to help you with yours if you’re willing to help me with mine. I know we won’t ever have the relationship we’d have if we’d grown up together, but I’d like to have one now if you’re open to that.”

“Even after how I acted?” He pursed his lips.

“Only if you want. No pressure.” Maybe my biological family and I wouldn’t have a traditional family relationship, but I’d like to have something with each one of them.

“No, I’d like that.” He nodded. “I don’t hate you even though it sort of sounded like it. I hated not having a say in them giving you up or in you coming back. But I always wondered about you and what you were like. Growing up here was lonely. Mom and Dad didn’t want to risk me going to school or venturing too far in case a supernatural figured out what our family was.”

Iforced my hands to stay in my lap, but I wanted to hug him. He’d had a lonely childhood too, similar to mine but for different reasons. We had so much in common but under very different circumstances. “Well, you have me now.” I wanted to mention Lucy, too, since they were spending a lot of time together, but I kept that off-limits. I needed to take our relationship one day at a time and not push him. I wanted him to set the pace.

“I like the sound of that.” He smiled and stood awkwardly. “Uh … I’ll be right back. I’m going to get some food.”

As he hurried off, my cheeks ached, and I realized how big I was smiling. Maybe coming here was the best decision I’d ever made.

Unlike the night before, dinner tonight was filled with lively conversation. I was too tired to really contribute, but I smiled and watched as my pack, biological family, and Dave discussed shows, movies, and politics.

The night was fun and flew by.

I’d gotten clean and was crawling into Raffe’s arms in bed when exhaustion set in.

When it felt like I’d just fallen asleep, Lucy pack-linked,The priestess called.

The door to our bedroom slammed open, and Raffe and I sat upright to find Fane rushing inside, pale.

The perimeter has been breached,Lucy finished as Fane rasped, “Someone is coming.”

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