Page 85 of Pack Kasen: Part 2

I jog back toward the house. There’s no sign of Aren outside and for that, I’m grateful.

I veer toward the cabin with the silver cage inside. My old prison.

I stand outside that cabin and I remember what it felt like to be in a cage I knew was killing me.

Feelings nearly made me forget my anger before. I can’t let that happen again.

I won’t.

23

AREN

“The cops are getting nowhere with their investigation, Aren.” Finan places the newspaper down in front of me.

I scan it.

There’s still no word about the killer, and due to lack of new attacks, the cops believe whatever animal was killing students has moved on.

“That’s because the killer has to be looking for Kat,” I say.

There’s a knock on the door and Kat walks in and glances around the empty room, frowning. “I thought you said there was a meeting.”

“There is. Sit down.”

She doesn’t move.

“Out, Fin,” I say, not taking my eyes off her.

Finan exits, sidestepping Kat and gently shutting the door behind him.

“We need to talk,” I say.

“About?” She lifts her chin, a sign we’re headed toward another argument.

I know why.

That kiss.

It very nearly turned into something more than a kiss. And she’s been wary around me ever since then. “It’s okay to want me.”

She’s turning to leave when the door flies open. Emilio and Joy burst in, both of them grinning.

“We’re having a baby!” Joy beams.

I’d suspected that news was coming with Emilio’s increasing overprotectiveness.

“That’s great news,” I tell her and Emilio, half my attention on Kat, who smiles at them.

“Congratulations,” Kat says to Joy.

“We’re having a party, right?” Emilio asks me.

“Whenever you want one.” We celebrate every event, and welcoming a new pup is one of the most significant occasions for a pack to honor.

“Tonight or tomorrow. We’ll speak to the others.” Emilio looks at me and Kat, picks up on the tension between us, and grabs Joy’s arm, tugging her back out of the room. “Let’s leave them to it, baby.”

He closes the door, leaving me and Kat alone again.

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