I looked up at him.
"What is that?" I wondered.
"The sparks? It’s the mate bond. Feels nice, doesn’t it? Like sitting by a warm fire on a freezing night."
He was right. It did.
"I’m sorry for scaring you," he murmured.
I squeezed his hand and smiled at him, hoping he knew that meant I forgave him. Smiling back, he rubbed his thumb over the back of my hand.
"Posy, would you like to rest now?" Mason asked. "We have some matters to settle with your brothers, then we can pack your things and take you home with us."
I nodded.
"Do you want one of us to stay with you?" Ash asked.
I shrugged and lowered my eyes. I did, but I knew they had to take care of business.
"I know the pack comes before all else," I whispered.
No.For the first time, one of my mates’ wolves spoke directly to me.You come before all others. Always. Forever.
Deep in my mind, Lark stirred. I couldn’t tell which wolf had spoken to me, but it had shocked her.
Suddenly, Jayden plunked down on the edge of my bed as if his legs couldn’t hold him up anymore. His amazing eyes widened and glistened as he stared at me.
"Quartz spoke to you." A single tear rolled down his cheek. "I’m so happy."
As my other mates quietly left the room, Jayden leaned forward and buried his face in my blanket-covered lap. My mouth fell open, but I had no words, so I did what I thought a mate would do. Laying my cheek on his head, I wrapped my arms around his trembling shoulders and held him.
4: Meeting Lark
Lark
"Should we wake her? I want to get her home."
"She needs her rest. The poor little thing is exhausted."
"And starved. That sick excuse for a father not only beat her, but also worked her down to skin and bones. Did you see how every bone in her spine stuck out?"
"Yes, Wyatt, we all saw. At least we got a cup of broth in her earlier. And after she’s back on her feet, we can feed her until she’s nice and plump."
I giggled at that, and heard five sharp inhales.
"Posy? Are you awake?" asked one of my mates.
My eyes popped open to find five boys stationed around my bed.
"Posy sleeping," I told them. "I no want to be plump!"
They all chuckled, which made me smile. For the first time in years, I felt alert and well and happy.
"Hello, Lark." Jayden gave me a toothy grin. "Your silver eyes are so pretty."
I dropped my head, feeling shy.
"Hello, Lark. It’s nice to meet you," Cole said. "Our wolves were worried at first because they couldn’t reach you. What happened?"