Page 55 of Howl For A Kiss
What Elena didn't know—and what Damon had deliberately avoided mentioning earlier—was that Martin's isolated cabin had become a death trap the moment they'd rescued Fiona fromthe Tidewater stronghold. The Alpha would undoubtedly send trackers to every location connected to the escaped prisoners, and Martin's home would be first on their list.
At least she made the decision to visit him when she did,Damon mused, his protective instincts humming with approval.Her timing probably saved his life.
The compound's familiar gates came into view, and Damon felt his wolf settle slightly. Here, surrounded by rebels and fortifications, his mate would be as safe as possible while they figured out their next moves.
"Welcome home," he murmured against Elena's ear, earning himself one of those brilliant smiles that made his chest tight with possessive pride.
Within an hour, they'd moved Martin's essential belongings into the new cabin—a cozy structure that smelled of pine and possibility. Elena moved through the space with purposeful efficiency, her tactical mind already cataloging exits and defensive positions even as she helped her father settle in.
Always thinking like a warrior,Damon observed with admiration.Even in moments of peace.
They gathered around the small dining table for lunch, and Damon found himself studying the family dynamics with his Beta's eye for interpersonal assessment. Martin clearly adored both his daughters, but Damon caught the guilt that shadowed the older man's weathered features. Fiona seemed fragile but determined, her healing abilities manifesting in small ways as she unconsciously soothed her father's lingering anxiety.
And Elena—his Elena—sat at the center of it all like a golden anchor, finally allowing herself to be part of a family again.
"I need to make a supply run with Cade this afternoon," Damon announced as they finished their meal, his tone carefully casual. "And I should visit my old place on Silvercrest territory. There are a few things I need to collect."
Elena's fork paused halfway to her mouth, her light blue eyes sharpening with that familiar intensity. "Your old place?"
"My cabin. Some personal items, and weapons I left behind." He met her gaze steadily. "And I want to speak with Kieran personally about my decision to step down as Beta. I owe my best friend that respect."
Damon felt Elena's immediate spike of protectiveness and possessiveness through their bond. The thought of him leaving her side, even temporarily, clearly didn't sit well with her wolf.
"I'm coming with you," she said in a tone that brooked no argument.
Damon's lips quirked in amusement. "Elena?—"
"Don't 'Elena' me," she interrupted, her voice taking on that commanding edge that made his wolf preen with pride. "We're mated now. Where you go, I go."
Martin chuckled from across the table. "That's my daughter. Stubborn as a mountain and twice as immovable."
"It could be dangerous," Damon pointed out, though he was already mentally adjusting his plans to include her presence. Truth was, he'd prefer keeping Elena at his side at all times now. Not because she couldn't protect herself—few warriors could match her skill—but because he simply didn't want her to have to.
"When has that ever stopped me?" Elena's eyebrow arched in challenge.
"Fair point." Damon's chest rumbled with quiet approval. "I'll ask Daniel and Maggie to keep watch over Fiona and Martin while we're gone."
Fiona looked up from her plate, color returning to her pale cheeks. "I can take care of myself, too. And Dad."
"I know you can," Elena said gently, reaching over to squeeze her sister's hand. "But humor me. I just got you both back."
The vulnerability in those words made Damon's protective instincts flare even hotter. His mate had spent years believing she was alone in the world, and now that she'd reclaimed her family, the thought of losing them again clearly terrified her.
She'll never be alone again,he vowed silently.I'll make sure of it.
An hour later, they were geared up in their tactical clothing—Elena in form-fitting black cargo pants and a thermal top that emphasized her curved silhouette, Damon in his preferred dark jeans and henley. Their weapons were secured in familiar positions, the weight feeling natural and purposeful.
But as they prepared to leave for Silvercrest territory, Damon's wolf stirred uneasily. Returning to his former pack lands as a defector would be walking into potentially hostile territory. Kieran might understand his choice, but others wouldn't be so forgiving.
Still, some conversations required the respect of face-to-face honesty. And if he was going to build a new life with Elena, he needed to properly close the door on his old one.
"Ready, my warrior?" he asked Elena, drinking in the sight of her checking her weapons with practiced efficiency.
Her smile was pure fire and determination. "Lead the way, my mate."
The November afternoon air carried the sharp scent of pine and snow as Cade's truck rumbled up the familiar gravel road to Kieran's private cabin. Damon's wolf stirred restlessly, recognizing their approach to Silvercrest territory—land that had been his home for fifteen years as Beta, and which he was about to formally abandon.
No going back now,he thought. His protectiveness flared as he sensed Elena's tension beside him in the truck's back seat.
