Page 20 of Dream Mates
Perhaps I’d go up to the cabin in a day or two to clear my head and cook for them, even though I’d promised Riley that I’d stay. After all, they were my pack, and even if I wasn’t mated or married to any of them, I cared for them all.
When I was younger, I’d never thought much about having a pack. I didn’t grow up in a pack, though many of my relatives had them. Elaris and I were content for it to just be us, unlessfate brought us someone. After she passed, I was just trying to heal and survive. My alpha instincts to care and protect were satiated by taking care of my mother, like I had since my father had died, as well as Evan and his family.
Joining Evan and his pack had never been a thought, until it was. There was no magic. I didn’t look at them and go,Yes, this is my pack. But it was comfortable and safe. The pestering about moving on after Elaris stopped. I was more on the outside of the pack, but content to be there.
Then Grace came. Intriguing me. Growing on me. She made me realize that being safe was complacency.
Grace. How scared she must be. I ached at the thought of her being alone and afraid.
My shoulders slumped as I shut the folder and finished off my wine. I couldn’t concentrate.
It wasn’t dinner time yet, but perhaps making something complicated would help calm me. I took the folder and the empty glass and bottle to the kitchen. As I contemplated what to cook, someone knocked on the door.
Odd. I wasn’t expecting a delivery or guests.
It could be one of the sisters coming to check on the house. I couldn’t remember if Lexi and Katie had been told that I stayed behind.
No. Not the sisters. They had access, they’d just walk in.
I opened the front door and there stood that man, the one who’d taken Grace, dressed in that same suit, once again smelling of neutrons.
He held an unconscious Grace in his arms. In broad daylight.
The world stopped.
“You brought her back.” The words barely escaped my lips as I stared into the face of the man who’d destroyed our world four days ago.
“Apologies for any worry. I couldn’t promise her return.” He thrust her limp body into my arms.
“She’s innocent.” I’d never seen the dress she was wearing. Her face was tearstained, and she reeked of fear and chemicals.
Oh, my sweet darling. What happened to you?
“She was never on trial.” His expression was impassive, unyielding.
Oh?
“Then why did you rip her from us? What did you do to her?” All my anguish, anger, and fear came out at the agent as I clutched her small body to my chest. Did they drug her? Was it the effects of being away from her mates?
“She should wake in a few hours this time. This is hers.” He dropped an unfamiliar backpack at my feet. His eyes swept the area, then he turned to leave.
“Will you come for her again?” I needed to prepare my heart.
“By the stars, I hope not.” The man walked to his strange car.
Using my foot, I scooted her backpack into the house and closed the door.
“Grace.” The growl was primal, possessive, as I buried my face in her hair, then made a face. So many strange smells.
She was here. Home. Not dead. They’d brought her back to us.
My good doctor looked so fragile and helpless, her skin clammy, breathing a bit shallow. Part of me wanted to take her to the hospital. But what would I say?
No, I’d care for her here and if she didn’t wake up by morning, or became distressed, I’d take it from there.
I carried her upstairs to her room, hoping that she’d forgive the intrusion into her most private space. Flipping on the lamp, I took her to her window seat, since it was perfect for helping her to feel safe.
Yes, that’s what she needed right now.
