Page 152 of Awakened
“I know. We’ll figure this out.”
Taking a deep breath, I looked at Brandon. His face paled as he traced some minor burn marks on his arms with his finger. “You had fire coming off you. What the hell?”
I shrugged, not knowing what the fuck to say.
Grandma Rose got up, closed the living room pocket doors, and led Brandon to the couch. “Sweetheart, your sister has gone through a change.”
“No shit, Grandma.” She smacked the back of his head. “Ouch! Sorry!”
Grandma Rose smiled. “As I was saying, Les is different now, more powerful. We need to keep this in the family. Do you understand?”
Brandon nodded, but his eyebrows stayed drawn, his mouth tight.
Marie patted his shoulder. “We need to make sure no one outside of our trust knows Les is any different than before.She was already a target for these Old Church fucks. Imagine what kind of attention a flaming Amazon would get.”
His gaze jumped to me. “You’re coming back to Blue Moon so I can keep you safe.”
Marie’s chest rumbled as she harshly gripped Brandon’s shoulder. “You’re a good boy, but Les will be staying under my protection.”
Brandon glared at Marie. “She’s my sister.”
Marie smiled at his attitude. “She’s my beta and successor. You have your own pack and future to worry about.”
Brandon’s gaze stayed pinned on Marie. He wasn’t backing down, and Marie was enjoying his cheek.
Before Brandon could dig himself into a deeper hole, I said, “Brand, I’m not going to bring this trouble to your doorstep. I need to figure it out, and Marie is the best person to help me.”
A heavy sigh acted as his white flag. “Fine, but you’re going to keep me updated on whatever—” He waved his hands wildly. “This is and what’s happening. Got it?”
I couldn’t help but smile at the bossy motherfucker. “Sure. As soon as I have a fucking clue what’s going on, you’ll get a full report. Do you want a works cited page?”
Standing to meet me in the middle of the living room, Brandon’s frown finally softened. “As long as it’s in AIP format.”
“Nerd.”
A soft knock on the door stopped our back and forth. As soon as it opened, Emily and Sarah wrapped around me.
Emily’s hands cupped my cheeks. “What was that? First, Zach died, and then you went all blood-lusty. Are you okay?”
My stomach twisted up into knots, and my vision blurred. Zach was gone. How was that not my first thought when I woke up?
Sarah pressed against me, shaking with sobs.
“I’m okay? I don’t know. I feel off.” Taking a step out of their reach, I looked at everyone. Their faces were a mix of worry andawe. I desperately wanted a mirror. Clearly, I was putting out some serious fierceness. “I need a little space.”
Grandma Rose’s mouth formed a small smile. “Of course. Why don’t you go for a walk? We have preparations for the memorial to finish.”
Dread settled in me. “Memorial? How long have I been out?”
“Two days. We were worried you wouldn’t wake up in time. All the affected packs have arrived, and this afternoon, we will honor the dead.”
I blinked rapidly, realizing I didn’t know what happened after the battle. “How many died?”
“Five,” Marie said, her face severe.
“Who?” I whispered.
Marie set her jaw. “Zach, Alex—” She cleared her throat. “One wolf from the Lake Pack, one from the Prairie Pack, and one from Blue Moon.”
