Page 74 of Fighting Her Wolves

“Yes. She may take some time after this, but I think she will.”

He smiles. “Thanks, Kerian.”

“Anytime, brother,” I say.

He releases the tension in his body, leaning back and closing his eyes. I don’t sleep. I think of all the ways Ava could be affected and all the ways I can fix it.

***

I’ve never been so happy to see our house. Ava stirs as I lift her. River speaks with Ryker and Serenity before following to the door.

“Are we home?” Ava asks.

“Yes,” I respond.

River takes care of the alarm while I carry her into my room.

“Can I shower?” Ava asks.

“Of course.” I take her to my bathroom.

“Kerian, you can put me down. I can walk,” she tells me with humor.

I reluctantly set her on her feet and move to the shower. I make sure the temperature is right and face her. She looks so tiny.

River leans in the doorway but doesn’t step inside. We both are unsure of what she needs from us.

“Guys, it’s alright. I can shower myself.” She looks at us, frustrated. “It would be great if you could find some food for me while I get clean. The chips were great, but I could eat a whole cow right now.”

“That we can do,” I say. I kiss the side of her head. We reluctantly leave her.

I keep busy by making coffee and searching the fridge for something to make.

“She is taking it well.” River sits at the counter. “I’m worried.”

“All we can do is take cues from her. We feed her and make her comfortable.” I set all the ingredients for lasagna on the counter. It’s going to take longer, but it will fill her up.

“I want to offer Logan a place in the pack,” River says, surprising me.

“You’ve never expressed interest in having other species in the pack,” I say.

“This is different. He sacrificed his freedom to give Ava a chance to get away.”

“I agree. I’ll talk to him and the pack.” I turn to start the oven. “He might not accept, though. We don’t know what his situation was before. He could be Alpha of his own pack; I feel his dominance.”

“Being in that place changes you. It changes your priorities.”

“I’m sure. Once Ava is settled, I’ll reach out to him. I don’t think he’s going anywhere anytime soon, so we have time.”

“Did you see the witch?” he asks. He grabs a handful of cheese. It looks like his appetite is back.

“No, I don’t know if I want to.” I grimace. “I’ve never met a witch I liked.” Witches are very private. They spend more time with humans than shifters. I’ve seen the damage the spells they cast cause. A friend of mine was cursed by a witch. I don’t trust them.

“Serenity?”

“She is different. She didn’t know she had any witch blood.” I smack his hand as he reaches for another handful of cheese. “We only have so much.”

“Alright, Mom.” He frowns, rubbing his hand. “I have a feeling Serenity is going to learn all she can from her.”

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