by KM Lowe
“Say you’ll give me a chance, baby, because I can’t live without you.”
“I’ll try, Kevin. I can’t say any more than that at this moment.”
“That’s all I ask.”
“I like your accent,” I say, changing the subject completely.
“Really? I’m from Scotland.”
“Why are you here in Canada?”
“Long story, honey. I was here with the council’s enforcers to put a stop to what was happening in that cave. I’ll give you the whole story when you’re up to it. It’s complicated. Honestly, we’re a perfect match for one another, because my life has been one fucked up mess of late. I think we’ll help each other through a difficult time.”
I study his face to see any trace of him not telling me the truth, but I can see in his eyes that he’s got a lot going on. Can we really complement one another? Can we really heal each other’s souls?
“Will you come back to see me if I don’t wake up soon?” I ask shyly.
“You just try to keep me away. You’ll be sick of the sight of me by the time you wake up.”
I laugh. For the first time in forever, I laugh. “I somehow doubt I’ll ever be fed up of seeing you.”
“I don’t want to leave you, Karina.”
“I know. I need to rest, Kev. I’m not strong enough yet. Just talk to me. I like to hear your voice. It’s soothing.”
“I will. What’s your favourite book?”
I shrug. “I’m not sure I have a favourite. I like a lot of the old classics. Surprise me.”
He nods and smiles. “I’ll keep you entertained, just don’t laugh at me reading out loud.”
“Never.” I smile.
He leans in and places a kiss to my temple. His soft, caring motion melts a little of the ice from my heart. He could have pushed and kissed my lips, but he knows I’m not ready for that. He’s listened to everything I just told him.
“I’ll be back,” he says in a gruff Arnold Schwarzenegger voice, which makes me giggle.
When I open my eyes, he’s gone, but I don’t feel alone. I feel content for the first time in so long. I will get out of this dream-like state. I will. I know I will.
I have to.
Chapter 18
Kevin
For four weeks, I’ve kept vigil at Karina’s bedside. I’ve read book after book from Lavina’s choices, because she loves old classic novels too. I’m not saying I’ve enjoyed any of the books I’ve read, but knowing that Karina likes my voice and looks forward to me reading to her, well, that’s all I need to know. I’ll do anything to build her trust and confidence. She still hasn’t woken up yet, but now I know how to connect with her, I can speak to her whenever I want.
Today, Jasper, Lisa, Markus, Joel, and Callum, are flying back to Scotland. Jasper woke up about a week ago and he’s been resting here in Meadow Springs. It was a big relief when he woke up and made a recovery. I was worried he’d have lasting damage from the poison, but his wolf and the healing helped him to make a full recovery. Now I just need my mate to do the same. I’ve got permission from Carlos’s pack to stay here with Karina until she’s fit to fly. I’m not sure when that will be, but Lavina and Lelland have offered for me to stay here for as long as I need. Of course, Jasper’s only leaving me on the understanding that Lelland takes care of me. Kind of ironic that he thinks a wolf shifter needs any kind of protection after what we’ve faced together, but I didn’t protest. Jasper just needs to know that all his kids are safe. I’m a big hairy-arsed kid, but Jasper seems happier leaving today.
I lift the book from the bedside table and head down to the study to pick another one, before I have to say goodbye to my family. I hate leaving Karina alone, but she knows I’m never going to leave her for long. She also knows that my family are flying home to Scotland today, and I can’t wait to take her home. I think she will love the beauty of the Highlands.
I slowly walk down the stairs, and everyone’s in the hallway. Bags are piled up ready to go into Lelland’s car. Everyone turns to look at me as I reach them.
“You need another one?” asks Lavina, pointing to the book in my hand.
I lift the book and shake it sarcastically. “The choice is yours. Can we make the next one less smutty?”
“Who’s asking? You or Karina?”
“What answer will give me what I’m looking for?” I push my luck.
I really feel comfortable around Lavina. She’s been the perfect host. She’s a mother figure, and she isn’t afraid to give her opinion, even if it isn’t what you want to hear.
“The truth,” Lelland whispers from my side.
“Okay. I’m asking. How can you women read that every day?” I roll my eyes and Lavina takes the book from me.
“Typical man. I’ll see what I can do.” She smirks, leaving me no hope that she’s going to give me a better book.
“How are you, son?” asks Jasper as he steps forward, stopping a foot away from me.
“I’m okay. I just wish I was coming home with you all.”
“I wish it was different too, but you and Karina will be home in no time. Your place in the pack and our family will always be there… for both of you. Just take each day as it comes. This time last week, I wouldn’t have been happy leaving you alone, but you seem stronger now.”
“That’s all thanks to Karina.” I smile and wink at my sister. I remember her words like they were said an hour ago. Your soulmate does wonders for confidence.
“I take it your sister has been spreading her wisdom.” Jasper smirks.
“She always does, even without trying.” I move over to Lisa and take her into my arms. “Behave back home. No hocus pocus until you’re able. I can’t take any more bad news.”
“Keep your hair on, Dad. I’ll be okay. Can you see those three letting me do anything stupid? They’d lock my pretty arse up quicker than Casper the ghost could say boo.”
We all laugh at Lisa. She lights up all of our lives.
“We’ll keep Miss Feisty Pants under control, bro. Just you take care of yourself here,” says Joel as he pats my back.
“I wouldn’t go calling me any names today. You’re in my bad books as it is,” replies Lisa, waving her finger at Joel.
“Tell me something that isn’t new, hen.”
“What did you do to my sister?” I ask.
“Do you really think Markus would let me breathe if I did anything to her?” Joel holds his hands up in surrender.
When he puts it like that, I see his point. Something clearly went down between them, but I’m obviously not getting told what. Not that I want to know when it comes to this pair.
“Don’t worry about it, Kev. I still love her. She just doesn’t like me right now. I’ll live.”
Lisa growls behind me, and Jasper moves her out the door. I hold my hands up to Markus and he shakes his head and smirks. “Don’t ask, buddy. When you come home, I’ll tell you all about it over a nice cold beer. Right now, your mate needs you. Those two bickering isn’t an issue for you to be concerned about.”
“Okay. Just keep your eye on my sister, Markus. The things she’s been able to do for me the last couple of weeks is scary. I worry about that power she has locked away.”
“I don’t disagree with you. Hopefully, now Jasper and Stracey are coming home, she’ll be able to learn about her powers properly. She doesn’t seem reckless with it, but I’ve noticed she’s fearless when she practises. I can’t say she doesn’t worry me, because she does. I can’t mollycoddle her though. You know how well that goes down.”
I sigh, because I know only too well that Lisa doesn’t like to be treated like a child. It’s just hard for a bunch of born Alpha males to sit back and watch someone they love go through this change.
“Good luck with that, bro.” I pat his back and watch him retreat out of the front door.
I put my hands in my pockets and follow slowly behind them.
“Take care, bud. I’m only a call away if you need me,�
� says Callum, as he throws his bag in the boot of the car.
“Thanks. I appreciate it. You doing okay?” I ask, because this is the first time I’ve seen him in ages.
“I will be. Take care of yourself, and don’t forget to keep in touch.”
I nod. I only wish I knew what’s going through Cal’s head right now, but I’ll find out when I’m home. He was there for me at a difficult time and I’ll make sure to repay that debt just as soon as I can.
To think about where I was this time last year, to being here now, it’s unbelievable. I never thought I’d have people in my life who love and care about me, but here I am with a full family unit. I’m lucky. It could have gone the complete opposite way and I could be dust. I’m lucky Jasper was the one to find us.
“You need anything, anything at all, you just call me. Anytime. Understand?” asks Jasper.
“Yeah, I get it.” I roll my eyes. “Just have a safe trip home.”
“We will. I might lose Lisa or Joel on the way if they keep up, but we’ll be okay.” He punches my arm.
“I can’t wait to hear what’s got between those two.”
When I first entered the pack, I was jealous of the relationship Joel and Lisa had, because they were closer than a biological brother and sister. It’s funny to see them bickering. They’re acting like a couple of kids in a playground.
“One word… soulmate.” Jasper shakes his head and backs off to the car.
I let his words sink in, but I’m not following. “Who?” I ask.
“Think about it. Only one person it really can be.”
I look at the back of the car and see the girls we saved. Lisa is laughing at something Darcy said. Then it hits me like a tidal wave. The atmosphere the first day Joel entered my room. His quick exit. His attitude. His moods.
I shake my head and laugh. “Oh, how the mighty has fallen. This I can’t wait to see.”
Everyone gets in the car and I watch my family drive off without me. I feel empty at the thought of being here without them, but I have a pull making me step back into the house.
“Can you hear that?” I jump at the sound of Lavina’s voice behind me, but I turn and listen for the noise she’s talking about.
I shake my head and carry on listening.
“Exactly. It’s quiet.”
We both laugh. It’s crazy how quiet the house is now that the guys have left.
“Too quiet, if you ask me,” I say.
“Here’s another book. I hope you like it.”
I take the book from Lavina and head for the stairs. It isn’t until I’m a few steps up that I look at the book title. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin.
“Really, Lavina. You’re killing me here.” I look over my shoulder to see her smiling brighter than I’ve ever seen before.
“Karina will love it.”
“I don’t doubt that. How am I supposed to live up to these characters?” I mumble to myself as I carry on walking.
“Just be yourself, Kevin.”
I forget that vampires have super hearing. They can hear for miles. One thing I won’t miss when I go home. Privacy isn’t very likely when you live in a house of vampires.
I sigh. I just hope being myself is enough to get through this mess.
Chapter 19
Kevin
Four days have passed since my family flew home to Scotland. I feel lonely, even though Lelland, Lavina, Ashley, and her husband Dale stop by regularly. I just miss my family. It isn’t helping that I’m frustrated with the situation. I’m confident Karina will wake up, but I didn’t expect to be sitting here, nearly five weeks later. I’m keen to get her home, to get her settled in. This is pure torture.
A knock sounds on the door and I lift my head out of my hands slightly to see Lelland and Lavina.
“I thought you could use some coffee,” says Lavina as she places a tray on the table beside me.
“You look tired, buddy. Why don’t you go and get some sleep? Lavina or I will stay with Karina.”
“I can’t remember the last time I slept, but I can’t leave her.”
I know I sound stupid, I’ll only be next door, but the moment I leave this room, my mind works overtime. It would be pointless trying to sleep. My wolf won’t allow me any downtime.
Lavina sits on the bed in front of me and takes my hands in hers. “You can’t survive the way you are, honey. You need your rest to be strong for our girl when she wakes up.”
“I’m a wolf. We don’t need much sleep. I’ll be fine.” I try to put on a face to both vampires, but they know me now. Nothing will get past them.
“Jasper just called to see how things are,” says Lelland.
“You told him I’m not coping.” I shake my head and sit back in my seat.
“I didn’t need to. He knows. He’s giving it the rest of this week then he’s flying back out here.”
“He just went home. I’m fine.” Anger rises within me, because this situation is affecting everyone here and back home.
“You were fine. We didn’t know this until today, but Lisa was giving you bits of energy. Every time she touched you, she passed some energy on to you. That’s why you were coping when the gang was here.”
“What? Why would she do that?”
“She loves you, Kevin. She thought she was doing right by you. Now you’re not getting that energy, you’re going to crash and burn.”
“What do you want me to do? I can’t leave her. Besides, I’m no stranger to being sleep deprived.” I clam up before I say too much. I don’t want the whole world knowing what I faced with my father. It’s bad enough that the pack and Callum know. I don’t like the look of pity on their faces when they know details.
“What about your wolf? He needs a run.”
“He’s content right now.”
Which is the truth, surprisingly. Usually, when I’m at home, if I don’t let the beast free in twenty-four hours, it plays up. The last time I was in wolf form was the night I rescued Karina. I’m just glad of the peace, because that night the noise and anxiety was unbearable.
“Okay. Well, if you change your mind, one of us will be downstairs always. Just come and get us.” Lavina stands and pushes Lelland slightly to move.
I sit forward and take Karina’s hand in mine. The moment I rub the back of her hand, her fingers tighten around mine.
“Lavina!” I shout.
I quickly move to sit on the side of the bed. It might be nothing, but it’s the most movement I’ve had from my girl since I lifted her out of that cave.
“What happened?” Lavina is back at my side in a second.
“I think she might be waking up. She squeezed my hand. What do I do?”
“Talk to her. Stay calm. We won’t leave you.” Lavina places both of her hands on my shoulders and squeezes them softly. I need her calming touch right now, because I’m going out of my mind.
“Karina, honey, can you hear me? Can you open your eyes?”
My eyes never leave her face. I sit for a few moments, waiting desperately to see her open her beautiful eyes for real. The moments tick by, and I feel like my body deflates with each passing second. My head dips down to my chest and tears roll down my cheeks. I don’t care who sees. I can’t hide from this pain. It’s ripping me apart.
“Kev,” Lavina says softly. “Look.”
I lift my head slowly. Karina’s eyes flicker open. I wipe my cheeks with my spare arm. The last thing I want to do is scare her when I’ve waited this long to see her awake.
“Karina. Can you hear me?” I sob.
Silence. I focus on her eyes as they linger on me. The moment she recognises me, her eyes soften.
“Hi,” I whisper.
“Where am I?” she asks croakily.
“Lelland, get Karina some fresh water, please,” says Lavina from behind me.
“You’re still in Canada. We’re in Lavina’s house. My family has all gone back to Scotland,” I say.
“I remember our chats. I
just don’t remember much before they started. I have blanks.”
“That’s okay. We’ll figure it out.”
The moment Lelland walks around to the other side of the bed with a jug of water, Karina tries to move away from him, but I sit closer to her and place my hand on her shoulder. “It’s okay. This is Lelland. He’s a…”
“Vampire.”
“He is. He was the one who got the council to send us here to help you. You’re safe here, I promise.”
“We should let you guys get acquainted. Maybe now you’ll get some sleep,” says Lavina poking me in the back.
I can’t help but smile. Just five minutes ago, I was dead on my feet, but now, I feel like I’ve been reborn. Electricity is strumming through my body.
“We’ll be downstairs if you need anything,” says Lelland as he follows Lavina.
I reach over the bed and pick up the glass Lelland brought in. I hold the glass out to Karina, and she takes small sips through the straw.
“Would it sound weird if I said that was amazing?” she asks.
I laugh. “No. I guess we take mundane things for granted. How do you feel?”
She shrugs and looks up at the ceiling. “I don’t feel anything.”
I’m out of my depth with feelings and emotions. I was bad enough when Lisa was ill, but this is different. I feel completely useless. My brain isn’t connecting the dots to tell me what to do. My head feels empty.
“Maybe that’s a good thing.” Her eyes land back on me and her scowl tells me she doesn’t understand why that would be a good thing. “Well, I think feeling a little bit at a time would be better than feeling a hundred different emotions at once. We can deal with each thing together. I’m not going anywhere, unless you want me to.”
“Thank you. You don’t even know me, but you stayed here with me when your family left.”
“My family didn’t want to leave us, but they had pack life, work, and other commitments to return to. But you don’t need to thank me. I may not know you, but my wolf and my heart know who you are. That’s enough for me.” I smile weakly.
“The lady is right. You look tired.”
