by KM Lowe
She sighs and relaxes her shoulders. “It sounds like an amazing place to be. Can we try the pack first? If I don’t feel comfortable then we can go to Jasper’s house for a while. I just want to move forward, and maybe the busy pack will help.”
“Of course we can. I’ll let Jasper know and I’ll get us flights booked if you’re up for it.”
“You won’t leave me alone for a while, will you?”
“Absolutely not. I’ll only leave your side when you feel comfortable in the pack. When you tell me that you’re confident, then we’ll move forward.”
“Thank you.”
I wish we had this communication all the time. I know it will take a while to get this, but if we learn to open up with one another then maybe everything will, in time, be okay.
I’m not a praying man, but I do pray that everything works out the way it should.
Chapter 22
Kevin
The day has arrived for us to leave Meadow Springs. I’m going to miss it here, but I’m looking forward to being back to familiar ground.
I throw our luggage in the back of Lelland’s car. Lavina’s walking out of the house with her arm through Karina’s. I can’t help but smile at the sight of my girl, because she looks amazing, even after everything she’s been through. She’s a fighter.
“All ready?” I ask softly.
Karina nods and turns to face Lavina. “Thank you for all you did for me. For getting help to take those bastards down, for bringing Kevin and his family into my life, and for everything you’ve done for me and Kevin since I woke up. I’ll never be able to repay you for your kindness.”
“You owe me nothing. I was happy to help. Just promise me that I’ll get an invite to the wedding. I kind of like happy ever afters.”
Karina’s shocked face, eyebrows raised, mouth open, is funny, but she laughs before saying, “That’s probably a long way away, but rest assured, your name will be first on the list.”
“Good. Now, get going. I don’t want to tell Jasper you missed your flight because of me.”
Karina reaches forward and wraps her arms around Lavina. It’s good to see her being able to touch someone without flinching.
“Call us when you arrive safely.”
“We will.” I lift Lavina in my arms.
“Put me down, you silly man.” We all laugh. “I’ll go back in and get more old romance novels for Karina if you don’t behave.”
“Urgh! Scout’s honour.” I held my hand up to call a truce.
I open the door for Karina and she gets in easily, considering her body still aches, and she’s laughing at me and Lavina.
“Take care of each other,” says Lavina.
I jog around to the other side of the car and get in next to Karina. She places her hand down in the middle of us and I look at her face then down to her hand. I place mine over hers and smile. My wolf howls with relief that this day has come.
Jasper’s words hang in my mind. “Take each day as it comes.”
Today is the first day of our future. We’re going home.
***
When we touched down in Scotland, Jasper sent a car out to pick us up from the airport. He thought it would be better than seeing a lot of different strange faces before arriving at the pack. This way, neither of us knows the driver and it won’t be awkward.
The closer we get to the pack, the more my heart beats wildly in my chest. I feel sick from the nerves. It feels like a lifetime since I was last here, and although I know I’ll be welcome, it feels like starting all over again.
“Are you okay?” I ask Karina.
“Nervous.” She chuckles.
I’ve come to realise that nerves make her laugh rather cutely. It does something to my body. I come alive when I hear her laugh.
“I think nerves are to be expected. I’m nervous as well. But just know that there’s nothing here that will hurt you. No one will ever allow it.”
We pull into the dirt track. The car bounces ferociously along, and I grab the safety bar for support.
“Is this even a road?” Karina yelps over the bumps.
Just as I’m about to answer, the Alpha’s cabin comes into view. A few people are standing outside it, and I knew Jasper would be there, waiting for our arrival.
“Is it too late to turn around?”
My head turns swiftly to take in her gaunt face. “It’s never too late. Just say the word and I’ll have us out of here.”
The car comes to a stop and I watch her take in her surroundings. She nods as if agreeing with something she’s thinking. “Let’s do this. I’m ready.”
I get out of the car and go around to her side to help her out. The moment I close her door, I hear footsteps behind me. I look over my shoulder to see Jasper and Stracey walking towards us. I’m glad everyone is giving us time and space to get the introductions out of the way.
“It’s so good to see you home, buddy,” says Jasper.
I make sure Karina is standing okay before I walk up to Jasper and pat his back. “It’s good to be home. Jasper, I want you to finally meet, Karina. Karina, this is Jasper.”
I step back to be beside her, but she shocks me when she steps forward and takes Jasper into her arms. I look from Jasper to Karina and back again.
“Jasper, I can’t thank you enough for everything you did for me and Kevin. I…”
Jasper pulls back and holds her at arm’s length. “No thanks necessary. I’m just glad you’re here to give the pack a go. Karina, this is my mate, Stracey. Stracey, Karina.”
“I hear it was you that healed me,” says Karina.
“I had a helping hand with Darcy and Lisa, but I was the first one to help when you came out of the cave.”
“Thank you.”
I’m knocked flying back a few steps when Lisa comes from nowhere and lands in my arms. “Oh my God, Lisa! You’re going to do me an injury one of these days.” I laugh.
“Shut up. I’m so glad to see you home.” She squeezes the life out of me.
Jasper clears his throat. Lisa steps away and turns to face Jasper. “Lisa, this is Karina.”
“You look so much better, honey. It’s good to see you here. I won’t rugby tackle you to the ground just yet.” Lisa holds her hand out to Karina and she accepts it.
“Young Kevin, the wanderer returns,” Carlos says from behind everyone.
Karina jumps back to my side and grasps my arm.
“Carlos.” I fist bump him. “Good to see you. Karina, honey, this is our Alpha, Carlos. Carlos, this is my mate, Karina.”
He holds his hand out to her. “It’s nice to see you. I hope you’ll be very happy here. Any problems, just let me know.”
Karina hesitates. She lifts her hand twice and puts it back down. If you didn’t know Carlos, his height and build would be terrifying.
“It’s okay. I understand. Trust is earned in this pack, and I’ll do all I can to make you feel comfortable enough to shake my hand. I just want to know what he’s got that I don’t.” Carlos points over his shoulder to Jasper and we all laugh. Even Karina smiles.
“I have all the charm,” Jasper jokes.
“He doesn’t look like he could kill me with one hand,” Karina says.
“Honestly, Jasper is the one to be scared of. I’m a big ol’ teddy bear at heart.”
“He’s telling the truth,” says Chardonnay, walking from her cabin.
“This is Chardonnay, the Alpha’s mate.” I introduce Chardonnay and Karina. Chardonnay gets a handshake, but Carlos just laughs it off. We all know why Karina is off with men in general; it isn’t anything against Carlos.
“Where’s Markus?” I ask Lisa.
“He’s with Joel. Come on. Let’s get you settled in. There are plenty of minions that will get the bags.”
I shake my head at my sister and let her pull me and Karina away from everyone. It’s clear Jasper heard what she said, because he jumps to get the bags. My sister has everyone wrapped around her little finger, an
d she bloody well knows it.
When we pass our cabin, I halt my steps. “Where are we going?” I ask.
“Not far. Just follow me.” I roll my eyes and play along. She is clearly enjoying herself, because a cheeky grin is plastered all over her face.
“I take it you usually stay in that cabin?”
I can only nod to Karina. Her grip tightens on my arm. I don’t want her nerves to go into overdrive. I want to be the one that calms her.
Just further up from Jasper’s cabin, we stop. Walking out of the cabin are Markus and Joel. They both walk down the steps to meet us. Markus kisses Lisa’s cheek.
Joel pats my back. “Good to have you home, pal.”
“Thanks, Joel. Does someone want to fill me in on what’s happening?” Joel and Markus look at each other and say nothing. I turn to my sister. “Lisa.”
“Okay. We thought you’d want privacy for the time being. This wasn’t my idea. I want you to remain with us, but Jasper thought it might be better for Karina if you had some time and space on your own, so this is your new home. If you don’t like it, you can come home with me now…”
“It’s a good idea.” I break Lisa’s rambling. “You all did this?” I look around at their faces.
“I’m Joel, by the way. Never mind his manners.” He holds his hand out to Karina, and I start to explain she won’t touch him, but then she takes his offered hand. Carlos would love that. I smile.
“I’ve heard all about you, Joel.”
“All good I hope.” He winks.
“It’s a pity he isn’t that nice to his own soulmate,” snipes Lisa.
“Don’t start. I’m out of here. If you need anything, just give me a shout. It’s good to have you home, Karina.”
Before I can say anything, Joel leaves us.
“You can’t help yourself, can you?” Markus laughs.
“Nope. Karina, this is my mate, Markus. Markus, Karina.”
“Nice to meet you, Markus.”
“Likewise. Right, we’ll be next door if you need anything. I hope you get settled in okay.”
Markus pulls Lisa away because she looks unwilling to leave us. Not that I’m surprised.
“Shall we?” I point the way to our new home. It’s a big difference from Lelland and Lavina’s, but as wolves, this is what we have come to know and love.
“Lead the way.”
We enter the cabin. Everywhere is bright and colourful. Cushions line the couch. Pictures and canvases line the walls. Flowers sit in the vase on the table. Yip, I can tell my sister and Stracey have been in here.
“It’s beautiful,” says Karina. “I can’t believe they did all this.”
“We can change anything you don’t like. Anything at all.”
“I love it all.” She walks into the cabin and I follow. The bedroom is much the same. The bed looks inviting after the trip we just did. I think I might sleep for a week now I’m home and in my own surroundings.
Karina runs her hand over the comfort blanket at the bottom of the bed. She’s gone quiet since we entered this room. I know her well enough to know that’s a trait she has when she’s worried or overthinking things.
“What are you thinking about, babe?”
She shakes her head and sits down on the bottom of the bed. “It’s all lovely.” She speaks softly.
“But…” I bend down on my knees and balance in front of her. I take her hands in mine and tilt my head to look at her. “This relationship is only going to work if we’re honest with each other. I can’t help you if you keep things bottled inside. I want to help you, Karina.”
She blushes; she looks adorable. I can’t tell her that, because I don’t want to scare her away with compliments. We’ve got a lot of things to work on, and before this year is out, I’ll make sure she knows how beautiful and loved she is.
“It’s just…” She pulls her hands out of mine and stands to walk over to the window. “I know you’re my mate. I was brought up in a pack, Kevin. I was taught our heritage, what it’s like to have a mate, what happens…” She pauses.
I know where she’s going with this, and I stand up and place my hands on her shoulder. She flinches but doesn’t pull out of my arms.
“Stop right there. I want you to know that nothing will change here. We’ll carry on the way we were in Canada. If you don’t want me to sleep beside you, I can sleep on the couch. I don’t want anything from you, Karina.”
She looks at me over her shoulder. “You’re a wolf, Kev. How long do you think you can abstain from… sex? It’s in our nature. It was in my nature.”
I place my hand up to cover her cheek. Her warm skin makes my heart beat wildly. She leans her head more into my hand as she closes her eyes. “Tell me what you feel now.”
She relaxes a little more. “Safe. Cared for. L-loved.”
“All of the above are what I want to show you. I will never let anyone hurt you again. I will care for you. And I do love you. More than I ever thought was possible. I will give up sex for life if it means I can have you in my life.”
Our eyes dance with each other. Her pupils dilate. Her desire is there, but it’s only understandable that she’s terrified to act upon it.
She leans into my mouth. Her lips stop a few inches away from mine. Her warm breath on my lips sends electrical currents to my dick. I’ve just contradicted myself. I said I’d give up sex for life, but the moment she comes anywhere near me, my body has a mind of its own.
I stand stock still. I want her to control any contact we have. Her soft, warm lips press against mine. Our mouths collide together slowly, and she pulls away quickly. She rubs her lips.
“I will never push you, Karina. Any contact we have is all up to you. When and where is all up to you. I will never instigate it until you’re ready.”
“What if I’m never ready, Kev?”
“Then we’ll cross that bridge when we have to. It isn’t an issue. Your happiness is all I care about.”
I never take my eyes away from her, because I need her to see and hear the truth coming from me.
“We need to do…” She looks at the floor. “To mate. Our wolves won’t be happy otherwise.”
“Again, you’re overthinking. Let’s promise to take things a day at a time. There’s no hurry or pressure. I’m sure we can control our wolves for the time being. Besides, what’s the point in having a sister that has some amount of magical powers if she can’t help on that front? There will always be a way around things. We’ll figure it out. I promise.” I place my lips on her temple and linger there for a few seconds before I pull away. “Why don’t I run you a bath? We can have something to eat and just relax for the day with some movies.”
“Sounds good.” She smiles.
I walk away from her and enter our bathroom. The moment I’m out of sight, I take in a deep breath and let it out slowly. We are strong, independent wolves. We will get over every hurdle in time. I’m sure of it.
Chapter 23
Karina
We’ve been in the camp for two days now, and I have to say, it isn’t as bad as I thought. Since I was used to being a lone wolf for a long time, it’s weird being in the middle of a pack, but it’s good to know that Kevin has people who love and care for him. He isn’t alone here.
With a lot of persuasion, I managed to talk Kevin into going for a short run. He’s been cooped up in here with me since we arrived two days ago, and it isn’t good for wolves. I’m quite happy to be in my little, safe bubble at the moment. I’m content in this cabin, and my wolf is behaving.
I pick up my cup from the coffee table and take it to the sink. I’m startled when a knock on the door sounds and it opens. A large man pokes his head around the door. I quickly move into the living area.
“Sorry. The door sprung open.” He holds his hands up in front of him as he steps into the cabin.
My heart is pounding. My head is spinning. My hearing and vision is going in and out of focus. My flight mode is kicking in and I need to g
et out of this cabin.
“Is Kevin here?”
I manage to shake my head. I move to my left, hoping he turns and moves away from the door so I can run. He does just that, and with my bare feet, shorts, and tank top on, I run into the camp. I stumble over my feet, tripping over a rock. I see people moving about, not paying me any attention, but every way I turn, someone else moves in my line of vision. Then, I run right into something solid. Arms wrap around my shoulders, and when I pull back, I see it’s Jasper. Relief floods my body and I sink into his arms, crying.
“What the hell happened?” I hear Kevin’s voice, but I daren’t take my head out of Jasper’s chest. His arms are still wrapped around me firmly, making me feel secure, keeping me upright. “Karina?”
I still can’t look at him. I don’t want to see anyone looking at me.
“It’s my fault. I knocked on your door to speak with you, but it wasn’t shut properly. Your lady got spooked.”
“It’s okay, Bull. I got this,” says Jasper.
“No! Why the fuck would you think it’s okay? Jasper and Carlos said every member of this pack was informed not to enter that cabin without someone Karina knows or trusts,” yells Kevin.
“I obviously wouldn’t have entered if the door didn’t spring open. Get a grip, man. I meant no harm. I’m sorry.”
“Bull, just go,” says Jasper firmly. “Come on, honey. Let’s get you inside.” I cling to his shirt like my life depends on it. “Kev, grab a blanket. She’s shaking.”
I feel stupid. Is this what my life is going to be like from now on? Will I be terrified of every strange man I come across? Will I freak out and make a fool of myself? The pack must think I’m some crazy chick.
