Kate knew Vicki ran a successful company with her cousin, who was also part of Diana’s pack. S&V Retrieval had a decent reputation, and they knew a lot about what went on in town. They’d be helpful in gathering information Eric could use.
Eric turned to Dante. “When you’re better, I want you, Joel, and Wes to come find me. I have a job for you.”
“What about me?” Kellen asked, the only berserker in the clan Eric had left out.
“You’re blood-tied, Kellen. Not true-bonded to us.” A pause. “Will you offer me your loyalty then? Become a true Savage, giving us yourguer, your heart and soul?”
Chapter Twenty-Five
Kellen looked from Eric to Kate, not sure what to think. He’d gotten Jesse shot. She and her pack had taken him in and given him hope, but they’d been ordered to watch over him. He doubted she’d really want him to stay. Not when she looked inside him and saw the real, soft creature that dwelled inside a supposed warrior.
He stared down at her, not sure how to ask for what he wanted. He didn’t think he could face her rejection. Though he’d only been a temporary part of the clan for a few weeks, he’d started to think this could be his future. In Kate, Logan, and Jesse, he’d found a chance at happiness.
But they didn’t know the real him. Though Jesse, Kate, and Logan were nothing like Will or Nev, Kellen couldn’t dispel the fear of what being himself would bring about.
Kate smiled and dragged him down for a kiss on the cheek, killing him with her acceptance, for the man she thought she knew. “Eric, he’s Savage. Can’t you tell? I can feel it. So can Jesse and Logan. We trust him.”
Kellen struggled not to let how much that meant show on his face. He had to keep it together, maintain that aura of toughness and commitment. No fear, no thoughts that he would never be good enough for someone like Kate and her pack.
“You trust him. But does he trust us?” Eric asked.
The room grew silent.
Kellen looked around and saw everyone watching him, waiting for his answer. Dante nodded, as did the others who’d been at the club that night. Dom wore a half-smile. Kate watched him as if he could do no wrong. But Eric studied him, waiting.
“I do trust you to do what’s right for the clan.”But not for me.
“Then kneel and pledge your loyalty,” Eric growled, hisguerburning bright, his blue eyes glowing.
Kate nodded. “Do it, Kellen. Be part of us.”
He took that to heart, ignored the sensible thing, and knelt. Disregarding his worry, he pledged his loyalty to Eric and waited.
Once Eric had accepted his word and hisguer, Prime leaned down behind Kellen, dominating from a position of strength. He shoved Kellen’s shirt aside and bit deep, where his neck met his shoulder.
The bite hurt. Fuck, but Eric had sharp teeth.
Then the bond locked in place, and the blood of the prime mingled with his own, a prize Prime only gave when he found a Ravager worthy.
Kellen felt the entire clan embrace him, his heart to overflowing, as Eric stepped back.
The house and land rang with Ravager howls, a welcome to the clan. To his new family.
It might not be what he wanted, but it was what he needed, so he bowed his head and accepted the many hugs and congratulations. Though they’d survived the recent trauma at Rock Hall, the danger was only beginning.
They’d need all the strength of the clan, and Kellen knew he could help at least by lending his power to his fellow Ravagers.
He stood and received a hug from Dom and the others. Kate, shockingly, remained by his side, keeping one hand in his. As if she had claimed him, he thought wistfully.
Finally, when the furor died down, Prime watched and gave him a satisfied nod. “Kate, can you handle him for now? Kellen, come see me at first light in the morning. I need you to do a few things for me.”
Proud he now had a purpose, Kellen nodded. “Yes, Prime.” Then he let Kate lead him back down the hall toward her suite. Exhausted, overwhelmed, and heartsick at always wanting what he didn’t deserve, he followed her without complaint, wishing only for a good night’s sleep.
* * *
When Kate had tuckedKellen in for the night next to Jesse, she motioned for Logan to come with her. They walked outside, needing space for her discussion.
She told Logan what had happened, and he nodded.
