Apparently, Lizzy did too, because she laughed right along with Kara’s mate. But the worry in her eyes was gone, and that’s what Kara wanted. She wanted Lizzy to know she and Finn were in a safe, judgement-free zone. And they could stay for as long as they wanted. Kara hoped it was a long time, maybe even for good. She finally had her friend back. Kara didn’t know how she’d handle it if Finn wanted to return to his pack and take Lizzy with him.
“That’s a worry for another day,”Nick told her.“Enjoy this time you have with her now. She’s alive and safe. That’s what matters.”
“It’s really annoying when you’re right,”she said, though there was no heat to her words.
“You’re welcome.”Nick pressed a quick kiss to her neck.
“Behave.”
“With you? Never.”
ChapterSeventeen
“It’s so weird to see our pack growing in ways that I don’t think Vasile and Alina ever envisioned. I mean, yes, we have pups being born, but that’s not what I’m talking about. I’m talking about the strays we keep taking in because they’re on team ‘kick evil’s ass.’ But regardless of how they’ve come to be a part of our ragtag team, it’s amazing, and I know our former alphas would be overjoyed. Dammit, now I want to cry because I miss them. I know Alina would be beaming from ear to ear, hovering over all of them as if they were her children. Mother of pearl, I miss that woman.” ~Jen
“Maybe we should check on them.” Jen paced in the office while others sat on various couches, seats, or even a mate’s lap.
“No.” Jacque shook her head. “Alice and Maxim need to bond, and they don’t need our help to do so.”
Jen put her hands on her hips. “Oh really? Because she isn’t a human who was tossed into a horrible situation with a supernatural ass, and so she’s completely mentally healthy and won’t be freaked out at all about having to bite the man she literally just met in person.”
“Damn.” Bethany sat, holding a sleeping Hope. “When you put it like that, even I want to go check on her.”
“You’re the perfect case in point.” Jen pointed at Bethany. “You didn’t have a clue what to do until I gave you some direction.”
“Sexual position coaching isn’t anything close to offering guidance or direction,” Sally said dryly.
Coughed laughs erupted around the room.
“I’m sure they’re fine,” Jacque said. “Alice is older than any of us were when we met our mates. I don’t think she’d appreciate us busting up in there, the way Peri did, to ask if she needed a book to look at.”
“Don’t knock the book, alpha,” Bethany pointed a finger at Jacque. “The pictures were very helpful.”
“Bethy,” Drake growled.
“What?” Her eyes widened. “I’m just telling the truth.”
“Ugh, I hate waiting.” Jen groaned and plopped down on the couch next to her mate. “I feel like all we can do right now is wait. Wait on Celise to pop back up. Wait for Cain to make his next move with those damn hybrids. Wait on finding out whatever it is that’s going on with Jewel,” She pointed to everyone in the room. “And don’t act like all the rest of you aren’t dying to know.”
“I’m nosy,” Myanin spoke up. “I feel no shame for wanting to know.”
“And that’s why we don’t let you out in public much,” Tenia muttered.
Jen snorted. Myanin had really grown on her. Even if she had come into their group with a dubious past, the female had proven her worth many times over.
“You’ll have to rein in your curiosity, Jen.” Fane sat in one of the overstuffed chairs with Jacque on his lap. “I’ve brought in some reinforcements so we can start hunting the escaped hybrids.”
“What reinforcements?” Jen sat up straight.
From one breath to the next, the room filled with people.
Kara jumped up and ran over to Stella, Anna, and Heather, each with a mate attached to them. But Kara didn’t care. She squealed like a child.
“I seriously don’t think I’ve ever heard her make that noise,” Lizzy said. Kara had been sitting next to her. They’d been inseparable from the time they walked into the office.
“It’s the prego hormones,” Jen told her. “Totally turns badass chicks into crying, squealing, eaters of weird crap. The good news is most of those symptoms go away after the ankle biter is born.”
“Good to know.” Lizzy nodded. “Note to self, don’t get prego.”
