Wyatt threw his hands up. “I caused one little fire at the Kingdom of Venom mansion, that I was instructed to start by the way, and you won’t let me live it down.”
Rafe snorted. “Do youreallywant to get into all thefiresyou’ve actually started, figuratively and literally?”
“Again, I add, please, god no,” Lola said, dropping her head into Callon’s chest. “I’ve had my fill of male drama. Gage and Katy have left me traumatized withtheirbrand of trouble.”
Callon chuckled as he rubbed her hair then straightened, glancing at the panthers. “We should head back. Taras needs the full story, and the pride will be waiting.”
Gage stretched from his place on the stool, his joints popping. “Katy and I need to go as well. We need to get home before Otto decides to redecorate. Last time he ate a pillow and tried to flush my shoes. Never trust a lizard with abandonment issues.”
Everly, standing close with Nox’s arm around her, spoke up. “Our doors are always open. The Kingdom of Fangs is home to any of you, for anything, any time.”
Roan looked around at the faces in the evening light, warmth pushing out the last of the cold in his chest. “We know. And we might just take you up on it. But here’s hoping for a little less drama.”
They lingered a little longer as if they needed the moments of normalcy, hugging, teasing, and promising to see each other soon. The panthers slipped out one by one, shadows stretching in the fading light. Callon and Lola followed, hands entwined, ready to face whatever waited for them at home. Gage dragged Katy out with a muttered threat about lizards and property damage, Katy tossing a wink over her shoulder. “Behave, you two. Or don’t. Who am I to judge?”
“No one,” Maddie laughed. “From what I’ve heard, you are absolutely no one to judge.”
“They’re just jealous,” Katy winked.
As the door closed, Roan looked at Maddie—her hair catching the last rays of the sun, her smile tired but true. Hereached for her hand, and for the first time in a long time, the world felt just a little bit right.
“Umm,” she smiled. “Where are we going?”
“You two are going to borrow one of our cabins,” Everly broke in. “Not to pull rank on Taras, but after what you’ve been through and what’s been revealed, perhaps you could use some alone time?”
Roan’s eyes held Maddie’s as her cheeks turned a lovely shade of red. “I think that’s a great idea,” he said, trying to sound nonchalant and failing.
She rolled her eyes. “Of course you do.”
Everly and Nox both chuckled.
“Here,” Nox held out a key to Roan. “Turn left when you leave the driveway, follow the road. You’ll pass a lot of cabins but keep driving until you reach the lake and the very last cabin. Stay as long as you need. I’ve already let Taras know.”
Roan felt gratitude for the alpha’s generosity and thoughtfulness. “Thank you.”
“All relationships start at the beginning,” Everly said, her voice soft and full of understanding. “And our relationships are very, very long. It’s important to nurture them, especially when they’re first beginning.”
Roan pulled Maddie towards the door. “You’ve got a wise mate, Nox. Don’t screw it up.”
“I could say the same for you,” Nox parried. “Be safe. And if you need anything, let us know.”
When they were buckled into the car, Maddie immediately started fidgeting.
Roan reached over and placed his hands over hers. “Stop.”
“What?” she asked, her voice an octave too high.
“Stop worrying. Nothing is going to happen.” He was hoping to take whatever anxiety and apprehension she was feeling away. “We’re going to go to this cabin, probably sleep for a week,” hepaused and looked at her, “in separate beds if you’d be more comfortable. And then we’re going to talk. You’re going to learn who I am, and I’m going to learn who you are.”
Her eyebrows shot up. “That’s all?”
He nodded as he started the car and began driving slowly down the path and then towards the cabin. “That’s all.”
Maddie let out a deep breath. “I can do that.”
“Excellent,” Roan grinned. “Then, once you feel comfortable with me, we can go skinny dipping in the lake.”
“That’s it,” she pulled out her phone. “I’m calling Katy and asking her if I can borrow Otto.”
