We finally managed to actually wash ourselves and get out of the shower. I wrapped her in a towel and dried her off gently, taking my time, memorizing every inch of her. Then we got dressed and headed downstairs.
“I’m starving,” Lina announced as we entered the kitchen. “What do we have for breakfast?”
I opened the fridge and surveyed the options. “Eggs? Bacon? I could make pancakes.”
“Pancakes sound amazing.”
I was reaching for the flour when a knock sounded at the door.
We both froze, exchanging a look. It was early. Too early for casual visitors. And with everything that had been happening, unexpected knocks weren’t exactly welcome.
“Stay here,” I said quietly.
Lina nodded, her eyes alert.
I moved toward the door slowly, my claws extending without conscious thought. My wolf was on edge, ready to defend our territory, our mate. I reached the door and paused, scenting the air.
The smell was familiar. Not a threat.
I frowned and pulled open the door.
“Cole?”
My beta stood on the doorstep, looking exhausted and travel worn. He’d lost weight since I’d last seen him. There were dark circles under his eyes and his clothes were wrinkled and dusty.
“Knox,” he said, his voice rough.
I stepped forward and pulled him into a hug before I could think about it. He stiffened for a moment, surprised, then sagged against me.
“I’m sorry for being away so long when you needed me,” he grunted. “With everything that happened, Lina in the hospital, the threats... I should have been here.”
I held him tighter for a moment, then released him. “You were looking for your son. Never apologize for that.”
Pain and exhaustion flickered in his eyes, the weight of his failed search written across his features.
“Is Lina...?”
“She’s awake. Some of her memories have come back. She’s...” I glanced over my shoulder to where Lina was hovering in the kitchen doorway. “She’s getting better.”
Cole followed my gaze and his expression softened. He moved past me, walking toward Lina with careful steps.
“Luna,” he said quietly. “I’m glad you’re okay.”
Lina tilted her head, studying him. I could see her searching her memories, trying to place him. Then recognition flickered in her eyes.
“Cole,” she said. “You’re Knox’s beta.”
He nodded, relief crossing his features. “I am.”
She stepped forward and hugged him, a bit awkward but genuine. “Hi.”
“Hi,” he echoed, his voice thick. He pulled back and cleared his throat. “I’m sorry. For everything. For not being here when you needed protection. For the mess my... for the situation with Mary.”
Lina shook her head. “You don’t need to apologize. You were trying to find your son.”
Cole’s jaw tightened at the mention of his son, grief and frustration evident. He still hadn’t found Mary. Still hadn’t found his boy.
“I came back because there’s something you need to see,” Cole said, his tone shifting to business. “And someone you need to meet.”
