Safe and well. Goodnight, little mate, Hunter rumbled. The caress of his beast against my wolf’s flank was comforting.
Sleep well, Emmeline Anders, Slade said. I will keep watch over you.
Love you, stalker, I replied, my mumble barely making sense.
There was a deep, echoing purr from his dragon, and I wasn’t going to give up on using that word with him. One day he’d say it back.
I love you, Honey, Talon told me, no hesitation. We’ll see you tomorrow. Sleep for all of us.
Conscious thought vanished as I finally let go, snuggled between my alphas.
My dreams were filled with weird energy as my wolf tried to catch her pack, but there were no nightmares.
“You need some more cream on your tattoo,” Finley told me early the next morning when I got out of the shower. “I also have time to fix those few lines and colors, if you want?”
“When do you have to be at the rink?” I asked, knowing it was a morning game today.
He glanced at his watch. “Not for another two hours, so we have time.”
“Sure, let’s do it, then.”
Thus far the healing process hadn’t been too onerous, and I knew the few tiny imperfections were bothering Finley—even though it looked spectacular to me.
“It’ll be a good way to clear my mind before the game,” he said, flashing twin dimples.
Kellan remained asleep as we headed for Finley’s room.
On the way, I checked in with Hunter, Slade, and Talon.Any updates? Did you get any sleep?
No sleep. We’re focused on searching and returning to you, Hunterreplied, and his beast pressed right against me, both of us struggling with the distance.We might have to backtrack from the origin, which appears to be Silver City.
I couldn’t fault them for being thorough, even though it pained me.Don’t forget your deadline to return home, Alpha.I was only half joking. A desperate need to get all of my pack back together pummeled into my tight chest.
I haven’t forgotten, little omega, Hunter replied, and even in our essence he sounded amused.I’ll keep you updated.
When they pulled back from the bond, I let my beast drift in to semi-block our connection once more, leaving just enough to feel their strong essences.
In Finley’s room, he got everything prepped, and I removed my bra and top. “It turned out even better than I hoped,” he said as he brushed his gloved hand over the current design. “How have your pain levels been? I didn’t pick up much through the bond.”
“Truthfully, it’s not too bad. I’m getting used to the slight numbness. I expect in a week or so, I won’t notice it at all.”
That pleased him, and he hummed thoughtfully. “Excellent. Okay, I’m about to start.”
For the next hour, he finished up the edges, fixed some color and shading, and added extra details to keep his perfectionist heart happy. As he worked, he told me about his life with Kenzo, and how his family had saved him over the years. “You need to come to Kenz’s for dinner one night,” he said, brushing the now familiar soothing cream over the tattoo as he finished up. “His teppanyaki is next freaking level.”
“Tonight?” I suggested. “After the game? We’ll still be in the street at least.”
I felt a surge of happiness from the bear so genuine and deep that I almost cried. It was beyond weird to feel emotions that weren’t my own, and even weirder to be affected by them. But I loved knowing how happy his current life was making him.
“That would be amazing,” Finley said, brushing a kiss across my cheek. “Now, have you decided if you’re coming to our game or not?”
“I’m coming,” I said, not wanting to be here by myself. “It’s a good break from the house, and then we’ll all be back later this evening.”
Along with the rest of our pack. Goddess willing.
CHAPTER 40
EMME
