"Feeling’s mutual," I muttered too quietly for him to hear.
Ryker shouted down as he reached the canopy, "Enjoy your stupid life!"
This time I raised my voice and called back happily, "I will!"
When the beating of feathers faded into the distance, I turned my attention to Red, who was still in his fox form. I kneeled down to him and stroked his fur, which was slowly deflating.
"Are you okay?" I asked.
Red was still glaring at the sky. He licked his lips. "Fine. Just annoyed that it came to that."
"Forget him. He's gone now and we never have to deal with him again."
He turned towards me, his eyes sparkling, and he licked my cheek.
"Thank you for that fox spit," I said, smiling.
He shifted back to human form as I held him. His hair was a little messed up, but other than that he looked totally fine. I was glad Ryker hadn’t hurt him.
We held each other in silence for a moment as the adrenaline from the event wore off.
"Thanks for standing up for me," Red murmured.
"Don't mention it. What are fated mates for?" I winked. "If anything, I should be the one thanking you. I guess a raven's reflexes aren't as fast as a fox’s." My smile fell. "I knew Ryker was angry, but I never thought he would attack me like that. He was always controlling and manipulative, but never physical. I guess seeing me so happy with someone else pushed him over the edge."
Red's eyes glowed hard as diamonds. "I never would've let him hurt you."
My smile returned. "Just now, when you were fighting him off… you were an alpha, weren't you?"
"You got it." He grinned. "You're a quick learner."
I gave him a quick peck on the lips. "I'm doing my best, becauseyoudeserve the best."
"Ugh." Red groaned, rolling his eyes. "When did we both become such saps?"
I laughed. "Probably the second that we met each other."
17
Red
The run-inwith Ryker soured our desire for further vacation time, so we decided to head back to the grove. My head was a flurry of mixed emotions. On one hand, I was excited to be back with the people I considered family. I had so many exciting things to tell them—the fact that Orpheus was now officially my fated mate, and that we were hopefully expecting a child together—but my eagerness was dampened by the fear of their reaction to my fluidity.
Years had passed, but the stain on my life that was my parents’ horrible reaction still stuck with me like a thorn wedged into my paw pad. It was strange how trauma could mess you up so badly. Even though I knew realistically everybody in the pack was kind, caring, and accepting, and they'd even proven that to me personally, I still couldn't shake my anxiety. There was always that big red what if? in the back of my mind.
"You'll be fine, angel," Orpheus said, putting his hand gently on my shoulder.
We were close to the grove now, taking a break before the final stretch. I could see it in the distance now over the softly rolling hills. That fairy circle of trees had come to represent home to me.
"Yeah," I said distantly.
Orpheus leaned back and examined me. He wasn't pushy, letting me take things at my own pace, which I appreciated. But I also loved that he promised to be there for me when I told the pack. With Orpheus as my mate, I would never be alone. The fear of abandonment I'd carried with me my whole life was slowly being worn down by him, piece by piece.
"Just know that whatever you need, Red, I’m here for you," Orpheus said.
I smiled at him. “I know. Thank you." I found his hand and clasped it. "I don't know if I would be able to do this without you."
He nodded. "You could," he said with certainty. "You're stronger than you think."
