Cass and I take the matching chairs opposite them. Cass has his bad leg stretched out, posture relaxed but careful, his cane within easy reach. Warren isn’t with us. He’s pacing the far end of the room with his phone pressed to his ear, voice low and professional as he handles work calls that apparently couldn’t wait.
I gotta be honest, I didn’t think Cass had it in him to actually hand over the reins.
The pack alpha has always handled everything himself, even when it cost him sleep, blood, or bone. Especially then.I honestly thought he’d keep doing it now, injury or not, stubborn enough to grind himself down before admitting he needed help.
But Warren’s been running around all day, fielding problems, and making decisions that would normally land square on Cass’s shoulders.
And Cass is sitting here instead. Leg stretched out. Cane close. Chatting with Beck like he doesn't have a care in the world.
He must have a shit-ton of trust in Warren.
I get it.
I trust him that much too.
“I’m telling you,” Beck says to Cass, all animated, “you do not get to slack just because you’re dramatic about it. Dr. Pace said you need physical therapy three times a week, and that’s what you’ll do.”
Cass gives the beta a heavy sigh. “I’m not dramatic. I’m realistic,” he says. “Three times a week is a little much.”
Tansy listens to the pair bicker back and forth, smiling faintly, but I catch the moment her chest suddenly expands. She turns her face slightly, covering her mouth as she tries to stifle a yawn.
Cass catches it anyway.
His gaze flicks to her, then down to his phone. He checks the time, brows lifting a fraction. “Alright,” he says, before looking back at Beck. “How about you show Tansy her nesting room, before we call it a night?”
Beck brightens instantly, like he’s been waiting an eternity to hear that. “Yeah,” he says, already pushing to his feet. “Come on.” He holds out a hand to help Tansy up. “I’m sure you’ll love it.”
Tansy nods, still blinking sleep from her eyes as she takes Beck’s hand. Then they head for the stairs, Becktalking a mile a minute, talking about light fixtures and nesting pillows.
Cass reaches for his cane, and I’m instantly on my feet, stepping in close, hand half-raised, ready to brace him. But Cass lifts his hand without looking at me, silently telling me he’s got it.
I stop immediately.
The pack alpha grips the cane, plants it, and pushes himself upright on his own. He’s not fast, but he's steady, controlled. He exhales through his nose once he’s fully standing, then rolls his shoulder like he’s loosening something tight.
Only then does he glance at me. “Go on,” he says simply. “You can go with them.”
For half a second, I’m not sure I heard him right.
“Really?”
Cass nods, smiling. “Yeah. You worked hard on that room. You should be there when she sees it for the first time.”
My chest lights up, excitement crashing through me so hard I have to physically rein it in. I nod once, probably too fast, heart already thudding at the thought of seeing her reaction.
“Yell if you need anything,” I say, then race toward the stairs, brushing past Warren and quickly catching up to Beck and Tansy before they reach the landing.
The pair move together closely, shoulders nearly brushing.
Beck’s lithe, little body, all lean muscle and graceful lines, is angled toward Tansy like he’s not quite sure where to put himself. He’s restless, almost vibrating with nervous energy.
Tansy, on the other hand, walks with a quiet grace.She’s still a little unsteady, flushed with post-heat warmth, her dark red hair loose around her shoulders, and her eyes tired but curious. There’s something so elegant in the way her long legs move, her curves soft and generous, a stark, wonderful contrast to Beck’s lean figure.
They’re both so beautiful in very different ways.
“This way.” Beck takes Tansy’s hand and leads her toward the hallway. “We put your nest in the coziest room in the house.”
They pick up their pace, and my nerves instantly flare.
