While Milo could fall into a pit of despair, he didn’t bother. He didn’t have the time. Lamenting the failure of his mother to prepare him for the future of his gift was pointless. What mattered was finding Haley, bringing her home, and learning from the mistakes that let this happen in the first place.
Weston gripped his fingers and nodded. “We must prepare for the journey,” he said, releasing his hand to stand from his seat. “First, we must find you appropriate clothing. If you are to sleep outside, or travel through the night, you’ll have little time for a change of clothes, and it will be colder at night,” he advised, as Milo pushed his chair from the kitchen counter and stood.
His crutches were by his side, and it was only as he slipped his arms into the straps that he realised he would need to live without them. He couldn’t use his wheelchair or the crutches while travelling, as they were impractical to carry on an extended trip.
Following Weston along the hallway to the main bedroom, it was clear Keon had already started to plan ahead. Warm clothes were scattered across the bed, with drawers sitting half open, and papers strewn across the dresser.
“Oh, for the love of the Mother,” Weston muttered, already moving into the room to begin clearing up.
Milo suppressed a smile and perched on the edge of the bed. “Where should we begin?” he wondered, mentally calculating the variety of clothing Doctor Robell had brought from Dnara. There had been two large duffel bags, but due to the season, Milo didn’t think there were many winter options.
Weston paused at the dresser, carefully laying down the items he held to turn towards the wardrobe. He knew which side Keon had given Milo for his clothing, and the two drawers in the dresser, both of which he examined carefully. “You seem to be in short supply of warm clothing. However, that can be remedied. We already know Keon’s clothing is suitable, and I believe Isaac would be of equal height and shoulder width. For trousers, we may need to consult the seamstresses.”
Suppressing a disappointed sigh, Milo shook his head. “We don’t have time for adjustments,” he reasoned, convinced Keon wanted to leave within hours to prevent the trail of Haley’s kidnapper fading further.
“Yes.” Weston frowned, removing items from the wardrobe to lie on the end of the bed. He added more from the dresser, then rubbed his chin. “Yes, I see what you mean.”
Glancing out the window, Milo tried to think logically about the people in the pack who may be able and willing to supply clothing to fit his stature. As Keon had said before, there weren’t many men of his size. Where he could exchange tops with Keon and Isaac, perhaps with Weston at a push, Milo was sickly thin, and most waistbands wouldn’t suit him, even with the aid of a belt.
Running through a mental catalogue of people he’d met or seen recently, he tried to think about them in terms of comparison. Who were of a similar height, shoulder width, or perhaps leg length, that he could cobble together an outfit from various benefactors?
This would have been far easier if Keon’s plans had been on track. He’d wanted to take Milo to Dnara in the coming weeks to get him properly kitted out for a hard winter, as Thatcherstillhadn’t delivered half of his belongings. Not that Milo lamented the loss of most, but the clothing would have been useful. With Haley missing and the journey too urgent to delay, they had no time for planning.
A knock at the door startled him, and he almost jumped, surprised Callum and Yosi stood outside the bedroom door. “Are we interrupting?” Callum asked, glancing at his mate.
“No. Come in,” Milo called, curious about their arrival.
Callum stepped into the room, but Yosi waited in the doorway. “We heard from Gale that Haley is missing and wanted to help,” he began, still nervous about taking charge of a situation. “Since neither of us are great trackers, Yosi thought we could help pack for the trip. We’ve been on hunting trips, and maybe you could rest while we pack for you.” He stopped, a hesitant smile fading into panic. “If you want. We don’t want to take over, or make you feel useless or anything.”
Yosi snorted, as a smile broke through Milo’s worries.
“That would be wonderful. Thank you.” He would appreciate the help. The last time he’d packed for a ‘journey’ he’d been told to pack everything he owned.
Weston cleared his throat and became the focus of attention. “You boys are quite thin,” he remarked, which could have sounded rude if Milo didn’t instantly follow his meaning. “Yosi, you are the closest. Could you spare winter clothing for Milo? Due to his injuries, his leg proportions are slightly awkward when it comes to borrowing.”
In the doorway, Yosi raised an eyebrow, but shrugged. “Sure. Just trousers, but winter appropriate?” he asked, waiting for Weston’s nod before he relaxed his stance. “Fine. I’ll be back in a few.” The final words seemed to be for Callum, who smiled like he’d thought of the solution.
He really was adorable.
Milo took a calming breath, then distracted them all by asking Callum to help find a backpack from Keon’s collection. A task he took with relish, insisting it needed adjustable straps and lots of pockets. Willing to help, considerate and compassionate, their kindness left Milo speechless.
He shouldn’t still feel surprised that the people of Keon’s pack were different to those he had grown up with. He shouldn’t feel warm and hopeful whenever they proved better people than those who had bullied and tormented him as a child. But no matter how nice, kind, or how warm and welcoming they were, the people of Keon’s pack continued to give Milo hope for the future. Hope his life would be brighter and happier than he could have dreamt. That it would be full of joy, and he could walk down the main street of the village and consider everyone he met a friend, if not as close as family.
Months ago, Milo might have thought this life too good to be too. Impossible, if not ridiculous. Now, the fact this was his life felt overwhelming.
He would do everything in his power to bring Haley back to this pack, where she had the chance of areal, honest, good life. As long as he could bring her home, they could both embrace this new life, with people who were worth calling family.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Keon
FAMILIAR AND COMFORTABLEwith Milo’s telepathy, and aware the mystery man Isaac had seen with Haley may be m’weko, Keon made an unorthodox but logical decision while packing for the trip. Not knowing if the man was part of her kidnapping, or someone who had influenced her to leave, he wasn’t ready to take the risk of using their usual calls and gestures.
Can you share thoughts with the team?he asked, as Milo shifted into his m’weko. His focus was on maintaining his balance, stamina, and safety, while helping them find Haley. Keon would do the grunt work and heavy lifting by carrying their two packs.
I’ll try.He rubbed his muzzle against Keon’s shin and retreated to let Keon shift. Milo was nervous about his first shift in front of the pack, but Keon knew they weren’t the type to judge. Since his m’weko stood twice the height of Milo’s, he was gentle when he nipped Milo’s ear in reassurance.
Clearing his throat in a warning of the interruption, Weston left the living room. “Be careful, Alpha,” he said, holding the pack to let Keon step his spindly legs through the straps. Weston lifted it to his stomach and locked the straps across his shoulders. One tug from a strong m’weko jaw against the strap and it would spring loose, releasing the catch. He waited patiently as Weston offered the second pack, resting it on his shoulders and fastening at his chest. “I’ll take care of the pack. Come home safely.”
