“I shouldn’t have interfered,” Milo whispered, tapping his finger to an unfamiliar beat against Keon’s knee. “You’re the Alpha. Who am I to presume I can save you?”
“You’re my mate and the one who will be Alpha if anything happens to me,” Keon reminded him, nudging his chin. “I was stuck. I couldn’t trust myself to knock Vega out without killing him, and I couldn’t let go without leaving him a risk to everyone else. I was trapped, unable to help you. I had to watch you flying in like an avenging angel to save the day.”
Though Milo blushed, Keon wasn’t lying. “I mean it. You’re incredible.” He nipped at his bottom lip and switched to their private mental pathway.If you hadn’t been hurt and tired, I would have whisked you off and begged you to fuck me, he promised, unashamed of admitting it. Milo was damned hot most of the time, but in fierce warrior mode Keon positively salivated with need and desperation.
Keon!he gasped, glancing at the rest of the camp, cut off from their link after Gale’s unfortunate slip earlier.
What?Keon nipped at his lips.You promised. As soon as we get home, this ass is yours,he whispered, reminding him of their plans to celebrate, once in the comfort of their home. Alone. Together.
Milo plucked a kiss from his lips, wrapped his arms around Keon’s neck, and gave no resistance when he wrapped his arms under Milo’s ass and lifted him off the ground, onto his lap.I can’t wait.
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Keon
STEPPING ONTO PACKland, late the next day, came with an intense sense ofrightandhome. With Milo by his side, Keon believed Vihaan finally fulfilled those needs. No longer the place he was unwanted, shunned, and trapped, but a place he was needed, loved, and at home. A place where he had a family.
Milo brushed closer to run his muzzle over his shoulder. A comforting touch, a reminder.
Spotting the guard hut, Keon paused and tipped his head to howl. A polite warning for the guards to let them know their Alpha had returned. He waited for an answering howl and progressed.
They approached the hut, the guards brewing coffee and offering to step outside to let Haley change in private. Keon handed her the backpack Milo had thoughtfully prepared with her clothes, and stepped out with the rest of the team.
Gale shifted, lighting a cigarette as he leaned against the building. Jude crouched by their packs, removing their clothes.
“Anything to report?” Keon asked, dressing in joggers and a T-shirt. He rubbed Milo’s ear, where he hovered at Keon’s side.
The guards exchanged a glance but shrugged. “Beta’s been keeping everyone in line, focusing on the renovations.” Alexandre stroked a stubbled chin and cast an approving glance at Janet, as she shifted from m’weko to human. “Nothing on our end.”
Janet ran a hand through her short, tangled hair, uncaring of her nudity. Keon raised an eyebrow at Alexandre, fully focused as Janet shimmied into tight jeans. Clearing his throat, the second guard gave Alexandre a nudge.
“Ignore him, Alpha,” he said jovially. “He’s been twitchy since he found out Janet met a guy in Dnara. Rumour says he’ll be coming to the pack once his studying is over.”
Interesting. Keon hadn’t heard anything about that, but no one should be forced to explain when it was uncertain. If Janet was waiting for this Vihaan to prove his intentions, by returning to the pack to claim her, she had every right to keep it private. But Keon hoped he’d keep the promise. Janet was not the forgiving type.
Isaac snorted and whispered to his sister as she slipped a tank top over her head, completing the outfit without effort.
“As long as everything is quiet,” Keon said, approving of the rare occurrence when it allowed them to go home and sleep. Looking at Milo, he wondered over his reluctance to shift. “Are you staying like this?”
Milo nipped playfully at his hand, and a wave of warmth slipped through their bond.I have to. Or I won’t make it the whole way.
Nu-uh.Keon crouched and pressed his forehead to Milo’s.You’re in pain, tired, and you spent the last of your energy hours ago. You’re running on fumes,he argued, seeing the signs.I either carry yourm’wekoor you, but you’re not walking home.He chuckled at the wet tongue that grazed his chin.Does that still mean ‘yes’?
Of course, Milo replied weakly.It will always mean yes.
Keon loved having a secret language, not requiring words or interpretation.I love you, mikha.He spared a nip to Milo’s m’weko ear and stood.Will you shift?
Nope.
Okay.He loved how Milo didn’t apologise. He couldn’t last much longer, but he’d done his part, saved his sister, and brought her home safely. He deserved a rest.
When the door to the hut opened, Isaac fell over while tugging on his jeans at the sight of Haley. He scrambled to finish dressing, a flush of embarrassment on his cheeks, as Janet cackled.
The two guards talked with Gale, relaying their report and known incidents. Dressed, the warrior was the picture of laziness, smoking and talking with his usual languid grace. Until Jude tugged a T-shirt on and slipped in between. He whispered in Gale’s ear and placed two hands to his waist. Gale handed his cigarette to one of the guards, and they stepped away to finish their journey home.
“Everyone ready to go home?” Keon smiled at the resounding approval. He crouched to lift Milo, who snuggled against him, the same way he had the first night they’d met. With Milo secure in his arms, Keon started the final leg of their walk.
Haley walked beside him, casting a curious glance at her brother. “Is he okay?”
