“You’re the most unconventional Alpha.”
Keon winked at his Beta in gratitude for the compliment, crossing to Milo and cupping his face. “Want to join me, or wait?” he asked, appreciating he might want more time with Haley.
Milo gripped his hand. “With you,” he said, breathy and tired. Happy and sad.
Keon held his hand, and found Haley watching them. “Sleep well, petal.” He kissed her forehead, wishing he’d dared be this affectionate with her before. Maybe if he’dshownher how much she was wanted and a part of their family, she wouldn’t have felt alone, falling for Vega’s lies. The way she smiled, tentative and unsure, proved it wasn’t too late. “Come on, mikha. We’ll get you painkillers and let you sleep.” He held Milo’s hand as he struggled to his feet. Keon let him get his balance, then swept him into his arms.
Time to sleep. Rest. Recover. Focus on the future, not the past.
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Keon
Two Days Later
TIME WAS Acruel mistress. She controlled everything.
Haley, trapped within the four walls of his home, not ready to go outside.
Milo, in bed for two days, under the influence of painkillers and constantly shifting in his sleep to heal the damage done by their travels.
Keon refused to be another prisoner to her constraints. He stayed with Milo, having Weston sit in his bedroom to relay reports and take notes of their adventure. He checked in with his team on the first morning to make sure they’d recovered from their trip, and walked the village for an hour to let people know they’d returned safely.
On the second day, he inspected the barn to visit the exiles and speak with the team renovating the space. Fully functioning apartments inside the barn would take months, adding new housing on the unused land. Life progressed well, exiles using knowledge of human construction sites, studies in architecture or carpentry to help. Everyone pitching in to welcome the exiles and welcome the new growth of their pack.
In his absence, someone had asked the crafting club for new materials for the new homes: blankets, bedding, toys for the children, and new clothing. The book club had donated old books and collected household items from the village. It was uplifting to see his pack living the changes he’d dreamed of when he was in Dnara. He wished his father could see what he’d created.
“Keon.”
He blinked at the paperwork and raised his head at Haley’s uncertain voice. “Yeah?”
“Um.” She inched closer and tugged at her long-sleeved top, a familiar feature of her wardrobe over the last two days, unlike her usual style. “Can Isaac bring the book club over, while you’re out? I know you wanted to show Milo the new house, but…” She hesitated long enough her meaning was clear. She didn’t want to be alone.
“Of course. Isaac is always welcome.” Keon wouldn’t have refused, regardless of whether she was scared. He’d offered to take her to view the Pack-House and its new adaptations, but she wasn’t ready to leave and he wouldn’t force it. “In fact?” He stood from his seat on the sofa and glanced out the front window. “?it looks to be a nice day. Why don’t you take them outside and have a mini barbecue? Isaac’s good with the grill and we have meat in the freezer. You could chop peppers, mushrooms, and onions, add the barbecue sauce Drew sent, and lemon. You’d have amazing skewers. We can make more for dinner.”
The work would give her the house to herself, without scaring her or pushing, offer bonding time with Isaac, distance from the book club girls, and let Haley feel comfortable in her surroundings.
Haley brightened. “Okay. Thanks.” She tucked a strand of hair over her ear as she headed for the front door, voices warning Keon he’d been distracted. Either Isaac was at the door or Haley was talking to one of the guards permanently stationed outside.
She was right, though. He’d promised to take Milo to approve the renovations and she shouldn’t be alone. He’d planned to ask Weston to linger, as a precaution, but could happily send him to have a day off with Leo. A rarity, since he’d seen how badly Milo was affected by the recent journey.
“Hey, Alpha.” Isaac waved, smiling at Keon’s returned wave. “Mind if I hang out until you guys are ready to go?” he asked, polite and thoughtful. Despite the years between them—the same four years between Haley and her mate—Isaac was always respectful to Keon.
“Sure.”
Isaac removed his coat, then sank onto the second sofa beside Haley, showing her a book he’d brought, and explaining why he thought she’d enjoy it. Offering careful encouragement without being pushy.
Glancing at his paperwork, Keon almost laughed aloud. He had a mountain of gossip to share with Drew. Grabbing a fresh sheet of paper, he wrote what he was thinking to add to his next letter, delayed by the recent chaos.
Heybud,
You won’t believe what’s happening. I’ve become a dad to Milo’s sister and…you know, I like it. Her mate is this cute kid, Isaac. He’s smack in the middle of me and Haley, by age, and he legit asked for my permission to hang out with her. Your jaw would be on the floor!
We had a mishap recently, with Haley going missing. She’s home, but she was scared shitless and, honestly, so was I. I haven’t been that scared since Teowulf got sick. I guess she’s the younger sibling I always wanted but never had. She’s a lot like Teowulf, with his spirit and sharp tongue, but this incident shook her and it’ll take time for her to get sassy with me again.
Shit, Isoundlike a dad.
I miss you, but I’m starting to remember why this is my home. They need me and I hope I’m doing good. Stuff to make Vihaan better, safer, and make my pack happy.
