I shake my head. “You guys smell like nothing. I can tell you’re supernatural, but I don’t get anything other than that. I assumed you were shifters, based on how bulky all of you are, but I honestly had no idea.”
Hal shoves his hands into his hoodie pockets. “Huh. We’ll need to tell Az about that. His illusion’s working a little too well.”
I raise my eyebrows. “Illusion?”
Shifters have magic like all supernaturals. Our magic allows us to change into our animal forms, but that’s it. I’ve never heard of a shifter being able to cast an illusion.
“Yeah. Our kind is… hunted,” Rook informs me reluctantly as he pulls on his undershirt and hoodie. “If we went around smelling like what we are, we’d be killed within the day. Az has an illusion on the whole valor to keep us safe when we leave our lands.”
“Am I in danger?” I really don’t have it in me to care right now if I am, though.
Rook tilts his head back and forth. “As you are, no. You smell like purebred cat shifter. But if you decide you want to unlockthe other side of your abilities, you will be in danger if you don’t join our valor. If you join, Az’s illusion will cover you too.”
“Okay,” I whisper, feeling suddenly overcome with exhaustion. My still-healing body is protesting me being up and about. When shifters get injured beyond what a shift can repair, we usually sleep it off.
Despite how tired I am, I’m too scared to sleep, knowing I’ll have to relive Wren dying when I do. I’m fighting the rest my body desperately needs, but I know I’m not going to be able to do it much longer.
Both Rook and Hal look at me worriedly, like they think I’m going to drop dead any second.
Rook steps up into my space and peers down at me. “You need help getting dressed and packing a bag, dove?”
Despite being so exhausted, I still have some pride left. And I refuse to let them do basic tasks for me when I’m fully capable of it.
Sighing, I shake my head. “I can do it. Just give me a moment.”
Mustering the last of what little energy I have, I walk to my dresser and grab the first pants, undies, bra, and top I find. Slipping into the bathroom, I dress and quickly run a brush through my damp hair. I don’t bother to look in the mirror, knowing I’m not going to like what I see.
When I’m dressed in a plain black long-sleeve tee and faded jeans, I exit the bathroom and make my way to my closet. Grabbing the backpack I’ve had since high school, I take it over to my dresser and fill it with whatever clothes I come across first.
With dressing and packing done, I flop onto the bed to pull on my socks and boots. I was wearing my favorite pair of boots when I shifted, so they’re little more than leather and rubber scraps now. Luckily, I have a backup pair that I don’t love as much, but at least it’s something to wear.
Once I’m all dressed and packed, I realize I forgot to think about something. “How are we getting to your territory? Do I need to gear up to ride?”
“I’d feel better if you weren’t riding right now. I’m still not sure how injured you are, and the last thing we need is you passing out on a bike.” Before I can protest that I’m fine, Rook continues. “Do you have a car? I can drive you back to our place.”
As much as I want to act like I’m fine, I know staying off my bike is the smartest course of action right now. “Yeah, I have a car. But didn’t you ride here?”
He gives me a wry smile. “Yes, but I don’t care about my bike right now. All I care about is getting you home safe. And I want you to have a way to leave if you feel like you need to, so bringing your car is the best option.”
“I can drive her,” Hal offers.
Rook rolls his eyes. “I care about my bike a hell of a lot less than you care about yours, Hal. I’ll drive her, and you guys can ride home.”
Hal looks like he wants to argue before his shoulders droop. “Fine. I’ll make sure everyone else is ready to leave, unless you need anything, wild girl?”
“You can go.” He turns around to leave when I blurt, “And thanks, Hal. For coming tonight. I didn’t know if you’d even answer, and you’ve gone so far above and beyond for me.”
He darts over and wraps me up in a tight hug that makes it hard to breathe. “You never have to thank me for that, baby. I’ll always be here for you, as long as you want me.”
I can’t imagine a world in which I don’t want Hal or any of the guys, really. Other than Azrael, of course. Even then, part of me craves him, despite knowing that caring about Azrael is only going to get me hurt.
But I can imagine many worlds in which they don’t want to be bothered with my drama anymore. I wouldn’t blame themfor cutting their losses, but I’m not sure my heart can take them walking away right now.
When he reluctantly releases me, Hal whirls around and stalks out of the room without another word.
Rook sits down on the bed next to me. He silently watches me for a long moment before he holds an arm out to me, giving me the choice of whether to lean in or not. I collapse against his side without a second thought, soaking up the comfort he’s offering.
“It’s going to be okay, dove. I know it doesn’t feel like it right now, but it will be. I promise.”
