“I’m an adult, Nate. One who can help.”
“I know you want to help, but until we understand what we’re dealing with, I’d prefer you to stay put.”
I tossed my icepack onto the island. “You all think I’m so useless.”
“Nikki, I don’t—”
“Yes, you do. All of you do.”
Nate scrubbed a hand down his face. The skin beneath his eyes was marred with such dark shadows that I almost felt bad for picking a fight with him, but I needed everyone to stop handling me with kid gloves.
“Grant offered to carry me home. Has anyone ever offered to carryyouhome, Nate? It’s humiliating; I’m not an invalid for Lycaon’s sake.”
He sighed and then he slung one arm around my shoulders and pulled me in tight, and I let him hug me even though I didn’t hug him back. “I know you’re strong, but you almost died, Nik,” he whispered against my wet hair. “That’s not something any of us will ever forget, all right? But I promise I don’t think any less of you.” When he pulled away, I read the sincerity of all he’d said inside his tired eyes. “And Grant’s a fucking asshole. You better not get back together with him.”
“No worries there. My knee might’ve gotten smashed but not my pride.”
Nate stared down at me a moment longer, and for all my complaining about being coddled, I was incredibly thankful for his unwavering attention.
After he left, I looked back over at Liam. “Sorry about all the Freemont drama. I’m a little sensitive about my shortcomings.”
He shifted on his chair. “What shortcomings?”
I’d heard rumors he was arrogant and aloof, but that’s not the way he was coming off. If I had to describe Liam Kolane, I would use the words considerate and observant.
“Don’t you owe my son a race?”
I was grateful for the abrupt change of topic. “I do, don’t I?”
“Putting it off because you think you may lose?”
That got a laugh out of me. “In all seriousness, I might. Storm’s remarkably fast for such a tiny person.”
I shoveled down the rest of my refried beans while Liam drank his coffee, then got down from my chair. The second the balls of my feet met the gray-and-white kitchen tiles, pain sparked into my bones. If he noticed, Liam didn’t mention it. Didn’t even glance at my leg. Just stood and followed me into the living room.
Upon seeing his father, Storm all but flung himself off Mom’s lap. She helped him down and he speed-crawled toward Liam.
“So, you’re not allowed to stand at the finish line, or I’ll lose for sure,” I said as Liam picked his son up.
Ouch. Here I assumed I’d be more motivating than an inanimate plastic ball.My Alpha’s eyes flashed with amusement while mine flashed with shock.
I rubbed my collarbone. “I just meant . . .”
“I know what you meant.” His quiet words ruffled his son’s hair. “Storm, you know how I told you it was impolite to beat girls? Well, forget about my teachings and show Nikki how Kolanes do it, all right?” He bent over and set Storm on the ground, proceeding to give him a longer pep talk.
I snorted and shook my head, and as I did so, I caught Mom studying me. “I’m going to go see what your dad’s up to.” She got off the couch. “Just call me when you need to leave. And, Nikki, Freemontsneverlose.” She winked.
I smirked as I dropped onto all fours. “Oh, the pressure we’re under, Storm. Ready?”
Liam backed away, smiling.
If someone had told me I’d be racing against a baby toward my Alpha, I’d have asked them what root they’d gnawed on during the full moon. I supposed it was fitting, considering the rest of what was happening around these parts. Life in Beaver Creek had never been boring, but this took excitement to a whole new level.Halfwolves. Near murders.
What could possibly be next?
As though I’d willed more agitation to come our way, Ads and Nash blustered into the house a half hour into my playdate with both Kolanes. This girl couldn’t get a date, but I was good for playdates.
Adalyn’s cheeks were flushed in spite of the chilly temps. “Liam, Nate’s been trying to call you.”
