“Yeah, makes sense.”
“Come on,” Henry said.“A hot shower will help to ease your muscles.”
When he opened the front door, a loud shout sounded.
“They’re home!”It was Levi, and the boy barreled around the corner, almost crashing into Maia.His two white puppies scrambled after him, barking in welcome.Henry scooped up his brother while bracing Maia.A sharp pain darted up her leg, but she bit back her gasp.
“Easy there, Levi.Sit,” Henry said to the puppies.They obediently plonked their butts on the ground.
“What did Doctor Gavin say?”Levi demanded, his brown eyes full of concern.
Maia grinned at his cuteness.“I have stab wounds from the tree and cuts and bruises.Nothing broken.”
“What about your trials?”Levi asked.
A pang of alarm darted her, and suddenly, she wanted to howl.Reaction setting in, probably.She attempted to swallow the knot in her throat before staring mutely at Henry.
“Is everyone home?”he asked.
Levi nodded enthusiastically.“In the kitchen.”
“Give us a minute, and we’ll talk to everyone together.”Henry set down Levi, and his brother scampered away with the puppies chasing after him.
Now that she knew Levi morphed into a wolf, she could see it in his boisterous conduct, yet she’d suspected nothing.The adults had perfected their behavior after years of learning and intermingling with humans.It made her curious about other shifter types.
“Maia,” London said the second they entered the kitchen.“Are you all right?”
“Sore.Bruised.No broken bones, but infection is a concern,” Maia said.“Gavin thinks I’ll be worse tomorrow when the stiffness sets in.”She managed a reply without bawling.
“Your rugby trials?”Jacey asked, commiseration in his expression.
She swiftly glanced at Henry, who read her emotional turmoil and answered for her.
“We’re giving it two days and will assess Maia’s condition before she makes a decision.”
Maia beelined for an empty barstool, scrambling onto it with a pained sigh.Once she’d situated herself, she discovered everyone watching her.“Sorry.I couldn’t stand for a second longer.”
“You should have a hot shower.”Henry crossed to her side.
The adults and Levi continued to observe Maia.
“What?”she demanded finally.“Do I smell as well as look like a wreck?”
Henry rubbed her back in silent commiseration.“They’re worried about your reaction to wolves and leopards roaming the countryside.”
“And a bear,” Levi piped up.
“Shush,” Megan said, a touch of reprimand in her voice.
“It surprised me, but Levi’s chatter makes more sense now,” Maia said.“As long as none of you intend to eat me, I’m good.”She yawned.“I need to sleep.”
Levi chortled.“We don’t eat people.Burgers are much nicer.”
“What he said,” Megan agreed with a twinkle.
“Pleased to hear it.I’m partial to a meat pie, myself,” Maia said.
“Gavin made her take pain pills and others to help ward off infection.”Henry scooped her off the stool and strode toward his suite.“Levi, could you run ahead and open the doors for me?”
