I had told them we would debrief in the afternoon, after we’d gotten some sleep. They didn’t look relieved to go home—just exhausted and defeated. Exactly the way I felt.
Harris stood on the porch, his jacket pulled tight around himself against the early-morning chill. He straightened when he saw my expression, concern tightening his features.
“Reed—”
“I tried,” I said hoarsely. “It wasn’t enough.”
Harris took me by the hand and led me into the cabin. He sat me down on the couch and I let him.
“I’m sorry,” he murmured, sitting down beside me. He put his arm around my shoulders and pulled me close. “I’m here. It’s okay.”
“Something terrible is happening to her and I can’t stop it.”
Harris’s other hand slid up and down my spine, slow and grounding. He didn’t try to placate me. Instead, he just sat with me in it.
I didn’t speak again. Instead, I let him hold me until the golden light of dawn through the windows gave way to the harshness of day.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN || HARRIS
Iheld my wolf in an embrace and Reed finally relaxed against me, in stages. Through our shared connection, I could feel the weight he carried. It wasn’t only Sally. It was the Algea. The pack. Carrying everything on his back. And I could feel his fear, too. Not just “it’s not enough.” It was his fear thathewasn’t enough.
Hot, clean anger bubbled up in me. It wasn’t directed at Reed, but at the inner darkness clawing inside him. He wasn’t scared, not really. That might’ve been easier to bring him back from.
Instead, he was feeling overwhelmed—and drowning in guilt, too. And I knew those feelings way too well.
“Thank you,” he said, pulling away at last. His voice was thicker than it ought to have been and he shook his head, as if disgusted with himself. “But I shouldn’t have—” He broke off, letting out a long breath. He sounded steadier when he continued, “I should be stronger than this.”
“I don’t need you to be strong all the time. That’s a lot to put on anyone.”
His jaw tightened and his gaze slid to the floor. “I canfeelyour anger, Harris.”
“Look at me, Reed,” I said. And when he did, his eyes searching mine, I added, “It’s not directed at you. I promise.”
He didn’t seem convinced. Which was fair—if I wanted him to be open and vulnerable with me, if I wanted him to trust me, I needed to give him some of that, too.
“I feel helpless,” I admitted. And I found it was easier to say than I would’ve expected. Reed’s eyes widened slightly with surprise and I added, “Because I can feel what you’re going through. And I’ve been to that place—feeling like everything around you is crushing and way too heavy. And the fear you’re not good enough. I’ve been there. But youaregood enough.”
“Even though I haven’t stopped this?”
“No,” I said firmly. “You haven’t stopped ityet. You’re going to be the reason Sally lives through this. You and your pack.”
He went still. “And if I’m not?”
“Then we’d deal with it together. I’ll still be here. We’ll get through it.”
His gaze searched mine and I could see the helpless fury and the grief all knotted together.
“But you’re not done,” I told him firmly, cupping the side of his face. “We’re not done. I’m with you in this, every single step of the way. You aren’t alone. I won’t let you be.”
Something cracked in his expression. It was small and raw, a tiny seam giving way to let me glimpse the pain beneath it.
But then there was a dawning wonder in his eyes, too, as they searched mine. “You’re way too good for me,” Reed breathed, smiling for the first time since he’d stepped through the cabin door. “How do youdothat?”
Warmth spread through me at his words, driving away the last of my anger. “I’m Detective James Harris,” I told him with mock seriousness, smiling back. “I befriend vampires and dance with werewolves. Plus, I’m a pretty damn good shot. You’re basically sitting next to a superhero.”
Reed grinned. “Youarea pretty good dancer. Maybe that’s one of your superpowers.” And then, through the bond, I couldfeel his sudden and desperate need for closeness. For my touch. “Listen, Harris, I need—”
“I know.”
