His brow furrowed in confusion. “What about second and third?”
The ache in my chest eased at the question. At the sign that Reid was coming back to me. “Well, we take those ourselves. We’re shifters, and Calan’s a damn good cook.”
Reid’s throat bobbed. “So Calan wasn’t fussing because I’m human?”
I hesitated, not wanting to lie to him. “That’s part of it, but not in the way you’re thinking. We’re wolf shifters, Reid, and our instinct is to protect and care for you because you’re human. That’s how it’s supposed to be.”
“Because I’m weak.”
“Because you’re mortal.” I cupped his face. “Not a single soul inside this house thinks you’re weak. We think you’re brave. You survived the unimaginable, Reid. You were failed by the people who were meant to defend you. Not only were you able to break free, but you’ve built a life foryourself in a community you weren’t raised in. None of us think you’re weak, Reid. You’re one of the bravest men we’ve ever met.”
“Oh god.” Reid cringed as he finally heard what I’d been trying to tell him. “I’ve made a complete tit of myself, haven’t I?”
“No, Reid. Everyone knows why being here is hard for you.”
Reid was sobbing now. It was like a dam had been broken, the emotions of the past few days running free. Hell, maybe even the last couple of months. “But I was so rude to Calan. Everyone will hate me.”
I chuckled. “Sweetheart, Calan’s our enforcer. He deals with rudeness ten times worse on an hourly basis—and that’s just from Logan. I promise, he doesn’t hate you. He’s worried about you. We all are.”
Reid sniffed, using the sleeve of my hoody to wipe at his face. “If I was brave, I wouldn’t have reacted like that.”
“You can be brave and still struggle. No one could go through what you did and just walk away fine. Trauma leaves a wound. You need to treat it, or else it’ll become infected. You can’t just ignore it and hope it goes away.”
Reid gave a watery smile. “Is this your way of telling me I need therapy?”
“It can’t hurt,” I said honestly. “There are supe therapists, so you could see someone who you can be completely open with. Really though, I want you to be kind to yourself.”
“Easier said than done.”
“True.” I hesitated again, hating to ask this question, but knowing I had to. “Did I do the wrong thing in asking you to stay here? Because if this is too much, I’ll take youhome right now. We can stay in your flat, or I can guard you from outside. Whatever makes you more comfortable.”
Reid pulled one of my hands from his face, lacing our fingers together with a sigh. “No. This is where I want to be. Where Ineedto be, I think. You’re right—my past is going to continue dictating my future until I deal with it. I think being here, seeing how you all interact…I think I need that. I’m not saying I’ll always find it easy or that I won’t fuck up, but I need to try.”
“Okay, but if you change your mind, you just need to tell me.” The floorboard outside my room creaked and I bit back a smile. I should’ve known Calan wouldn’t be able to rest until he knew Reid was okay. “None of us are expecting you to find this easy, Reid. We all fuck up constantly too, so don’t worry about that. You’ll fit right in.”
Reid gave a groan. “That’s assuming I’ll ever be able to face them. Talk about a monumental fuck-up. I’ve made a complete eejit of myself in front of everyone. How am I going to make things up to Calan?”
A footstep sounded behind me, then Calan spoke, his voice rough. “Ye don’t need to, Reid.”
Reid stiffened, his eyes going over my head. “I’m so sorry, Calan. You were just being kind and I was incredibly rude.”
Calan’s steps drew closer. Not wanting to be perched between them, I stood and took a seat beside Reid on the bed. Sliding my arm around his shoulders, I squeezed gently to let him know I was here. That he wasn’t alone.
“No, you weren’t,” Calan said, showing uncharacteristic gentleness. “I spoke without thinking. I knew what you’d been through and didn’t consider the impact my words would have. I don’t blame ye for reacting how ye did. Yecould’ve stabbed me with yer fork and I would’ve been okay with it.”
His joke didn’t make Reid smile. No, he was wringing his hands. “My trauma isn’t your problem, and I’m sorry I reacted that way. I won’t do it again.”
Calan crouched so that Reid was forced to meet his gaze. “Reid, that’s not a promise ye can make if you’re going to spend more time with us. I guarantee I’ll put my foot in it again, or one of the others will be a bellend. It’s what happens when you’re part of a family.”
I noted his use of ‘family’ instead of ‘clan’ and could’ve kissed him for it. Seeing as that’d probably earn me a punch, I’d buy him a new dagger instead.
Reid’s trembling eased. “But I’m not family.”
Calan winked at me as he stood. “Aye, yer right. Forgive me. But we’ll treat ye as such while yer here. It’s what we’d do with any guest.”
“Thank you,” Reid said quietly. “I’m not sure what I’ve done to deserve your kindness, but I appreciate it all the same.”
The same pain that splintered my heart flickered over Calan’s face. “Everyone deserves kindness, Reid.”
