Page 104

Danny

Two days later, I watched from the living-room window as more vehicles began arriving in the late afternoon. Cars, trucks, and motorcycles streamed through the barrier, each one carrying shifters I'd never seen before.

"Impressive turnout," Kaylan observed, joining me at the window. He'd changed but was still in cargo pants and a tee.

"You nervous?" I asked, leaning back into the couch with a grimace. The cubs were making their presence known today, a constant low-level ache in my back and an odd fluttering sensation that might have been movement. At barely two weeks along, it seemed impossible, but then again, nothing about this pregnancy followed normal rules. I'd managed to keep the sickness under control, so that was a plus.

"No, not anymore," Kaylan admitted with a wry smile. "But not for the reasons you'd think. I used to define myself by my title," Kaylan continued, his eyes distant as he watched the arriving shifters. "Sierra Pride heir, future alpha, keeper of traditions. When I thought I might lose it because Phoenix saved my life, I was initially furious. Terrified, really."

I shifted on the couch, trying to find a comfortable position. "And now?"

"Now I realize I was clinging to an identity that never really fit." He turned from the window, his expression thoughtful. "I'm not my father. I don't want to lead through intimidation or rigid adherence to outdated customs. Maybe losing the heir position would be a blessing in disguise."

"That's very Zen of you," I said dryly. "Though I have to ask—what happens to your pride if they reject you?"

Kaylan shrugged. "They'll choose someone else. Probably my uncle Seth, who's in charge of the council, even though the council thinks they are. He's more...traditional than I am."

"Traditional how?"

"He thinks humans are inferior, cross-species mating is an abomination, and that the old ways should be preserved at all costs." Kaylan's mouth twisted. "The truth is, Danny, I'm not sure I want to lead a pride that would reject me for being saved by a wolf. What does that say about their values?"

Before I could respond, Ben appeared in the doorway, his expression troubled. "Danny? There's someone here to see you."

My stomach dropped. "Who?"

"Your brother, Shane," Ben said quietly. "He's at the barrier demanding to speak with you."

Ice flooded my veins. "Shane," I breathed. "Fuck."

Kaylan was on his feet instantly. "Where's Bayer?"

"Integrating Torrel and the bears into patrols," Ben replied. "Phoenix is greeting the arriving alphas. Should I—"

"No," I said quickly, struggling to sit up straighter. "Don't interrupt anything important. I can handle this."

"Like hell you can," Kaylan said flatly. "You're carrying triplets, and dealing with a brother who's apparently toxic enough to worry the pack."

"He's still my family," I protested weakly, although really, I was only entertaining the idea for my mom.

"So are we," Ben said with surprising firmness. "And family protects family."

The simple statement hit me harder than I expected. These people—this pack—really did consider me family. Not just because I was mated to Bayer, but because of who I was.

"What do you want to do?" Kaylan asked gently.

I closed my eyes, weighing my options. I had to see him or he would worry Mom, even though I’d texted her regularly.

"I need to talk to him," I decided, hating that I felt so conflicted. "Just to find out what he wants."

Kaylan studied me for a moment, then nodded. "We'll bring him to the packhouse. And I'm staying with you the entire time."

"I'll get Rhys," Ben offered. "The meeting won’t have started yet, and he can tell if Shane's lying."

"Good call," Kaylan agreed.

I struggled to stand, but Kaylan gently pushed me back down. "You stay. We'll bring him to you."

I sank back against the cushions, frustration warring with the knowledge that he was right. "Fine. But bring him to the porch, at least. I'm not having this conversation through a car window, and I don't want him inside."