“But you are fragile, Ken,” he interrupted, stepping in front of me. His hands gripped my shoulders firmly, pulling me into a controlled embrace that pinned my arms at my sides. “You’re more fragile than we are. One of the new Alphas was moving his mate to his pack, and her vehicle was attacked en route. She’s okay, but many were hurt, and she was held for ransom. She fought hard, Ken**harder than anyone**and was still captured.”
I couldn’t argue with that. Werewolves are physically stronger and more resilient**scientifically proven. And a Luna is the heart of her pack, the source of an Alpha’s strength and vulnerability. But he kept forgetting**I’m not his Luna.
“I’ll be fine,” I muttered, not fully convinced myself.
“Oh yeah? How are the ribs?”
“What…?”
“Don’t try to lie. I felt them crack. I don’t think they’re broken**since you’re still yelling at me**but that’s my point. You’re my sister, very important, and very much in need of the healer.” He squeezed my side, and I winced. “Let’s go.”
“No! I’ll be fine in a couple of days. Healer Gwen gave me something to speed up healing. I’ll be good as new by the time you get back**ready to beat your ass.”
“We go now, or I mindlink Mom.”
I gasped. “Low blow, Jer.”
“Come on, Ken. Let’s get you checked out. Then he can buy us all something to eat**guaranteed to make you feel better.” Tommy chimed in, already packed up and ready to go. We’d been sparring longer than I realized.
Ben handed me my bag. Well, I guess we were going. I followed them out to Jeremiah’s car, knowing if I stalled too long, someone would just pick me up and toss me in like a toy.
At the clinic, the healer confirmed two small fractures. The guys swore to keep it a secret**Aunt Beth got way too protective whenever I was hurt, worse than Jeremiah. Considering the bruises and scrapes I usually had, it was a wonder she let me train with the pack at all. But I think she knew I’d find a way, and the guys**and probably Uncle James**would back the chaos. I’d been taking classes with my mom my whole life, so I wasn’t accident-prone or weak**just human. I just played hard, like I was part wolf myself.
Back at the pack house, Aunt Beth had pizzas lined up for us. Even though Tommy made us stop for burgers on the way back from the healer, the guys dove into the food eagerly.
Aunt Beth came over while Uncle James and Delta Drake carried bags outside.
“We’ll be back in a couple of days, hon,” she said, hugging me tightly, worry clear in her eyes.
“Seriously, I’ll be fine. Besides, I’ve got the boy band to keep me company.” I nodded toward Tommy, Ben, and Jason, who were sitting at the island working on a pizza. “You better go, so I can get over there. You know they won’t leave me any.”
I hugged her again before heading to the island, where I had to swat Tommy’s hand away from the last slice of cheese pizza. He just giggled like a kid.
Suddenly, strong arms wrapped around me from behind, squeezing me tight.
“Love you, Ken. I left a shirt in your room. Just in case,” he whispered in my ear.
“Thanks. Love you too.” I leaned back into him, squeezing his massive arm with my hand.
And then he was gone.
Gone.
Kennedy
“So, the cat’s away. What are the mice going to do now?” Tommy teased with a sly grin.
“This particular mouse has homework to finish, and the Beta gave me something to test over the weekend, so it looks like we’re playing hide and seek,” I replied, watching their faces shift from amusement to surprise. Their shocked expressions made it clear I’d have to fight hard for my freedom.
“Not a smart move, Ken. You heard Jeremiah**he’ll lose it if he finds out we let you roam the woods alone,” Ben quickly interjected, trying to shut down the idea before it even took root.
“Hey, it was your dad’s idea! Come on, Ben, please?” I pleaded.
“No way,” he said firmly.
“Jason, back me up here. It was an assignment from the Beta**you can ask him yourself,” I said, hoping for an ally.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.