The stronger juveniles, the ones who would grow to be the pack's defenders, were her responsibility. She hated this part of her job, but she had to teach them self-control and respect for authority. It was necessary, if distasteful. She stepped into the small clearing and crooked her finger.
“Give it your best shot, puppy.”
From the corner of her eye, she saw Caleb grab Zach's elbow and hold him still. Caleb knew it wasn't necessary to interfere. Zach would figure it out soon enough. That would have to be dealt with later. She concentrated on the kid.
The fight was short and brutal. In the end, after the third time she'd knocked him on his ass, she stood over him with her hands on her hips. He hadn't got one hit in; she, on the other, hadn't missed one. His lip was cut, his nose probably broken. He held his arm close to his chest, and she knew it was also broken. The crack had been loud in the quiet clearing. He started to roll to his feet, and she put one booted foot on his stomach.
“Don't get up.”
After a second, he nodded. She looked at the juveniles milling around. Time to send for the healer. “Go get Mick.”
When he arrived, he took in the scene in a quick measured glance. “A lesson learned, I hope,” he said mildly to the kid as he kneeled next to him and helped him sit up.
She shrugged. “We'll see.”
She motioned for Jonas to follow her and left. He fell into step beside her while Caleb and Zach brought up the rear.
“Was that because you're leaving?”
He looked surprised. “No. That's been brewing for a while. Teenagers. Not much in the way of brains yet.”
She made a noncommittal sound. “Still. I think it's a bad idea for you to leave right now.
We haven't been vigilant enough in the training of the older juveniles.” She held up a hand to forestall his protest. “I did say
The silence stretched a moment. “We were friends once. I'm not sure exactly how or when or why that changed, and it doesn't matter. The welfare of the pack comes first.” She watched him as she spoke. His expression went from angry to pained to wistful. No, that didn't make sense. She had to be imagining it.
“I'd never do anything to jeopardize the pack.” He turned and gave Zach a look she couldn't read. Almost defiant. She sighed. Pissing contests were not limited to juveniles. “I'll stick around as long as you need me.”
“Good. New training schedules. I want that group so exhausted they can't think straight, much less harass each other.”
He grinned. “You got it, boss.”
After a few minutes, he peeled off onto another path, leaving her alone with Caleb and Zach. A few yards later, another trail veered in the opposite direction leading to Caleb's house.
She took it, ignoring the activity around the place when it came into sight. They were making it habitable again and making good progress. She walked around back where the patio set looked like it hadn't been abandoned for years. Knowing she couldn't avoid Zach's gaze any longer, she looked at him, steeling herself against what she might find there. Rejection? Revulsion?
Zach forced himself to breathe normally while he waited for Liza and Caleb to look at him.
To finally meet his gaze. He'd almost been expecting it, but the wariness that stared back still shocked him. He'd been with Caleb long enough his body language was easy to read—protective—and knew he was more worried about Liza than Zach's reaction to Liza.
He was getting to where he could read her too. Her jaw was clenched. She was stubborn.
And stoic. She fully expected him to reject her. He couldn't deny it was difficult to reconcile the hard warrior woman he'd seen today with the soft loving woman who came apart in his arms at night.
She wasn't what he'd expected. She didn't need his protection, and his wolf side needed to protect its mate. She was just like Caleb. Strong. Smart. Stubborn as hell. But right now she looked worried. A little scared and beaten down. He couldn't stand that look but didn't know what to say. He pulled her into his arms, held tight until she sighed and rested her head against his chest.
“I love you, Liza,” he whispered. “I'm not going anywhere.” Then Caleb was with them, arms embracing them both. It was enough for now. Zach's heart swelled. It was more than enough, the two people he loved most in the world in his arms.
The rest would come later.
Epilogue
Jonas paused at the tree line. It was late afternoon, not quite dusk, and the pack hadn't arrived yet for the celebration. The young ones were gathered, though, around a small campfire and Liza.
She glowed in the fire's light, the swell of her belly easy to see. Soon the next generation of alphas would be born. Twins. Both boys according to the ultrasound and their witch mother. It was considered a good omen, a sign of continued prosperity, and hence the reason for tonight's party.
She was an excellent fighter, a superb paladin, and he knew she'd be just as capable as a mother. He was relieved the jealousy of a year ago had faded to faint longing. She still had no idea that he'd loved her for years.
She was telling the story of Little Red Riding Hood, and he noticed that even some of the older juveniles, those done with training or work, lingered to listen. Why wouldn't they? The story came complete with a magic show.
Despite the magic, it was not the witch version of the tale, something he was too well aware of after the last week. He scowled down at the slight woman by his side.
“Wow,” she murmured. There was awe in her voice, appreciation on her face. “She's very good.”
Suddenly he realized this exiled witch who'd come to them begging for sanctuary was very pretty. Her sexy, curvy body made his heart pound and his mouth water. He stood frozen in place and studied her. Her expression
