“The Evans brother, Alpha, he was gravely wounded and with that partial shift palaver, well, let’s just say it’s not been easy for him. I think he’ll be here for a few more days before I’ll feel comfortable moving him.”
Relief flooded through him when he realized that he hadn’t neglected one of his Wolves, at the same time as concern at having one of the Evans’ brothers still on his land. “Shit, I’d forgotten about him. Be careful, Lana. I don’t trust any of that lot, especially as their Alpha advised me he’s banishing them because of the trouble they’ve been causing. They’re not going to be overjoyed when they find that snippet of information out. Keep your wits about you and ensure there are guards on him, and any visitors, at all times.”
“I will, don’t you worry. He gives off a vibe that’s just wrong. I’ll do my duty as a Healer, I can’t help admitting that I’ll be happy to see him leave.” Lana visibly shivered, rubbing her hands over her arms. “He’s not right, Shade, definitely not right.”
“Tell me ‘bout it,” Shade agreed. “I’m sure there’s been inter-breeding in that family. Apart from the fact they all look like clones, their scent is . . . off. I’ll be happier when they’re gone. Remind Ash on your way out that I’m unhappy that the Evans guy is still here and I want guards doubled on him, around your cabin, and to add another one here too. I’m not taking chances with Marissa’s safety.”
“As you wish, Alpha, I’ll pass that on.” Lana collected her things and with one last look at Marissa she left him alone with his mate.
Shade went to work moving the bedside drawers and pulling his comfy armchair next to the bed. He wanted nothing more than to lie next to her, take her into his arms and hold her safely in his embrace. At the same time, he worried that she’d waken and be terrified. In a strange room, in bed and being held by a stranger. Not the way he wanted to introduce himself to the woman that meant the world to him. However, he did want to be as near to her as possible, so the armchair situated next to her was as close as he could get. His arm able to reach over and touch her, soothing his beast, his heart, and his soul.
His eyes never left Marissa’s body, ingraining every detail that he could. Those details were limited with most of her body covered by his comforter, but he could spend a lifetime studying her face alone. The freckles that sprinkled across her nose, the merest hint of a small mole on the underside of her chin, her dark lashes that were so long and curled upward without any need for mascara. Those were only a few of her beauty points, and he hadn’t even started on her long auburn locks that held a dozen different shades. Her hair started with dark chocolate, with golden tints, with unusual hues of red working their way through her long tresses.
Shade couldn’t resist running his fingers through her silky mane, longing for the day he’d grasp it in both hands as passion filled her face. He’d ensure to do that often. Shade wanted to give her everything, pleasure in abundance, love in copious amounts to fill her so full she’d never think again of the scumbag father she’d left behind, and of course he would give her anything her heart desired. No matter what it was, he’d do whatever it took to make it happen. Hell, he’d even take her to Disney if that’s what she wanted.
“Hold up,” he mumbled, chuckling at the obscene lengths his mind was going to. “That’s taking things just a bit too far.”
“What is?” Ash asked.
Shade’s head lifted to find his friend leaning on the doorframe, arms and legs crossed. Shade saw Ash’s lips tugging up at the side. “How long have you been there?”
“Long enough to see a miracle happening before my very eyes. It’s wondrous to see you like this, my friend. How is she? Any change?”
“No,” Shade admitted sadly. “She’s just the same.”
“I’m sure she’ll be all right. Lana’s confident she will be and she’s rarely wrong.” Ash stepped inside. “I just wanted to reassure you that I’ve put extra guards at Lana’s cabin, and here, but I’ve also added a couple extra sentries around the camp too. Just in case. We’ve got a precious person here to keep safe and I take that duty seriously.”
Shade gave him a curt nod, emotion thickening his throat. “Thanks, Ash. I know you do. That’s why you’re my Beta and why I gave you the most important job in the Pack. The one of keeping everyone safe, not just me, or now Marissa, but every single person here.”
“Hey, don’t go getting all sentimental on me,” Ash blustered, his cheeks flushing with pride at the complements. “I’m just checking to see if you need anything? Royce and I are going to go and get some food from the mess hall and thought you might want something brought back.”
“Yeah, sure, anything will do so long as it’s hot and a beer would go down well too.”
“Okay, we’ll be about an hour.” Ash glanced at Marissa. “She’s awfully pale.”
“I know, but Lana says she’ll be right as rain once she wakes up and we can feed her up.”
“As soon as she’s awake I’ll get out hunting for some fresh meat for her. There’s nothing like fresh deer meat roasted on the grill to get an appetite going again.”
Shade chuckled. “Ain’t that the truth.”
“Sure is, see you in a bit.” Ash nodded
