“Yes, she’s gorgeous, but not so sure about the smarts. Licking Wolves isn’t exactly something I want her doing.”
“We’re not all bad.”
“I’m afraid I have a different view,” Kirsty retorted. “Wolves killed my parents and they chased me, obviously wanting to do the same to me. Forgive me if I have a skewed perception of your kind.”
Kade was horrified. Her parents were murdered by rogues, just as his had been, and she’d just been chased down by others. Damn. He had his work cut out here. “I’m sorry to hear that. In fact, I’m disgusted and angry at what you’ve gone through. That piece of shit over there was once a member of my Pack but he was thrown out last year because he wasn’t fit to remain.”
Her head spun to where Gates’ body lay, loathing in her eyes. “Thank you for your help. I’ll just rest up for a bit and then I’ll be on my way and off your land.”
“No!” Kade couldn’t help himself, his voice rising and his hands shooting up, palms out to stop her. “You should come back to camp with us so you can rest and get some food and clean up. Your dog can have a good feed too. I’m sure we can find something for her. I’ll cook her some steak if I need to.”
Kirsty’s eyes dropped, going wide as saucers as she stared at him. He looked down and saw her bag on the ground and his manhood on show. Hell.
“Sorry.” He shrugged, picking up her pack to cover himself again.
“That’s all right,” she replied smirking cheekily.
“So, you’ll come back to camp with us?” he prodded, not sure what he would do if she said no.
She was his mate but she was also human. He wasn’t sure what that meant for her. Was she aware of their bond? Or not? Damn. He would have to tread carefully and not scare her away. Hell, he was terrified he would go all “caveman” on her, throw her over his shoulder, and carry her home.
Somehow, he didn’t think that would go down well with Kirsty. She would probably try to cut his balls off.
She looked around at the carnage, Leia coming over to nudge her hand, whining. Kirsty petted her Shepherd as she looked over at Dara’s and Lennox’s beasts then back at Kade. Her words completely throwing him. “I used to feed her raw but when our supplies ran out, along with my money, I’ve had to give her kibble. It’s rubbish, I know, so if you have anything that’s better, I’d appreciate that. She deserves better than what I’ve been able to provide for her lately.”
Kade saw her weakness: Leia, and pounced.
“I can do that. Does she like rabbit? Whole prey? If so, I’ll get the boys to get some for her on the way home. In fact, I can also get them to teach her how to hunt for herself. That’s if you’re okay with that?”
Kirsty looked up at him, face filthy, stained with dirt, sweat, and tears but she still looked like the most beautiful woman in the universe to Kade. Her eyes almost mirroring the color of their Loch as her eyes met his.
“She loves rabbit but she’s never had one with, you know, fur and stuff. It’s always been skinned and cleaned before she had it. I’m not quite sure she’d know what to do with it.”
“First things first—” Kade stepped closer, desperate to be near his mate, noticing she was smaller than he had first thought. Her head barely reached his chest, forcing her to tilt backward to look up at him. “You’ll come back and stay with us for a while?”
“A while?” she asked, confusion in her voice and written all over her face. Her body trembling at his close proximity.
Kade’s Wolf howled with glee, it appeared his little human recognized him. Maybe not fully, maybe not as her mate, but there was a spark of something in her eyes as she gazed up at him.
“Yes, a while. We need to make sure you’re safe, and the only way I can do that is to have you under my protection with my Pack keeping guard over you, and Leia.”
There, he did it again. Using the love of her pet against her. Low blow, but he would do whatever it took to ensure she returned with him. He needed time to teach her that Wolves were not her enemy and that he, in particular, was anything but.
“Leia?” she asked, glancing at her Shepherd who had wandered away to prance around Lennox and Dara.
“Yes, she wouldn’t stand a chance against a rogue. At least if she’s with our Pack she would be safe, and I’m sure the kids would love her. She’ll be spoiled and well looked after, and as I said, we can teach her how to hunt for herself. That way she can eat properly without costing you a penny. What do you say?”
“Okay, I have to admit I’m tired and Leia’s not had a decent feed in days. If you give me your word we’ll be safe, then yes, we’ll come with you.”
“I give you my solemn oath, Kirsty Carmichael, as Alpha of the Crescent Loch Pack, that you and Leia will always be safe with me and my people.”
“Thank you.”
“Dara, go ahead and grab a rabbit or two for Leia, then get some guards and come back and deal with this mess. On the way home, pick up the packs and make sure there are extra guards on duty until I tell you differently. I’ll see you tomorrow for an update.”
Kade then looked for Lennox who was playing with Leia, his massive Wolf making the Shepherd look like a pup as they scampered around. “Lennox, stop mucking around, there might still be a rogue or two left in the area. Keep your wits about you. We need to get Kirsty back to camp.”
Lennox’s Wolf shook itself, rumbling a soft growl, which Leia appeared
