“Kirsty will be staying with us and so will Leia.” Kade reached down and patted the Shepherd’s head as she sat patiently beside her owner. “This is important, please ensure Leia is able to roam free but you must make sure she’s safe at all times. Understood?”
Everyone nodded; some of the younger kids itching to come forward but wary of the dog’s imposing size. “She’s friendly and won’t harm anyone, unless there’s a threat to Kirsty. In that situation, she’ll rip a throat out in a second.”
Again, Kirsty looked at him, covering her surprise at his words expertly as he motioned some of the wee bairns forward. “Aye, it’s okay to come play with her. In fact, could you take her and see if you can find the rabbits I told Dara to bring back for her? She’s in need of a good feed and I’m sure you’ll be able to teach her how to tackle her first fully raw prey? Am I right?”
Jimmy Middleton stepped forward, the almost eleven-year-old patting his chest. “I can teach her, Alpha.”
“Thanks, laddie, I’m sure Leia and you will get on just fine.”
Jimmy petted Leia for a moment before leaning down and hugging her tight. “Come on, lass, I’ve got some food fer ye.”
And off they went, Leia yipping and prancing about while Jimmy led the gaggle of excited bairns as they rushed away. Kirsty watched nervously as her dog disappeared. Kade closed the distance between them. “She’ll be fine. I promise they’ll look after her and trust me, she’ll find you when she wants to. Your scent is unique, and she’ll always be able to hone in on your whereabouts, especially here.”
“Thanks, I guess I’m just not used to not having her right here—” Kirsty’s hand hit her thigh before she frowned at him. “Why especially here?”
“Because you’re the only full human in the camp, and trust me, Princess, your aroma is like nothing else on Mother Earth’s planet.”
He watched as her eyes widened, a soft blush spreading across her cheeks before she tore her eyes away asking. “Full human?”
“Yes, we have some . . . unique people here but we can discuss that later, over dinner.”
His acute hearing caught the murmurs as they spread throughout the assembled crowd. Some people were catching on about just who Kirsty was but he didn’t want her hearing it from anyone but him, so he gently took her elbow before addressing the Pack. “Lennox and Dara will put in place some extra measures for now, but I’ll be leading a hunting party tomorrow to ensure our land is clear of rogues. I’ll also contact the Council and alert them to the atrocious acts they’ve committed, but I will not be waiting for any Enforcers. I’ll be hunting these rogues down myself and taking care of them personally. Liaise with the Betas and be ready to leave at dawn.”
Kade nodded at Fraser before leading Kirsty away, heading toward his cabin. He had never been nervous in his life but right now, his insides churned like the river in full flow of a salmon run. What if she didn’t like his home? His people, his camp, his way of life? Bugger it, he felt as nervous as he’d been on the night of his very first transformation. Not even losing his virginity had been this nerve-wracking, his long strides slowing as members of the Pack interrupted them, welcoming Kirsty and giving him quick knowing glances.
She was oblivious as they made their way through the camp, finally arriving at his home. Set back from the rest of the camp, nearest to the road leading into their glen, his pride and joys parked outside. His brand-new Jaguar F-Type and his cherished vintage Norton Commando bike, one he, Lennox and Dara had rebuilt together. Its chrome sparkled as the last of the sun caught the silver that stood out against the scarlet red of the tank.
“Wow, you’ve got a Norton?” Kirsty whistled, stopping to give it the once over. “My granddad used to have one and he’d take me out when I was little. He’d make me loop my hands in his belt to hold on and I wasn’t allowed to tell Mum ‘cause she’d have a fit. I’d wear his helmet and it was far too big for me but it was the only one he had and he’d refuse to allow me to ride with him unless I wore it.”
She shook her head, a faraway look on her face as her fingers trailed along the saddle. “My nan kept that damn thing for years after he died. She couldn’t bear to part with it, not until she got sick and had to move in with us. She had to get rid of many things then and the bike was one of them. I can still remember how I felt when he would take me out. It was magical.”
“I’ll take you out for a ride once we’ve got the rogue problem dealt with.” Kade stepped up behind her, desperate to take her in his arms and pull her back against him.
His longing for his mate grew stronger with each passing second, his desire for her was far more potent than he realized possible. He was thankful when Skye interrupted, her quiet voice breaking the moment.
“Kade, I’m glad you’re home safely. Dinner is almost ready.”
Kirsty spun around looking between Skye and him and back again before her face seemed to close down. Skye’s usual nervousness meant that she did not make eye contact as Kirsty cocked her head to the side staring at his helper. What was going on?
“Skye, this is Kirsty, she’ll be staying with me, together with her dog who is away with the kids just now. I just don’t want you to get a fright when she appears. She’s a German Shepherd and quite large but you don’t need to be scared of her. Okay?”
“A dog?”
