And Lucas was glad they did. Jackson Forrest, the Alpha of Shenandoah, ran a special program for Lycans who couldn’t control their wolves. He’d been doing it for decades and helped many of their kind, saving them from having to be put down. The months Lucas spent at the ranch had helped him tremendously, and he hadn’t shifted in bloodlust after that. At least, not until recently, when the mages had attacked them and tried to hurt Adrianna.
“I need to get up. Stretch my legs and …” He glanced around. “Is everyone here?”
Austin chuckled. “Of course. Grams and Momma are downstairs with breakfast, and Pa’s out with your Grampa Noah checking the fences. Only Jack still lives here, and Katie lives in San Francisco now, finishing up her PhD.”
“Oh.” It really had been a long time. Katie and Jack had been young pre-teens when he first came here. Now they were both full-grown women.
“C’mon, let’s go see Grams and Momma. I’m sure they’d both be thrilled to see you.”
As they filed out the room and headed downstairs, that feeling of déjà vu washed over him again. The two-story country-style house hadn’t changed a bit, even though it had been over a decade since he’d been here. Even the wooden bannisters felt the same under his fingers, as was the smell. Wood, grass, earth, mixed with the various scents of its residents. When he walked through the kitchen door, it was like stepping back in time, as it looked exactly like it did thirteen years ago.
“Lucas!” Lily Forrest ran over to him and enveloped him in a big hug. “My, you’ve grown so much! I can’t believe you’re here!”
“You’re looking good, Lily.” She must be in her seventies now, but she looked at least a decade younger, though her hair had gone completely white. “I’m sorry I haven’t visited,” he said sheepishly.
“Hello, Lucas.”
He looked to the other person in the kitchen. Jordan Forrest didn’t look like she’d aged at all. She still had the same slim frame, straight dark hair, and laughing hazel eyes. “Jordan,” he greeted as he was once again brought in for a hug. “It’s nice to see you.”
Her smile was warm. “I can’t believe you were the same skinny seventeen-year-old kid who first came to us.”
“He’s definitely all grown up,” Austin chuckled.
“I wish I was here under better circumstances,” he said.
“You’re here, that’s all that matters,” Lily declared. “Zac told us what happened.”
“Don’t worry, we’re going to help you,” Jordan said. “Jackson will make it better.”
“All you need is some fresh air and good, hard work,” Lily said.
“And for you two to stop coddling him,” added a stern voice.
Lucas whipped around to look at the man standing in the doorway. Jackson Forrest looked just as he did all those years ago, the only signs of aging were a new wrinkle or two on his forehead. The tall, hulking man strode forward with the confidence of someone a fraction of his age, and his green eyes were as keen as ever. “Hello, Lucas.”
He grabbed the hand his old mentor had offered, gripping it and pulling him forward in a hug. His wolf recognized the scent and bent its head in respect. This was the Alpha of Shenandoah, after all, and even his broken wolf knew not to cross him.
As they released each other, Lucas glanced at the small figure by the doorway. “Jack?”
“Hey, Lucas? What’s shaking?”
He could hardly believe this girl—woman, he corrected himself—was Jacqueline Forrest. She’d been barely a teen when he got here, and now she was all grown. He smiled to himself as, she hadn’t changed much. She had been a tomboy growing up, preferring the more masculine nickname and wearing pants and sneakers instead of dresses. Now, she was wearing worn overalls, boots, and her long, dark hair was pulled back in a ponytail and hidden under a Stetson hat. A streak of dirt marred her cheek, and she grinned up at him impishly.
“Noah’s still outside. Said he’s going to finish one more row of posts before he comes in for a break,” Jackson said, referring to Lucas’s grandfather. Noah was a Lone Wolf but found his way to Shenandoah a few years ago and stayed ever since.
“Jackson,” Lucas began. “Thank you for welcoming me into your territory.” He’d almost forgotten his manners, though he knew the Alpha of Shenandoah wasn’t much for formalities. “However, I can’t stay. I need to go back.”
Jackson and Jordan looked at each other in surprise. “You know, you’re welcome here anytime,” Jordan said.
“You’re a grown man, Lucas. And soon you’ll be Alpha,” Jackson added. “I can’t stop you from doing what you want. But I hope you’ll consider staying.”
“At least until you’re better,” Jordan said.
Better? The word was like a bitter pill, stuck in his throat. Maybe they were right. He should stay here, far away from New York before he could hurt anyone. Before he could hurt Sofia.
“Are you hungry?” Lily asked, breaking the tension in the air.
“I am, actually.” He hadn’t eaten in almost twenty-four hours.
The older woman’s face broke into a smile. “I made your favorites. Biscuits and sausage gravy.” His stomach actually growled, which made Lily let out a delighted laugh. “I’ll make you a plate now.”
He glanced over at Zac, meeting his gaze. His friend gave him a weak smile, and sat down on the table as Lily fussed over him too. Maybe food would be good. A full stomach would help him forge out his next move.
“Sitting in an office for eight hours a day turned you back into a greenhorn, Anderson?”
Lucas scowled at Austin, who was grinning at him. “Shut up, Forrest. Or I’ll shove this hammer up your—”
“Hold on.” The other man held his hands up. “You’re the one who wanted to help.”
“Yeah, yeah.” He tossed
