Oath Sworn - K.N. Banet Page 0,84

could have managed with the floor, too.”

“No. You’re an honored guest, remember? This is where Shamus, Stacy, and I sleep. Shamus and I because we’re in charge. Stacy because she’s a human playing as a wolf until her Change. Still a little too vulnerable to be left out in the general area.” He walked across the room to the fourth empty cot, gesturing to it. “This work? I can have your stuff brought in from the Explorer soon.”

“Thanks.” I fell on it, leaning on the wall that the cot was placed against. “So. Progress made on day one. This is good.”

“This is very good,” he agreed. “I feel this should be said again. Thank you for coming to Dallas, Jacky. Thank you for helping me with Carey—and even though she was taken from you and you were injured, you’re here. I’m sad our half-witch isn’t here. She could have patched you up.”

“It’s easy to ignore the pain,” I said casually, waving off his words. “I’ll be fine.” I hope. “She talked a lot about you,” I finally said when he didn’t leave immediately.

“Did she? I’m blessed to have her.” He sighed and sat on his own cot, staring at me. “Would you forgive me for being a little weak for a moment? I have to present a strong front for everyone, but…Well, I don’t often get much of a chance to really think about anything anymore.”

“I’m not going to judge you. I’ve had a nervous breakdown or four in the last few days.” I shrugged.

“I was so worried about her when I was getting reports that no one could find her.” He sighed. “I had no idea if she made it out of the city. I had no idea if she was safe. She’s a tough kid, and my sons taught her to use a knife, but…”

“She’s eleven. You had the right to worry,” I finished for him.

“Exactly. She’s a baby. I should have stepped down years ago, honestly. Once I realized I had a human child. Look at what I’ve done to her now.” He leaned over, putting his face in his hands. For a moment, I saw the despairing father that hid under the shell of the Alpha. “And while my pack loves her…they would hate me if I put her before them completely. They need me too.”

“The good of the many versus the good of the few,” I said softly. “Yeah, this is why I’m glad I’m a werecat.” I went with honesty when he looked over. “I don’t give a shit about your wolves. They’re fighters, everyone here is built to fight. This is in our blood, especially wolves. You fight over power with each other all the time. Werecats, we fight over territory, which doesn’t happen that often. Roamers are uncommon.”

“Roamers…you mean rogues.”

“Sort of the same,” I agreed, nodding. “Werecats who haven’t found the spot they want to put roots down yet. Sometimes they see what other cats have and try to take it.”

“Like what’s going on here.”

“Except we don’t put a lot of people in the middle of our problems. When we hire someone, we’re one of many clients. Accountants, lawyers. They have lives and businesses outside us. And we don’t have human children because…we’re not allowed to. No one gets hurt when two werecats scrap over land.”

“Good point.”

“I’m not a wolf, and I’m a young werecat, Heath. I’m just here because I refuse to fail Carey.”

“I know. I think that’s what I like about you. Your intentions are the clearest of any here, even the wolves who are loyal to me. Even clearer than mine.” He rubbed his face. “I want her back and safe, but I can’t screw my wolves while I do it.”

“I know.” I crossed my arms. He likes something about me. How…interesting.

“I’ll get your things,” he said finally, standing up. He walked to the door, then stopped to look back. “Good night, Jacky.”

“You too, Heath.” I yawned as he left, falling onto the cot. The scent of wolf should have kept me up, but my injuries were hurting and the exhaustion was too severe. I was asleep within moments.

19

Chapter Nineteen

When I woke up, I wasn’t alone in the room. Stacy was snoring softly on her cot, something that wasn’t normal for me, but oddly comforting. They trusted me to stay alone in the room with a human teenager. It was an honor, and also made sense, considering I was there because I wanted to save a human girl.

Sitting up,