fact that you’re loved and you may hurt them because you aren’t sure if you can love them back.” He kissed me softly. “I’d say you’re doing just fine.”
I blinked at him as a blush heated my cheeks. “Well, if you’re going to get all logical on me…” The door behind us opened, and Chann and Shannon walked in, arguing between themselves.
“Pixie!” Shannon cried, hurrying over to hug me. Ian moved back to allow her easier access, and Chann did the same. From the indrawn breaths that were quickly covered by coughs, it was easy to guess exactly what they smelled.
“Ari. Move on.” My tone was flat, and I waved a hand.
Shannon giggled. “Okay then. I take it you’ve had about enough of that.”
“To last a lifetime.” I sagged dramatically. “I didn’t even get a chance to have my cereal.”
“I’m afraid snack time will be further interrupted,” Ian remarked dryly. “I believe they’re waiting for us downstairs.”
I froze, worrying my lip with my teeth. “Enough of that,” Shannon scolded, sliding her thumb over my mouth to prevent my teeth from doing any more damage. “You’re worrying for no reason, love.” Her green eyes were soft as they looked into mine. “I would never put you in a position to be hurt, would I?”
“All of the pups miss you, Tinkerbell,” Chann assured me. “Every single one.”
“If that was supposed to be subtle, you failed miserably,” I remarked dryly, hopping from the counter.
Chann grinned and scooped me up to spin me around. “Why go with subtly? I was just stating the truth. They all miss you. I swear, if Borris wasn’t away with Raff, he would have been up here by now to kidnap you to their rooms before this. The only reason Zelda hasn’t lured you away with cookies is because she’s got her hands full.”
“How is she doing? Has she had better luck reaching Borris?” I still didn’t like Borris and Raff being out of touch. While my friends insisted it was normal, my wolf snarled her displeasure at the pack’s separation. I liked Borris, he had been one of the first to accept me here, and Raff had looked out for me as well. Them being away was driving me slowly insane.
“Come on,” Chann encouraged, tugging on my hand. “She made caramel fudge brownies this morning. If we’re lucky, the pups won’t have eaten all of them.” I laughed, letting him lead me from the study. I could go for a brownie, even if I didn’t want to handle this meeting.
The omegas’ chambers were loud as usual with the pups playing some kind of game that involved lots of running and jumping. It took me a moment to realize they were playing lava, and giggles overtook me. Apparently, that one crossed the werewolf/human divide as they jumped from furnishings to pillows, leaping around the room as we watched from the entryway, the scent of caramel and chocolate hanging in the air. Ian nodded sharply to two large wolves I didn’t recognize, and I realized they must be the bodyguards he had chosen for Luna.
“Beta!” Valerie yelped, nearly toppling off of the pillow she’d just landed on. Little bodies tumbled and froze as they turned to face the doorway. It only took a moment for the pups to come barreling across the room, their game of lava forgotten, to throw themselves at the four of us in pursuit of hugs, kisses, and general affection.
“Up!” Louve demanded, his red hair standing up in spikes, stamping his foot as he tugged at my leggings.
“We waited and waited for you,” Bella told me in a rush, her dark curls tumbling over her face as she breathlessly tried to tell me about her game, with Owein and Rolf chiming in with their own comments and opinions about her stories as I patted heads and shoulders as well as I could in the middle of the bedlam. My eyes tracked to where Zelda held Luna, her blonde hair a curtain over her shoulder. She watched me with her golden eyes as she rested in the woman’s arms.
“Alright now,” Zelda called out. “Why don’t we let them inside before you maul them?” She shooed the kids back, letting us step inside the room. “I’m sure she’ll want to visit for a little bit, but how about we get some treats out first? I know those brownies are ready to cut.” Excited cries rang out as the children ran for the little kitchenette. “You can use my