away from them. I hate that we have that in common but a small part of me, that I wish didn’t exist, feels a measure of comfort in it, too. I’m not alone with what I’m dealing with.”
I reach out again, wanting to pull him into my arms, but think better of it and pull my hand back. “That part of you giving you comfort, hold on to it. Don’t let it go. We have to take solace where we can find it. If I can be that for you, I want to. I’ll happily do it. Whatever you need, I’m here.”
Whit looks down at his hands and softly asks, “Can I lie with you?”
I smile. “I thought you’d never ask.”
Sliding back, I give Whit room to move up on the bed. He kicks off his shoes and keeps his back to me when he lies down. While I’d love to see his face to make sure he’s okay, I understand needing some distance. Everything that happened with his mom is still fresh. And I saw my brother for the first time tonight.
Together, Whit and I can face our truths. Face our demons. Maybe we can both make sense of it all. Or maybe the only sensible part of this is that it brought Whit and me closer together.
6
Whitlock
Never in a million years did I think I’d wake up in Camden’s bed. Fate, I didn’t think I’d ever lie down in his bed. But once I did, my mind calmed, my nerves settled, and I was out like a light.
I thought about sneaking out of his room. He woke up before I could put that plan into effect. We went our separate ways. I had to get a shower and get online for my classes for the day. I’m grateful I didn’t oversleep.
That was hours ago. Now we’re walking together as our wolves along the southeast side of the property. Somewhere else out here are other wolves doing the same as us. Looking. Watching. Waiting. Hoping nothing happens.
A white and tan wolf comes over to us with an easy gait. I have a feeling I know what Aries is doing here. We didn’t tell him about Caiden showing up last night. Others heard the exchange. Zion was there. The rumor mill in the pack is strong. I’m sure he heard.
Aries holds each of our gazes then tilts his head in a motion to follow him, so we both do. Down the mountain. Weaving around the trees. Over a few fallen ones. Until we approach Aries’ home. Cassie is at the top of the stairs on the second level with the door open.
The log cabin is three stories with a wraparound deck on the second main living level. The third floor has balconies off the bedrooms. In the center of the roof is a high peak with big windows. We each shift and follow Aries up the stairs and inside the home.
There’s an open living room with warm, wooden floors and black suede couches.
“Sit,” Aries says and takes a seat on one couch while Cam and I drop down on the other. “Whit, can you please put something around us to keep what we say private?” I nod and wait for Cassie to come over and sit next to her mate.
It takes me mere seconds to put us in a bubble of magic. No one will be able to hear us inside here. It’s transparent. We can easily see out. With the pack patrolling, we don’t have to worry about someone sneaking up on us, especially so close to the pack house.
“I’ve heard from others about what happened yesterday,” Aries starts. “No, Zion wasn’t the one to tell me, so wipe that look of irritation off your face, Camden.” I glance over and find him scowling. “I want to hear from the two of you. Tell me what was said.”
We spend the next few minutes repeating what we remember, including me trying to read Caiden’s mind to no avail.
“I’m not angry you didn’t tell me right away. You both needed sleep, but you could have come to me before you went on patrol.” It’s not me he’s staring daggers at.
Cam holds his gaze, not intimidated by our alpha. Some of the pack are. Others are indifferent to his status, though they will heed every single one of his commands. They respect him wholly, but they don’t treat him any differently than the others. Cam is one who I’ve watched challenge Aries