know, Emmitt. Sam and Grey are at the Compound. We won’t stop looking for the answers.
Some of my concern eased at hearing the Elders were gathering at the Compound. Grey wouldn’t let anything happen to Mom.
“Nana’s hoping to find answers at the Compound,” I said. “Another Elder is there waiting for us.”
Michelle nodded and went back to watching the darkness. Using my thumb, I traced small patterns on the back on her hand. Slowly, she started to relax, and laid her head back against the seat.
I shrugged out of my jacket and used it to cover her. It wasn’t for warmth. I was just hoping it would comfort her. Not long afterward, she drifted to sleep.
The drive home was long and tense. I watched the brush and trees along the shoulder, half expecting to see something. But nothing ever appeared.
Hours later, we pulled into a familiar drive. When I’d left years ago, I never thought any other place would feel like home. I glanced at Michelle. I still loved my family, but home was now the woman beside me.
It’s been quiet here. Your father started patrols as soon as I contacted him. Your mom has an apartment ready for you. They’re waiting.
Gravel loudly crunched under the truck’s tires, but Michelle didn’t stir. Would she be up for meeting my parents tonight?
The area before the main building was free of cars, no doubt a courtesy for us. I parked beside Winifred’s car, cut the engine, and opened the door. Michelle remained breathing steadily beside me. She obviously needed sleep. My parents would be disappointed they’d have to wait to meet her, but they would understand.
When I closed the door, Jim was trying to get Aden out of his seat.
“He’s like a noodle,” he said. “Slippery and hard to hold on to when he’s passed out. I bet Michelle will be easier to carry. Want to trade?”
“Not a chance.”
“You’re not going to wake her?” Winifred asked softly, lifting Liam in her arms.
“Not intentionally. If she sleeps though me carrying her inside, it means she needs the rest.”
“Your father called a pack meeting. The pack needs to understand what’s happening. We can’t protect Michelle and her brothers without the pack.”
I nodded as I opened the truck door. Michelle didn’t move, and I was tempted to press a kiss to her temple. Instead, I removed the jacket covering her so it wouldn’t fall.
Sliding an arm behind her back and another under her legs, I gently lifted her out of the truck. Her eyes popped open, and her arms flew around my neck. Lifting her had startled her, but the results were worth it. She was clinging to me.
I closed the truck door and waited for her to register what was happening. She looked around, briefly watching Jim and Winifred carry her brothers inside, before studying our surroundings.
“Emmitt, put me down.”
She sounded determined, but not mad. I set her on her feet.
“I was trying to let you sleep.”
“I know. Thank you.” She reached out and held my hand. “Is this where you grew up?” she asked, looking at the main house.
“Yeah.” I led her to the porch, wondering what she thought of the place but too afraid to ask.
It wasn’t much to look at. The long, two-story log cabin, winged by several outbuildings, encompassed the parking area. Constructed before the 19th century, the buildings had seen better days. Pieces of chinking were still missing here and there from between the aged, roughhewn logs, even though I could see places where some of the chinking was new. A few of the old, single-paned windows rattled in the wind. Mom was constantly pointing out things to fix to any idle, willing wolf. There was just so much of it to do and too few wolves idle. Most were out working, trying to bring in the money needed to support the families here.
I opened the new, oversized front door. Michelle stepped inside and looked around the huge entry. The rugs filled with shoes and the overflowing coat hooks on the walls might look weird to newcomers, but it meant welcome to any wolf ready to shed his fur. Here, a man would find clothes to wear to blend in with humans.
She’s awake, I sent Winifred.
Good. Jim’s coming down to get the bags. Your parents will wait for you.
Following the scent trail of Liam and Aden, I gently set a hand on Michelle’s lower back and guided her further into the room. Tonight would have been easier on her