“We met a few months ago, but the bond snapped into place when I was injured. I wouldn’t be here if for not for her,” Tyler answered.
His mother gasped, her hands covering her mouth as tears pooled in her eyes, and then Lauran was hurtling toward her. Regan wasn’t sure whether to run or cower. In the end, Regan did nothing, and Tyler’s mother crashed into her, wrapping her arms so tightly around Regan, there was no wonder Tyler had cried out in pain when she’d hugged him.
“Oh, my dear girl. Thank you, thank you,” Lauran wept.
Patting her back, Regan looked at Tyler for help, but he only laughed. “Told you it would be fine, didn’t I?”
“Congratulations, son. Though I’m a little worried what this will mean for your standing within Dark Shadow. I presume Bass knows?” his father asked.
“Yes,” Tyler answered. “He does.”
“Oh, never mind that right now, Kevin. What’s important is that Tyler is still with us, and that he’s happy,” Lauran said, releasing Regan from the hug but not letting go of her completely. “Look at you, honey, so beautiful.”
“She is. Mind giving her back?” Tyler laughed.
“Oh sorry,” Lauran said, taking a step back, and patting Tyler’s knee gently. “I’m so happy for you, Ty.”
“Thanks, Mom.” Tyler’s gaze landed on his brother. “Awfully quiet there, Lachlan.”
“I’m just stunned you’ve actually broken a rule.” Lachlan’s cheeky gaze landed on Regan. “You realize he’s the boring brother, right?”
“Dude, you’re eleven,” Tyler said.
“So, I’m still more exciting than you.” Lachlan laughed.
“Be quiet, Lachlan, you should behave a little more like your brother,” his mom scolded.
Lachlan answered with a roll of his eyes, and a wink at Regan.
“Well, I’m gonna have to kick you out guys. Hate to admit this but I’m exhausted and in pain,” Tyler said.
“Of course,” his mom answered, patting his knee again. “We just needed to see you with our own eyes.”
The next few minutes passed in a whirl of hugs and goodbyes, Regan was shell-shocked as she shut the door on Tyler’s family and leaned against it, staring at him. “I was not expecting that reaction.”
“I told you.”
“Yes, but I thought you were just trying to protect me.”
“Come here. I need to kiss you.”
Joy sparked at her core, making its way through her body as she crossed the space between them smiling widely. “I think it’s only just sinking in that I get to kiss you whenever I want to now. No more hiding or waking up alone. Do you know how long I’ve dreamed of that?”
“Probably as long as me,” he breathed, tugging her forward with his one good arm and locking his lips with hers. “I love you, Regan.”
“I love you too.”
Chapter 53
Sitting by the lake her arm around Arne at her side, Katalina watched the hub of activity before her with equal amounts of joy and disbelief. She’d never quite believed this day would come about, that her niggling and pushing would not only convince Bass to take the plunge, but also the rest of Dark Shadow as well. Admittedly, Katalina thought it wasn’t only her who had brought about today. Ironically, Indiana had a huge hand in it, which she felt was the best kind of revenge.
Castor wanted to destroy them, break them apart piece by piece so that their home and the remnants of their pack were easy pickings, yet it hadn’t worked. He’d sowed fear, spilt blood, then burned their homes to ashes. And while mistakes had been made, and fear lingered with the potential danger hidden around the corner, they’d risen out of the ashes despite it all. Dark Shadow hadn’t let him win.
With a hesitant step and cautious hope in their eyes, the Dark Shadow pack had listened to Bass’s speech, heard her added encouragement, and looked over the new plans for the pack with curious gazes. And then, surprising Katalina, almost all had voted in agreement.
She wasn’t naïve; Katalina knew it was going to take a lot more than some shiny new cabins on a new patch of land to solve all their problems, but for now, it was enough. For now, she’d watch the first markers go down, and the first trees being felled, and soak up the happiness as one dream finally came to life.
“So, Katalina, why exactly did you make me gain permission to come here?” Jackson asked as he paused in front of her, looming above her with his arms cross. “I’m not all that fond of asking Bass for favors.”
“Shut up whining and move out of the way,” she answered, batting at his legs. “You’re blocking my view.”
With a huff, Jackson moved and sat down beside her. “Did you really bring me out here so I could watch some pegs being hammered into the ground and trees cut down?”
Katalina laughed, bumping her shoulder with his. “I worked hard for this. You’d think a father would be proud.”
The grumpy expression from his face dropped a little, and he wrapped his arm around her, pulling her into his side. “I’m sorry, Kat. I’m being an old grouch, aren’t I?”
“You are, but I’m used to it,” she teased.
“I am proud of you,” he added.
“Good.” She smiled. “But I didn’t bring you here for praise. I brought you here to hopefully cure a bit of your grumpiness… if that’s even possible.” Katalina jumped to her feet, Arne also getting up.
“What are you talking about?” Jackson grumbled.
“Get up and come see.”
With a roll of his eyes, Jackson obeyed and they walked across the wide clearing together, passed the workers setting out the markers for where the new homes would be built and beyond the area where trees where currently being chopped down for wood.
“All this area is being cleared,” Katalina said as she wove through the trees, turning in circles, spreading her arms wide and smiling. “A clear run from Dark Shadow to River Run.”
“I know this, Kat. I had to approve it remember.”
“Hang on, I’m getting there. Indulge me, will you?” Arne barked and jumped around in circles. “See, Arne gets it.”
Jackson laughed. “Your craziness is infectious. I’ll give you that.”
“It’s important to me to have a path from both packs because both have a place in my heart.”
Jackson smiled and made an unexpected leap forward, pulling her into a hug. “You have a big heart, my girl,” he murmured, placing a kiss on her head.
“When I was young,” Katalina continued after he released her, and they began walking again, “I never felt like I belonged. I wandered around with a hole inside of me I never understood, feeling like I was searching for something. For a long time, I didn’t tell my parents because I was afraid they’d think I didn’t love them, that because they weren’t my birth parents, they didn’t mean as much, but they were the best parents—supportive, loving—and they also knew me. I had no choice but to tell them.”
“And what did they say?” Jackson asked quietly.
“My mom said that there were some people in this world who didn’t belong anywhere or to anyone, that they only belonged to themselves, and that for those people, it was okay to not feel like their house was their home, but that maybe one day, I might find a person who would. And she was right. Bass is my home, not Dark Shadow. Bass.” Katalina paused and turned to face Jackson. “We’re here.”
He frowned and scanned the area, his gaze noting the markers she’d had Tim lay out earlier. When he focused on her again, his frown had deepened. “I’m not sure what that has to do with me being here? Though it’s nice to know I chose the right people.”
Katalina took a breath and prepared to deliver the speech she’d rehearsed a few times in her head. “Regan is one of those people. We’ve been talking and she told me how Megan had been her home and when she died, it felt like her home did too and she was wandering lost. But Tyler has filled that hole.”
“Are you telling me to let her go. To let Bass have her?”
“No, becaus
e she couldn’t give up River Run if she wanted to. Like me, River Run holds a special place in her heart. You’re her alpha, not Bass.”
“So then what are you telling me?” Jackson sighed.
Katalina laughed softly at his perplexed expression. “Did you know this spot right here was where they meet?”
“Kat,” he groaned.
“Bear with me. Every night for weeks they’d meet as wolves, not speaking at all, and run the border. This spot means something to them, and it should mean something to the packs. I was the catalyst to change, but Regan and Tyler are our hope for the future. I spoke with Tim and we’ve come up with a house on stilts with a large deck that sweeps over the water, putting this home on both River Run and Dark Shadow.”
“And what’s Bass think to this idea?” he asked with a raised brow.
“Oh, I haven’t told him yet.” She shrugged. “I find the two of you band together when it’s convenient to you both, and that can be rather annoying.”
“So, what are you asking, Kat? For them to have a house here on both lands or for them to belong to both packs?”
“You already know the answer to that. And it isn’t just me asking, though they’d probably never dare say. Tyler and Regan should be a symbol, not a problem.”
“And the fact I let Dark Shadow have my daughter isn’t symbol enough?” Jackson ground out.
“I’ve already told you, I belong to myself. You haven’t let anybody have anything, where as Ty and Regan would be a true symbol. A true start to a future I think we all want.”
“I don’t know, Katalina. What you’re asking…” He shook his head. “So many lines will be blurred. Do you think Bass will agree?”
She sighed sadly, turning away and walking to the edge of the small stream. “I honestly don’t know. There was a time not so long ago that I’d have said yes. That I thought I knew him inside and out but… I don’t know anymore. After everything that’s happened… I just don’t know. But what I do know is this gesture will get us all back on track.”
“On track for what?”
“Peace? I don’t know, Jackson,” she answered, feeling a little frustrated. “I just know they are hurting, and they need this.”
He came up beside her and put an arm around her shoulder. “And you need this too, don’t you?”
Katalina looked up at him, at her father who at times was a stranger but then they’d connect, click, and she’d see an alternative reality of what could have been, and she’d feel for just a moment not like the girl with no parents. “I guess I do. I’ve accepted I’ve got to change, but I can’t change the very fabric of who I am.”
“And we wouldn’t want you to.” Jackson released her, and Katalina turned and smiled as Bass approached. “Sorry I’m late,” Bass continued.
“That’s okay. You’re not actually. I’m still waiting on Jackson’s answer.”
“On what?” Bass asked, looking between them both.
She smiled. “You’ll see.”
Jackson laughed, shaking his head as he rolled his eyes. “My head says no, but my heart… my heart looks at my amazing daughter and says yes, because why wouldn’t I want a world she sees through her eyes?”
Katalina chest tightened, emotions threatening to spill from her. “Head or heart, Dad?”
Jackson reached out and cupped her cheek, and Katalina closed her eyes as she leaned into the touch. “Heart, Katalina, always go with your heart.”
A tear leaked out through her closed eyes and when she opened them again, Jackson was no longer in front of her but a shadow of a wolf disappearing into the distance.
“What webs have you weaved this time, my winter wolf?” Bass whispered, closing his arms around her from behind and kissing her cheek.
“The best kind. The kind that will make your head hurt and your heart sing.”
“I’m guessing it has something to do with these markers right here?” he asked, waving an arm.
Katalina grinned. “Welcome to Ty and Regan’s new home.”
Bass froze for a second, his arms turning to deadly locks around her. “Do they know?” he finally asked softly.
“No. I thought it would be a nice present to give them at the party to celebrate all the recent matings within our packs.”
“Our?”
“Dark Shadow and River Run, silly.”
“I don’t remember approving a party.”
“It’s happening whether you like it or not,” she said, turning in his arms and kissing him. “I think the packs have suffered enough, and it’s time we acknowledge the love that’s flourished despite that.”
“I think you’re right,” Bass agreed.
Katalina let out a heavy breath, relief washing through her.
“You were afraid I’d say no?”
“I was, yeah.”
He took her face in his hands, staring into her eyes until she felt like he was reaching her very soul. “I know things have been difficult lately, but don’t ever doubt that you know me, Katalina. Don’t ever doubt that you have all of me, heart and soul.”
Katalina’s next words weren’t said aloud. She spoke them with each kiss, each touch, a silent language only the two of them knew—the language of their hearts.
Chapter 54
Two days after Tyler’s parents had visited, Regan walked into the room they were staying in at Jackson’s and avoided looking at Tyler. She’d spent the last hour sparing and received a black eye for her efforts. Turned out she was a little rusty after three years off. Exhausted and sweaty, Regan wanted nothing more than to grab her things and jump into the shower without Tyler noticing the bruise and holding her up.
“How was training?” he asked as she went past his bed.
“Brutal,” she replied, groaning.
“You’ll soon catch up,” he reassured.
I’m not so sure about that. Collecting a change of clothes and her toiletries bag, Regan headed for the door. “I’m just going to shower.” She reached the door, twisted the handle.
“Regan?”
“I won’t be long,” she replied quickly, pulling the door open.
“Regan,” he growled.
Damn it…. Turning, Regan faced him and braced for his reaction.
“What happened?”
She met his gaze. “What happened is I’m way, way behind and can’t keep up with anyone.”
“So, they beat you up for it?”
“It’s a swollen eye, Ty. And it was an accident. I didn’t react quickly enough.”
“And how long were you planning on avoiding me for?” He raised an eyebrow.
“Long enough to shower.” She sighed. “I’m exhausted and sweaty, and frankly, I’d like to sleep for a week.”
Tyler shook his head and smiled. “Go shower then.”
Blowing him a kiss, Regan turned, and made her way to the bathroom. In the end, Regan’s shower didn’t turn out quick at all. Once under the hot water, she didn’t want to leave. It was only when the water began to run cold and she cringed as she imagined Jackson grumbling that Regan hopped out.
“If that’s a quick shower, we need to discuss who’s paying our water bills,” Tyler teased as she reentered the room.
“Sorry, the water felt so lovely. I didn’t want to leave.” Regan padded across the room and lifted herself up onto the bed, shuffling beside him and resting her head on his uninjured shoulder.
“William suggested I train with the youngsters until I catch up.”
“What you need are some one-on-one lessons. Ugh, I feel so useless stuck in this bed when I could be helping you.”
“It’s all right. William is probably right. I wasn’t exactly top of my class before. I was more of the ‘cause mischief and have fun’ kinda student.”
Tyler grinned. “I really wish I’d gotten to meet the rebel you.”
“Well, I’d tell the rebel me to start paying attention.”
“So what did you say to William?”
“Not much
really, but I’m sure he knew I was humiliated as in his next breath, he said I just needed to build up my stamina and then volunteered Mia to run with me daily.”
“She’s your friend. I’m sure she won’t mind.”
“I know… I just feel like a charity case who everyone pities.”
“That’s not how they view you, Regan.”
Regan sighed and let her eyes slide shut. “Maybe. Mia’s coming over in an hour, and I need to find my running shoes before then.”
“What did you have on this morning?”
“Borrowed some, but they were too small and have rubbed my feet.” Regan pulled up her foot to show him the blisters. “I need Band-Aids too.”
Tyler kissed her on the side of her face. “No one said you had to start training right away, babe. I’m sure everyone would understand if you waited a week or two.”
“I need the distraction,” she admitted.
“Well, normally I’d be up for a little distracting, but instead, I’m stuck in this bed feeling like I’m no good to anyone.”
Regan took his hand. “We’re a sorry pair, aren’t we?”
“Yeah, I guess we are.” He laughed. “Want to have a pity party with me?”
Regan laughed. “Sure. There’s no one I’d like to pity party with more.”
Closing the lid on the last box, Regan slid to the floor of the barn and buried her head into her hands. In her heart, she’d known it was coming but she’d held off until she’d searched every one of the boxes that had been placed in Jackson’s barn.
“Regan, what’s the matter?”
Dropping her hands, Regan looked up at Jackson, knowing how pitiful she must look surrounded by half-open boxes and on her knees crying. “I can’t find my running shoes,” she cried, unable to pull herself together.
Jackson joined her on the floor and lifted her into his arms. “We’ll get you new ones.”
“No, you don’t understand. These were Megan’s and I had some of her clothes too and they’re all missing. My mom purposely left them out,” she explained between sobs.
Jackson went very still, then sitting back slightly, he met her gaze. “I’ve left the situation alone because I’d hoped your parents would see sense, but this can’t go on.”
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