“Eww,” Katalina said a little too loudly. “I did not need to hear that, Bass.”
Following Katalina and Bass, Tyler walked hand in hand with Regan as they made their way through the trees away from the party.
“I hope your plan isn’t to murder us in the woods,” Tyler joked, “Because I warn you, I’m moving a little faster than I was. Can’t lift my left arm above my head like, but….”
“Stop being silly. I’ve something to show you,” Katalina replied, skipping as she went.
Regan laughed softly beside him, leaning her head on his shoulders. “What’s out in the middle of the forest, Kat?”
“You’ll see,” she sang. “We’re almost there.”
Tyler couldn’t help noting they were heading toward the spot he and Regan used to meet. It stirred up old memories and by Regan’s sudden quietness, he guessed it was doing the same for her.
“Okay,” Katalina said, spinning to face them dramatically. “Close your eyes. Bass, grab Regan’s hand and guide her.”
Bass met his gaze, then Regan’s. When Regan held out her hand for him, Bass took it with a smile and gazed at his mate. “You’re incorrigible, my winter wolf.”
She smiled lovingly back, then turned her sights on Tyler. “Give me your hand then, and close your eyes. No peeking.”
“Be careful with him,” Regan warned Katalina, before closing her eyes.
“Promise,” Katalina replied.
Eyes closed, Regan’s hand in his right, Katalina in his left, Tyler took careful steps forward, counting ten before Katalina guided him to a stop.
“Okay,” she breathed, sounding suddenly nervous. “Open your eyes.”
Tyler sucked in a breath, Regan going deadly still beside him. He took in the cabin first, then noted the spot it had been built on. His chest felt suddenly tight, emotions churning inside of him looking for a way out through his eyes.
Regan gasped beside him, her hand going to her mouth. “Is this?” she whispered.
“All yours,” Katalina finished.
Tyler met Regan’s gaze. Her eyes brimmed with tears, the expression on her face one of sheer shock and happiness. “Ours,” she gasped, staring at him.
“Want to go inside?” Katalina asked them quietly.
“Yes,” Regan answered, tugging on his hand as Katalina walked ahead.
There were several steps that led up onto a large porch that swept around to the side, two railings fenced it in, decorated with lights. They paused at the front door, which had been painted green and had a small diamond window in it. Warm yellow light spilled from the glass, welcoming them in.
Katalina opened it and stood to the side. “Welcome home, guys,” she breathed.
“We’ll give you a minute to look around,” Bass added, pulling Katalina to his side. “Take your time.”
Following Regan inside, he closed the door and turned to find Regan who was crying softly. “Did you have any idea they were planning this?” she asked.
“None whatsoever. I’m a little lost for words actually. Katalina must have planned this the moment we were found out.”
“How she got them to agree to this….” Regan shook her head and gazed around. “This is so amazing!”
As they walked in the front door, they were greeted with a door to their left and right and straight ahead opened out into the main living space. Regan opened the left door first.
“Oh my god, we have a bathroom big enough for a tub,” she squealed, jumping up and down. “I can’t wait to have a long soak in it.”
“I can’t wait to watch you have a long soak in it,” Tyler added with what he hoped was a charming smile.
Grinning, Regan walked back out, going this time for the right door. Tyler followed her, enjoying seeing her reactions to their new home. Seeing sheer joy on her face made his chest fill with love. It was surreal to imagine the cabin as theirs, to picture himself and Regan living there. It was almost to good to be true.
The right door was a bedroom, big enough for a double bed, and a wall of storage was on one side.
“You’ve somewhere to hang your clothes now,” Tyler noted.
She opened one of the closet doors. “Kat’s even hung my clothes up that were at Jackson’s. And this is my lamp,” she said, running a hand over the lampshade on the bedside table.
“Shall we see the rest?”
Her smile was giddy. “Yes.”
The rest of the cabin was one big living space, with a kitchen to the right, the center unit being big enough to serve as a breakfast bar as well. The cabinets where white gloss with chrome handles, the bench tops black.
“Well, now I know why Katalina was grilling me on what I’d want in my dream house the other week,” Regan said. “Not once did I think she was planning this.”
On the left of the room were shelves already housing Regan’s books, a fireplace in the center of the wall, and a large corner sofa closest to the front door. Here and there Regan touched a few things that Tyler knew were the things she’d had to leave behind in Jackson’s barn, and then she stopped in front of the large double doors at the end of the room.
Regan opened them and disappeared into the darkness. Tyler heard her gasp, and then he was gasping right along with her. His arm wrapped around Regan as they took in the outside, a large deck went out over the stream, railings all around, strung with lights too. The cabin was beyond anything he could have ever dreamed, and while he would have quite happily lived in his small shabby cabin, Regan deserved far more. And now she had it, and Tyler would be forever grateful.
“We’re on River Run land now,” Regan whispered.
“Yup, and right behind you is a clearing that will lead to the new Dark Shadow,” Katalina said as she and Bass came from around the side of the house and onto the deck. “What do you think?”
Regan ran from his embrace and flung her arms around Katalina. “I love it so much, Kat. Thank you, thank you.”
“Yeah, it really is amazing. I’m kinda lost for words really,” Tyler added. “But thank you, guys. We couldn’t have dreamed something better ourselves.”
“Well, I have been picking Regan’s brain a little, so I hope you don’t mind that everything is in her style,” Katalina said.
“Anything Regan likes, I like,” Tyler replied.
“There’s a bottle of champagne in the fridge if you’d like to toast to your new home?” Katalina said.
“You really do think of everything, huh?” Regan shook her head. “I’m in awe of you, Kat.”
The bubbly was popped and poured and as they clinked their glasses together, toasting him and Regan lots of happiness, Tyler’s eyes stung with the need to cry. It was as if there was so much happiness inside of him it had nowhere left to go. Regan’s joy burned through him from their bond and for the first time since the attack, Tyler didn’t worry about his and Regan’s future. Nor did he fear she’d not be accepted, because they were standing in a gift that meant far more than having a place to call home. It was a symbol of their love, of the bonds between them and the packs their love tied together. It was a gift that said, we accept you, we stand with you, we’ll face the future together. And that, Tyler thought, was the most precious gift that could have been given.
Chapter 64
She’d danced until her feet hurt, smiled until the creases in her cheeks felt like permanent lines, yet there was something missing. The two people who’d been invited but hadn’t shown. She found herself searching the crowd for them as the night drew on. Caught her heart with a hopeful spark that made her feel silly and naïve whenever she imagined it was them. She’d told herself a thousand times they didn’t matter, that they were a part of her past and she belonged in the future with Tyler. But her heart hadn’t quite got the memo.
Regan was ready for home, ready to fall into her new bed in her new home and focus on all the good she had in her life. Glancing at Tyler talking with a group of men across the clearing—some she knew, some she didn’t—Regan
willed him to look at her. He looked content, and Regan felt a little guilty for wanting him to take her home.
His eyes met hers, a small private smile on his lips just for her. She didn’t say anything or indicate for him to come to her, but of course, he knew. He always did, even before the mating bond.
Shoulder pats and handshakes were given out and minutes later, Tyler was walking toward her.
“I’ll be back in a sec,” Regan murmured to Anna beside her.
“No, you won’t,” Anna answered, smiling.
Tyler pulled Regan into a one-armed hug, kissing the top of her head. “Are you ready to go?”
“Yes. Do you think it’s too early to leave?”
“I think we can leave whenever we want.”
“But I don’t want to appear rude, that I haven’t enjoyed myself, because I have. It’s just….”
“I know, Regan. There’s no need to explain yourself to me. If it makes you feel better, we can say I’m in pain.”
“Are you?” she asked, cupping his face and searching his eyes to make sure he didn’t lie to her.
“A little,” he admitted. “I’ve been ignoring it.”
“Well, you shouldn’t be doing that,” she scolded.
“I was having fun. I didn’t want to leave.”
“I’ve had fun too. Are you sure you don’t mind leaving?”
“Not at all. I’m looking forward to trying out our new bed.” His smile turned playful, eyes seductive.
Regan raised an eyebrow. “Thought you were in pain?”
“Not enough pain to miss out on christening our new bed.”
Heat flooded her cheeks, and far deep places. Her reasons for leaving had nothing to do with her absent parents now.
“Let’s go say goodbye,” she suggested, tugging his shirt.
Bidding everyone a good night took far longer than Regan had anticipated. She was showered in hugs and well wishes by people she didn’t even know, but who obviously knew Tyler. Finally, after Tyler’s mother hugged her for the fifth time, she and Tyler were heading over to Katalina and Bass.
“Hey, guys, we’re off,” Tyler said on approach.
“Already?” Katalina moaned. “It’s not even midnight yet.” She had a plate of food in her hand and seemed to be leaning on Bass for support.
“Some of us were on death’s door a few weeks ago,” Tyler pointed out.
“You’re off to bed soon too if you don’t sober up,” Bass added to Katalina sternly, though there was a smile on his face.
“I’m eating,” she replied, waving a sausage roll in the air. “I’ve only had punch. You’d think I’d be less of a lightweight with wolf genes.”
Bass chuckled. “I think the punch was spiked to wolf standards."
Regan surveyed the party. “You’re not the only one a little tipsy, Kat. And thank you again for everything, the party, the cabin…. Seriously, you should go into party planning or something.”
“Please don’t encourage her,” Bass groaned.
“Regan,” Tyler gasped. “Look.” He guided her around, his one good arm on her shoulder, and whispered in her ear, his lips brushing her skin, “Better late than never.”
“Told you my lecture would work,” Katalina said, poking Bass in the side. “Looks like you’re not leaving after all.”
Regan had no idea what to say, or even which emotion rolling through her was most prominent. If anything, she felt numb from overload. Hovering under a tree together, her parents held each other’s hands as they scanned the party, most definitely feeling out of place.
“Come with me,” Regan whispered, taking Tyler’s hand as she took a small step forward.
Her mom spotted her first, a smile lit her face then fell away and was replaced with worry. She nudged her father in the side and whispered in his ear.
“I’m terrified, Ty,” Regan whispered as they approached. Her stomach did flips.
“I’m right here with you. Always.” His hand squeezed hers, and she settled slightly, knowing she’d never have to face difficult situations alone again.
“Mom, Dad…,” Regan said as she and Tyler approached. She wasn’t quite sure what else to say. A part of her was very angry at her parents and she wasn’t sure them showing up was enough to fix the hurt caused.
Her mother’s gaze flickered from Tyler’s to hers, and unexpectedly, she launched herself forward and flung her arms around Regan.
“Oh, honey, you look so beautiful. And look at this place. That Katalina sure knows how to throw a party.”
Regan stiffened with surprise, then her body relaxed, and her arms were going around her mother like they had a thousand times before. “She sure does.” It didn’t matter what had gone down between them. She was Regan’s mom, and nothing could change that.
Her mom released her and then took a step back and looked to Tyler. “We’re really sorry for the way we treated you,” she said hesitantly. “I hope you’re on the mend.”
“I’m getting there,” Tyler said. “Your daughter is taking good care of me.” He smiled at Regan’s mom, then turned his gaze on her father.
Regan didn’t think she’d ever seen her father visibly shrink. She’d always known he wasn’t a dominant wolf but in the eyes of the little girl she’d been, he’d always been a strong man, her protector. Tyler owed her father nothing. He’d done nothing wrong while her father had made mistake after mistake. So, when he stepped forward and offered a hand to her father, she didn’t believe it was possible to love Tyler anymore then she already did. He surprised her daily with his generosity and good heart, yet underneath, Regan knew there lived the nature of a fierce wolf, ready and willing to protect its own.
Regan’s father faltered for only a moment as he stared, stunned at Tyler’s outstretched arm, and then he was clasping it back, shaking his hand and meeting Tyler’s eyes.
“I owe you an apology. Quite honestly, I’m ashamed of my actions toward you and my daughter. I’m not really sure what to say or do to fix what I’ve broken.”
“You already have,” Tyler answered.
And while her father’s words meant a great deal to Regan, there was a part of her that would need more time to forget what had happened. But tonight, she was choosing to focus on the positive. Her parents had come. They’d been the one thing missing and now they weren’t. Her chest hurt from the crowded emotions coursing through her. Tears sprung into her eyes and she did her best to push them away.
“I’m so happy you came,” Regan breathed, and then she stepped forward and hugged her father, and then her mother joined in too.
“We missed you so much, Regan,” her mom sobbed. “You can come home whenever you like. Both of you, of course. We’re so sorry.”
“Actually,” Regan said, stepping back from their hug and linking her arm with Tyler’s. “We’ve got our own place now, a gift from Jackson, Bass, and Katalina. They built us a cabin on the pack’s border. You should see it. It’s so beautiful, Mom.”
“Oh, well… wow. I can’t wait to see it,” she replied.
“You could come over for dinner sometime…. I mean, if you want to of course,” Regan offered, a little afraid they’d say no.
“That sounds good, Regan,” her father replied stiffly, then relaxed a fraction. “Real good. Your mother will love it.”
“Yes,” her mom agreed, smiling broadly.
An awkward silence settled over them and Regan hated how robotic it was between herself and her parents, as if neither of them knew where they stood anymore. She only hoped it would fade with time.
“There’s plenty of food if you’re hungry,” Tyler offered, pointing to the tables near the pavilion.
“Actually, we only stopped by to wish you well,” her father answered.
Regan’s mother took her father’s hand. “Yes, you know your dad, Regan. He’s not exactly a party animal.” She laughed hesitantly.
“That’s okay,” Regan replied. “It means a lot to me that you came.”
A look of guilt slid over her father’s face while her mom fidgeted with her hands nervously.
“Well, we won’t keep you,” Regan’s mom replied. “And we really are happy for you, Regan, both of you.” Her mother’s words settled over her, easing the storm of feelings inside of her.
“Yes,” her father agreed. “I look forward to getting to know you, Tyler.” A few tears spilled down Regan’s cheeks and she shucked in a shaky breath.
“Me too,” Tyler replied.
“Bye.” Regan gave them both another quick hug, fighting back the emotions bursting from her. “See you soon,” she added, her voice cracking.
Regan clung to Tyler as they walked away. The night had been perfect in so many ways, yet an emotional roller coaster, and she felt mentally drained. But as she left the party, it was on a high, and feeling ever so lucky to have Tyler beside her, his steady presence an anchor to the world.
“You’ve been rather quiet since the party. Want to talk?” Tyler asked as he handed her a cup of tea and took a seat next to her on the sofa.
Regan was silent for a minute, taking in all that was around her—all that was hers and Tyler’s. She was quiet, but it wasn’t that she was unhappy. Quite the opposite. It was as if her mind had gone into shutdown to absorb all that had happened over the night, over the course of the last few weeks. It was the first moment she’d had time to stop and reflect, to really let the realization sink in that Tyler was hers and not a secret. That they shared a bed in their own home, she had a kitchen, and a deck that looked out onto the spot that would always be hers and Tyler’s. A spot that reminded her of his patience and persistence, his love that he conveyed even then, with one look from his wolf. Not once had Regan allowed herself to dream she could have it all. Her pack, her mate, and her family. It was too good to be true, and she wasn’t used to the feeling. Of being complete. Of having all the parts of her broken heart healed and together.
“I’m all right, a little overwhelmed, I think. I’d hoped they’d show but never expected it.”
Lost Wolf (A New Dawn Novel Book 4) Page 26