I glanced over at Augie and my dad once more. They were still sound asleep, and I didn’t want to disrupt them.
“We should go home. Let them sleep.” I pushed myself up, sitting further up in bed.
“They’ll be pissed when they wake up and realize we’re gone, but I won’t argue with getting you alone.” Liam gently grabbed my hand and my waist. “Let me help you. I know you probably feel better, but you’re weak. You haven’t eaten in days.”
At the mention of food, my stomach rumbled.
I covered my mouth as I laughed. “Maybe we can stop by the kitchen first?”
“Anything you want, mate.”
I slid off the bed and into Liam’s arms. As we walked toward the door, Augie surprised us.
“You both are horrible at being quiet.”
I jumped. “How long have you been awake?”
“Long enough to hear you mention food. Mind if I join you?”
I couldn’t see his face, but I knew he was smiling. Augie knew I could rarely tell him ‘no’ and apparently, so did Liam.
“Come on,” Liam said.
I opened the door and the three of us headed for the kitchen. I was ushered to a kitchen stool and told to sit while they served me. I had no intention of arguing with them. I glanced at the clock on the stove. It was just after four in the morning, and I was wide awake.
A hand settled on my shoulder and I screamed.
Liam and Augie were poised for attack until they noticed who was behind me.
“Easy, killers,” my dad joked. “I woke up as the door closed behind you. Decided I’d join you even if I wasn’t invited.”
I leaned back into him. “You’re always invited, Dad.”
He turned me around, hugging me tightly. “I’m glad to see you awake, Tay. You about scared me to death.”
“I could say the same to you.”
I felt his chest shake with laughter. “Touché.”
He settled onto the stool next to me as the guys continued to get food out. We gorged on the biggest breakfast I’d ever had and didn’t once mention the fight with Declan. It was a weight lifted from my shoulders that I was more than happy to be rid of.
Soon, we would deal with the fallout, but for the time being, I’d enjoy my loved ones and be thankful I didn’t have to live without them for the foreseeable future.
Two days later, things were beginning to settle into a new normal. Our pack had come home and the shifters who had come to help us had left.
I learned our pack had lost five more shifters, as well as four of the men who were visiting from other packs. We had given them all proper funerals this morning once their families were back. The whole pack congregated together, and we said goodbye as one. It was the largest turn-out I had ever seen, but it was also the largest loss we had ever suffered as a pack.
Caleb and Jamie were still with us. They decided to stay until Sera arrived, then they’d go back to the Catskills together. She was due to arrive any moment. I waited outside the pack house, swaying in the porch swing.
I’d had a hard time being alone in our house after being taken by Sam. I knew the threats were gone, but the memories were still fresh. It would take a while to feel completely safe again.
Liam was with Augie, handling the guards. Our rotations hadn’t faltered. I wasn’t the only one still on edge, and I didn’t mind in the least.
Caleb and Jamie arrived, joining me on the porch. Jamie sat next to me, while Caleb rested against the railing.
“Where’s your other half?” Caleb asked. “I didn’t think I’d see him leave your side for at least a decade.”
I laughed. “I told him to go to work with Augie. At some point, we have to get back to living again.”
“You’re a good woman. My brother is lucky to have you.”
I was taken aback by the compliment. It wasn’t that I didn’t think Caleb respected me, it was just a very mature thing for him to say.
I turned toward Jamie. “Did you tame the child inside? I think that was the most sincere thing I’ve heard him say. Ever.”
She grinned. “His training is coming along nicely.”
He shook his head. “To think, I was getting ready to add, but not as lucky as me. You both are hurting my feelings.”
He wiped fake tears from his face and pouted. Jamie and I paid him no attention.
I heard the crunching of tires coming down the gravel road, so the three of us got up. I texted Liam, letting him know his mom had arrived.
We had offered to pick her up, but she insisted on driving herself, stating she wanted to see the sights. I was quickly learning that their whole family was equally stubborn.
Liam jogged up, joining us as Sera and, surprisingly, Addie exited the car. Hugs went all around and then we headed inside.
“How was the flight and drive?” I asked.
“It was good. I haven’t been to Oregon in years. There’s something special about this place.” She smiled at me. “The people included.”
I was so glad I didn’t have to hate her. She had texted me constantly over the last two days. I enjoyed getting to know her a bit and planned to take full advantage of her few days with us in Raven Point.
As the others settled inside the family room on the couches, Jamie and I went into the kitchen to bring drinks and snacks out. We each had smiles on our faces that felt genuine, without worry hiding behind them for the first time since we met.
Augie and my dad came in through the back door, offering their help.
“Sera brought Addie with her,” I said to my dad. “She is Sera’s right-hand lady, helps a lot in their house. From what Sera’s told me, Addie’s been her rock while her boys were busy with everything else.”
My dad nodded. “The more the merrier.”
Augie hip checked me. “Is she hot?”
I laughed, remembering my thoughts after I had first met Addie. “Actually, she’s just your type except for the fact she lives in the Catskills, so don’t even think about it. You’re never leaving here, and I promised Sera we wouldn’t take anyone else from her pack.”
He rolled his eyes. “Why do you have to be such a downer?”
“I’m getting responsible in my old age.” I shrugged.
He narrowed his eyes on me, face completely serious. “Do not say the ‘R’ word.”
Everyone in the kitchen laughed. Augie only managed to hold his serious face for a few seconds before he joined in.
With food and drinks in hand, the four of us headed into the family room. We set the trays down, and I took a seat on Liam’s lap in the chair. Augie not-so-subtly took the available spot next to Addie with an evil smirk on his face. He was doing just as I asked him not to, but I wouldn’t say anything and ruin the joyful vibe within the house.
Everyone began talking over each other, telling stories or talking about what came next. I leaned my head back onto Liam’s shoulder and enjoyed it all.
I closed my eyes, thinking about my brother and Davis. The moment could only be more perfect if they were still with us, but I could feel their presence and knew they approved. They would live through each of us and we would have our happy ending.
Whatever came next, we would be ready for it, and we would get through it together, as a pack. As a family.
Thank you so much for reading the Raven Point Pack trilogy! You can continue in this world with Shades of Secrecy, a prequel novella, if you haven’t read it yet. Or grab Shades of Vengeance, the fourth full length book in the series.
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Raven Point Pack Series
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About the Author
Heather Renee is a USA Today bestselling author who lives in Oregon. She writes urban fantasy and paranormal romance novels with a mixture of adventure, humor, and sass. Her love of reading eventually led to her passion for writing and giving the gift of escapism.
When Heather’s not writing, she is spending time with her loving husband and beautiful daughter, going on their own adventures. For more ways to connect with her, visit www.HeatherReneeAuthor.com.
Acknowledgments
First and foremost, a massive thank you to husband and daughter who encourage me each and every day to do what I love! Without their support none of this would be possible.
Thank you to my rock star team that has supported me while I wrote this trilogy: Jamie, Bam, Kayla, and so many more! I could write another hundred pages if I named you all!
A special thank you to Jaymin Eve who embraces me for all that I am! You are the jelly to my peanut butter. Stuck together for life!
Most importantly, thank you to my readers who continue to support me on this amazing journey. You are without a doubt the most important piece in all of this! And don’t worry, one day I promise to give Augie his story!
Shades of Deceit (Raven Point Pack Trilogy Book 3) Page 17