Chapter 273
Chapter 273
24 – Finn
I slipped out of the SUV, scanning my surroundings cautiously. Something about this place felt off—like a trap waiting to snap shut. Yet, oddly enough, none of my usual warning signals were flashing. My wolf and I have honed a pretty reliable instinct for danger, and steering clear of trouble has always been our top priority. But with Kennedy and Ryker, there’s been something different. Since joining the Dark Moon pack, I haven’t once felt even a flicker of suspicion toward either of them.
“Greta! Finn!” I spun around at the sound of Kennedy’s voice, her figure perched at the top of a ridiculously steep staircase. “Well, don’t just stand there come on up!” She waved us forward, her excitement practically bubbling over.
It felt strange, almost foreign, to be greeted with such enthusiasm. Aside from the pups at Dark Moon, who are always thrilled to see everyone, and Nan-if memory serves-no one had ever welcomed me like this. I usually count on Sammy and a few of the other guys. We fight side by side, silently hoping each of us makes it out alive. We’ve lost people along the way, had to leave some behind, moving on to the next fight, the next location. I couldn’t tell you where those fallen warriors rest or even recall all their names.
“This should be interesting,” Greta muttered beside me, and I felt a surge of irritation.
I’m exhausted from trying. I’ve poured everything I have into getting close to her. I attended every training session she led or joined, sat near her at meals, cracking jokes and trying to bond with the warriors she spends most time with. I even volunteered for a duo mission with her, only to get ambushed by traitors who ran off to save themselves. I’ve been there for her during those moments when memories trap her, comforting her as best I could. But nothing changed. No explanation, no response-just the automatic physical reaction her body can’t fight. She’s told the healer to keep my mate status a secret. She’s told me countless times she doesn’t want a mate. I don’t know why I ever thought this time would be any different. Different pack, different upbringing, different mate—it’s all the same.
“Yeah, well, get ready. We’re stuck here until she says we can leave,” I said, brushing past Greta. “Jeeves dropped our stuff and took off,” I added over my shoulder as I grabbed my bag and left hers lying in the gravel.
So far, I’ve been good at avoiding her. This place shouldn’t be any harder. I just need Kennedy to understand it’s not me who’s resisting-it’s her friend. Once she sees that, maybe she’ll let it go.
“Who designed these stairs, Ken?! Just these alone would keep most people out,” Greta shouted from behind me, and I hated the way my skin tingled at the sound of her sweet, deep voice. I inhaled deeply, then exhaled slowly, forcing my body to relax.
“I think that’s exactly why Ryker gave them to me,” Kennedy giggled from over the railing. She’s only a couple of years younger than me, but right now she looked so young, so lively—and definitely up to something.
We reached the landing, only to find another flight of stairs just ten feet away. “You’ve got to be kidding me! This place is like a castle out of a fairytale,” I called up to her. “Where’s your hair, Rapunzel p>
“I know! Isn’t it the best?!” She ignored my princess joke completely.
“That’s not exactly what comes to my mind. More like a pain in the ass,” I tried to sound annoyed, but the look on her face when we finally reached the top was too adorable to maintain the act. Then I really took it all in. “Oh shit! Seriously?!” I dropped my bag in disbelief.
“Yeah!” she grinned.
“How did I miss that?!” I asked incredulously.
“Miss what?” Greta called over my shoulder, and I barely managed to suppress an eye roll.
“Your Luna is pregnant. How did I miss that p>
“You’ve been busy, avoiding the pack like the plague,” Greta teased.
“Well,” Kennedy stepped between us, cutting off the silent challenge Greta was trying to start with me. “We didn’t exactly announce it to anyone. Especially with Janelle still on the loose.” She pulled me toward the cabin. “I’ve been here a lot, and I plan to stay until the end since it’s easier for healers to come to me. Like you both noticed, the cabin is designed for safety and defense. But enough about me. We need to get you both settled-there’s work to do p>
Apparently, neither of us could be trusted to follow directions properly, because she linked an arm with each of ours. “You’re walking way too fast for this part of the tour,” I laughed.
“I was thinking the same thing. Where’s the fire?” Greta’s voice held a teasing smile.
“You’re both smart enough to find the living room and kitchen on your own later,” Kennedy said, practically dragging us through the open-concept main floor toward another staircase. “There’s an office here, but it’s being renovated.” She pointed to a door beneath the stairs as we passed. “The rooms are upstairs. Alpha Edward kept things simple—he wanted the focus on his pack and the forest p>
We reached the landing of the floating stairs and stepped into a narrow hallway. Two doors on the right, two on the left. That was it—just four doors. Really minimal for an alpha’s house.
“Here we go!” Kennedy’s voice cracked unexpectedly. “Your room p>
“Whose room?” Greta asked, looking between us with disbelief.
“Yours and Finn’s p>
“Why?” I managed to choke out, my mind racing while my wolf danced with happiness.
“A few reasons,” Kennedy explained. “One is Ryker’s and mine, obviously. One belongs to Bennet. This pregnancy is stressing him almost as much as Ryker. He’s been running between the two packhouses pretty regularly. The only reason neither of them is here right now is because you two are. One of the rooms is the nursery, so that leaves just one more p>
“I’ll take the couch,” I offered.
“There’s one in your room. No one stays in the living room. I’m up and down all night right now, and I need to be able to wander without worrying about disturbing anyone. Deal?” For more chapters visıt.net
She practically shoved us inside and closed the door behind us. What the hell just happened?