The Pack's Nemesis (Quirin's Story) novel Chapter 88

Quirin

I meant what I said to Kennedy. I could live forever in her beautiful mind, surrounded by her love and light. Opening myself to her has made the tightness that has always constricted my heart snap. I feel free, light, and oh so happy. It’s an unfamiliar feeling, but one that I want to feel forever.

Waking up with her warm, soft body tucked against mine, her sleepy consciousness in my head is the best way to wake up. That is, until Raif and I hear Echo’s weak voice. If I’d been standing up, I think Raif would have tossed me to the ground in his excitement to get to his mate. But as rough as he was with me, he’s nothing but gentle with her. In our shared mind space, he carefully walks to his mate and lays beside her, curling himself around her protectively. She licks his face briefly before laying her head back down. Raif begins purring at her and she sighs contentedly.

“She’s back,” Kennedy whispers and I can hear the teary happiness in her voice.

“Yes, she is. She’s a strong wolf,” I say, just holding her. “Four. I still can’t believe it.”

“We have a lot to do before they arrive. But I know Mom and Dad will help, and so will the others,” she says.

“I’m sure the pack will too, once they get over their shock,” I say, smiling. I’m glad I wasn’t the only one rendered speechless with the news.

“So, tell me about David,” she says. I get up, carrying her to the shower as I tell her about my conversation with David, how he knew about Arlo’s obsession with Christy, and how I told him that I would leave his fate in her hands.

“No pressure,” she says sarcastically, staring up at me.

“If it were up to me, he’d be dead,” I tell her honestly. “This, your meeting with him, is his only chance to survive. I’m doing this for you, not him. If you don’t want to meet with him, he’ll be dead before breakfast is over.”

“I thought we decided stress wasn’t a good thing for me right now,” she says, looking nervous.

I cup her face in my hands and tilt her head to look at me. “All I need to know is if you believe him. If you do, if you trust that he can live in the same pack as Christy and our other vulnerable omegas, he lives. If you don’t, then I’m the one who decides his fate. All I need to know from you is if you believe him.”

I know my mate isn’t a warrior. She’s a healer. Killing or being responsible for death is hard for her, which makes her a perfect balance for me. I don’t care about killing. She’s become the conscience of my actions.

“Okay. I’ll meet with him,” she says, just like I knew she would.

“Good, then after breakfast, I’m finally going to walk the pack lands with your father and then we need to start thinking of how to structure our floor for babies and speak to Christy about being our nanny.”

“I can do that. I think Mom released her last night, so she should be around this morning.”

“Do you need to eat something or do you want to talk to David first?” I ask, watching her. I’ve noticed that while we were showering and getting dressed, the feeling inside her was changing, turning towards nausea.

“Maybe just some crackers and club soda or ginger ale.”

“Okay, we’ll stop by the kitchen. I’d prefer to meet with him outside. I’m guessing he hasn’t showered in a while and I don’t want his scent making you any more nauseous or stinking up our packhouse,” I say, scooping her into my arms. I’m careful not to move too quickly, but I have to hold still when her hand goes to her mouth. She swallows hard a couple of times before nodding.

I carefully carry her downstairs and straight to the kitchen.

“Luna!” Susie starts, then stops. “Crackers!” she says, rushing to the pantry. She grabs a sleeve of crackers and opens them, handing them to Kennedy.

“Do we have club soda or ginger ale?” I ask.

“We have both. Which do you prefer, Luna?”

“The soda is good,” she says.

“I’ll have some sent up to your room too, Luna. It’s better to eat first thing in the morning. It helps.”

“Thanks, Susie. Is Christy here this morning?” Kennedy asks.

“She is, Luna. She’s in the back. She asked to stay in the kitchen today and Beta Arianna put her on stocking duty,” she says, looking behind her. “She made sure it was easy duty, but it gives her something to do,” she whispers.

“Will you let her know I’d like to speak with her after breakfast?” Kennedy asks.

“I will Luna. It’s so good to have you back,” Susie says, squeezing Kennedy’s free hand before getting back to breakfast preparation.

‘Kier, bring David to the back patio,’ I say in the mind link.

‘Yes, Alpha.’

“Susie, can we get a blanket as well? Kennedy is going to be outside for a few minutes and I don’t want her getting cold,” I say.