Lacking Humanity | Moon Ridge

Chapter Sixteen

* * *

Sage had remained silent for two days before starting to come back from the 'sleep haze' as the witches called it. Exhaustion didn't quite cover the transfer and return of one's soul from another. Even if they were family, it was still stressful on the body—Regardless of what the switch did elsewhere.

She continued to flinch at her males' touches, no matter how innocent and sweet they tried to be. It was starting to create a drive between former friends, as Remus was now aware of more of their relationship.

The guests from White Paw and Mystic Grimm soon departed, though neither sibling wanted to leave Sage in such a vulnerable state. But the best medicine that any witch could diagnose was to allow her to heal, whether that meant by giving her time to adjust on her own as well as lavish her with love and small reminders that she is back.

Back and not going anywhere.

Luke was not allowed to visit his sister until the third day, on account of her mate and father agreeing to the vist—And while he didn't think it was the best idea, he had to follow the words of the Alphas.

All three of them.

Upon taking the strides into Alpha Remus' house, he caught Sage in a cuddle pile of her pups and reading fairly silently to them. "Hey Sagey, hey lil Moon pups." It had been their usual title and they sparked up with smiles, and in Rue's case—Open arms to be held by her Godfather.

Sage watched carefully as her brother neared her space, but after a moment she realized he wasn't here to do anything more than hang out. Luke caught a sigh of relief, and even Ronan was on the lookout for trouble.

"Ellie is making some cookies at home, wouldn't be interested, would you?" Sage's smile was partially delayed, but it managed to spark with a soft grin as she nodded to her brother.

It was enough for him to plop down onto the couch beside her, though Ronan let out a small growl that only a pup like him could manage.

"Easy lil Alpha." He whispered, letting his wrist forward for the pup to smell, but even he was irritated as he took one sniff and stuffed his face into his mom's arm. "Pups need a nap."

"And does mama need a nap too?" She shook her head as she kissed Ronan's forehead and he huffed once again. "Was thinking...Haven't taken a good run in a while, you up for it? Can round out to my cabin, see Liv and eat some cookies." The smile trickled as she felt the nod come without warning, but then she looked towards the front door in worry.

"We're in Crescent Moon, there are miles between us and humans than us and that Vampire. Right?" She nodded, but she didn't look all that convinced. "He's not getting you as easy hun, as long as you're here—Between those miles, there's dozens of wolves ready to defend you and these pups. Starting with Remus and Andrew, and I'm somewhere in there too." Sage didn't want to be the one to remind her family that she was taken with a number of her wolves.

In addition to Rebekah and Enzo.

"Going to put the pups to sleep and call Remus." Luke had silently fist pumped into the air as Sage turned away towards the other room, considering nobody had managed to get Sage that far out of the house than just a small walk outside to see Half Crescent and soak in their company.

The house was currently empty besides Sage and the pups, so she had to call Remus regardless of what she planned for the house. Having picked up both the pups and taking the trek upstairs to get them ready for a nap, she awaited patiently to watch their eyes begin to close before stepping out.

Sage grabbed the house phone and dialed one, a direct line to Remus' pack office, and within the first ring it had been answered.

"Hey...I was going to call you, did you eat lunch?" Sage bit her lip, no, she didn't eat lunch. "Not hungry."