Shadows (Book 2 of the Zara's Wolf Trilogy) BWWM

24. To Meet a Thief

Evan's parents arrive about 15 minutes later with Brianna, Leah, and a small army of shifters in another vehicle. Well, five others to be exact. Four big guys, and a tough looking woman. I'm relieved to see that Burk's not among them. No way could I deal with him and everything else we have to face.

While Rick is speaking to our temporary pack members, Evan seems to sidestep me, but all of this tension and drama is stressing me out. I catch him and pull him into my arms, sinking deeply into his scent as I lean into him. As I close my eyes and begin to relax, I feel him ease up a little in my arms before he rests his chin on my shoulder.

"I'm sorry about all this," he says in a soft voice.

I nuzzle his neck. "It's not your fault."

"I know, but this must be hard on you too. It's not like I told you about Megan or even Ryan for that matter."

So her name was Megan? Somehow, knowing that little bit of information about her made everything seem that much more real. She had once been a living and breathing girl, part of a loving family, and didn't even get to finish high school.

I hesitate, feeling a lump forming in my throat, but curiosity gets the best of me. "What was she like?"

"Kind of like you. Stubborn, a worrier, and asked too many questions."

I scowl at his choice of words as he pulls away and looks into my eyes. "But also strong, brave, and caring."

I kiss the tip of his nose. "I guess I'll let you get away with it this time."

He squeezes me tightly against him and rubs his scruffy cheek against my sensitive neck, causing me to squeal and push him away.

The chiming of a phone interrupts everyone's conversations as Rick pulls out his cell phone from him pocket. "Rick," he says into the microphone.

We all pause as he listens to the message being given. The crevices in his forehead deepen before he turns his back to everyone and starts walking away. "You're sure?" he asks before his voice trails off.

I lean my head against Evan's chest as we watch our alpha walk away in search of some privacy. "Guess we're going to be leaving soon, huh?" I say.

Evan kisses the top of my head with a muffled, "Yeah."

I close my eyes, allowing myself to just enjoy the moment in my mate's arms. I wish everything could be simple like it once was. Meeting his family and the Silver Star Pack wasn't supposed to bring about such drama and shadows of the past. Even when he met my family, we didn't have welcoming response. Not that I can blame my parents for being on edge, but still. Why could we never find a moment of peace and calm to just enjoy ourselves?

After a minute, Rick calls us to attention.

"Time to move out. Leah and Mr and Mrs Crestview follow behind me, and the warriors behind them."

Vicky and Nicky grab Emily and Alicia's bags as Rick pulls Alicia to him in a single-armed embrace and kisses her roughly.

I turn away, giving them privacy, but also to avoid the sight of them tongue wrestling. Some things are better left to the bedroom.

My stomach twists into knots, not only from the alphas' public make-out session, but from knowing that I was going with everyone to meet Ryan. I can pretend to be dumb and naïve because I am still new to wolf-shifter society, but knowing me, I'll get annoyed quickly if repeatedly insulted. Keeping a cool head will be the tricky part.

Brianna climbs into our vehicle with us and sits in Emily's former seat.

"So, what's the plan?" she asks as we buckle ourselves in and wait for Rick to finish speaking with the others in our party.