The Pack Girl's Retribution (Sequel to The Pack's Girl)

Abstaining

I knew I'd hugged Lyra Lani a bit longer than I needed to, but it was so nice to receive affection from a female after so long with only my mates for company.

I gave her another quick squeezer before letting her go.

She slid her hands down my arms and did the responding squeeze to my fingers right before she let them fall.

Reassuring me that I had her support.

And that she's here.

Her kindness nearly brought a tear to my eye.

Hearing Killian's voice behind me, I peered back at him.

He bobbed his head in greeting and waved his hands in a motion for me to come to him.

I did. Returning to hug him just as eagerly. I didn't know how many times I'd embraced he and Aviari, and BailaLae now, but I was beginning to feel like it would never feel like enough.

Probably because I'm so scared of losing them again.

Giving his dark, waving hair, a fond caress before turning my attention back to the girl who'd brought me water and tended me so kindly.

My brother's mate.

She was a slender thing with delicate hands. Dark hair with red tints wove through it and fine brows. Her features were strikingly beautiful.

A good match for my brother.

Well done, Killian. Without even intending to, I gave her an approving nod. Thanking her for bringing my brother back to me.

I liked the way she smiled up at him. Adoration reflected in her pretty eyes. I asked if they were mates. Wanting to confirm what I already suspected.

It was Killian that confirmed it.

She blushed prettily and ducked her head.

I lifted her chin. Smiling tenderly.

I knew how overwhelming things could be for me. I imagined that for her, seeing all this for the first time, it was a tremendous amount to take in.

"Come." I told her. "We've much to talk about."

I was excited to get to know this pretty young she-wolf. And she seemed equally as excited to get close to me. I could imagine her curiosity about the long, lost sister of her lover.

***

The day was calmer. We didn't travel much further. Instead, we invited those who had agreed to become part of the Gallions Pack, the leftover NightHunter victims to join all of us for a hearty meal.

Many of the wolves set out, in search of food. Dragging back enough to feed us for a month.

Then the males stirred up a fierce fire.

We sat near its warm glow as the evening began to descend. It was relatively warm. A soothing blackness absent wind. Carrying the whistling calls of birds.

Birds which often seemed to be wherever Aviari is.

Bugs twittered and chirped.

I caught the scents of chicken, boar and squirrels. All roasting lazily over several spits.

My eyes wandered the camp. Taking in the sight of everyone around us.

People were cheering and laughing. Teasing each other and sharing warm companionship. Looking further out, I could see those silhouetted in the silver moonlight.