Kano's War

Chapter 32

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The front door creaked softly as I stepped out onto the porch.

Kano was leading the group, his towering frame unmistakable even from a distance. He moved with confidence, but I could tell by the way his shoulders were set—just a bit too rigid—that he was suppressing something. Likely irritation.

Behind him came Alpha Isla, poised and graceful in a long slate-gray coat. Her blonde long hair was braided down her back, and beside her was her mate, Alpha Rourke, solid and stern as always.

And then Jaxon.

His eyes found me immediately.

I braced myself.

His familiar smile flickered across his face, the one that always teetered between friendly and boyish, like he was happy to see me again. I smiled back softly, then dipped my head respectfully. Neutral and Controlled.

Kano glanced over his shoulder and slowed slightly as they approached the porch. His eyes locked with mine for a brief second, softening, and then he turned back toward the group just as they reached the front steps.

"Alpha Isla," Kano greeted coolly. "Alpha Rourke."

"Kano," Isla replied with a nod. Her voice held a kind strength. "Your territory is colder at this time of year. Now I see why your messenger seemed to be in such a rush to rebuild."

"We hope for you to stay warm." he said, not unkindly, but not exactly warm either.

I saw Alpha Isla's eyes move over to me, then they widened, "Amory?" She asked.

"Yes." I was a little nervous but I was able to keep my head strong.

"This is my Luna. I know you've already met." Kano cut in.

"I just wasn't expecting to see you her here after your abrupt leave from my territory." Isla admitted, "It's nice to see you still look healthy and well. I can't wait to catch up with you." She commented. I smiled. It seemed my fight with Bali on her territory really did earn me her respect.

Jaxon lingered behind his parents but offered me a slight nod. "Amory."

I nodded back. "Jaxon."

His gaze flicked downward for a moment, then back up, lingering slightly too long. His face became pink and I tried my best not to giggle at his antics. He was clearly nervous to see me as well. Probably not expecting me here. I pretended not to notice.

Kano did.

"Come in," I said quickly, stepping aside and holding the door open. "We've been preparing a space for you to rest and unload supplies."

Bali appeared in the hallway behind me, offering a quick bow to the visiting Alphas before disappearing toward the kitchen. The room filled with the sound of boots scuffing against the wood floor as the group stepped inside.

"Your pack's done well," Rourke said, his voice gravelly. "You've managed to keep order after everything that's happened. We heard what had happened after a few of your pack members took refuge in our pack."

Kano nodded once. "Barely. But we're rebuilding."

Jaxon's gaze swept the room, noting the worn rugs, the faint smell of ash from the fireplace, the half-folded blankets. "Looks like you've done more than that," he said, his tone quiet but edged.

I didn't respond.

Kano did.

"We're surviving," he said sharply. "Not much more."