The Prey (LGBT+)

Chapter 25: Separation Anxiety

Parker

"You've decided?" Kohl asks pacing back and forth

I reach over and grab Cassie's hand. Cassie gathered her courage and sprung the news on Kohl. I have had time to coax him into the idea and it is more palatable now that Tai and Cassie have taken the time to get to know each other. The two seem tuned into each other. It is disturbingly beautiful.

Cassie is nervous but I am more optimistic.

"I'm just trying to figure out how I'm supposed to let my little sister go."

"Think of it like this, she's not just your little sister. Like you're not just her big brother." I say reminding him, "You're my mate, the leader of this pack and you know what I'm saying is correct."

Kohl takes a deep breath as he stares at Cassie, "I'm sorry, Cass. I understand the mate bond more than anyone by now. I have to let you go."

"I'm not dying, Kohl. I'm just going to another pack, one that just joined our alliance." Cassie smiles, "Who better to make sure they understand and maybe even reach other packs?"

"Smart."

"You don't have to cosign everything she says." Kohl frowns.

"Did—did you just use slang?" I ask.

"That's where I heard that?" Kohl asks.

"I should go and get ready. We're leaving tomorrow." Cassie stands and walks over, hugging her brother, "Thank you, Kohl."

"Of course, sis." Kohl says softly.

"You should get some rest." I say as I rise to my feet and hug her. She lets go and I watch as she leaves the room. I turn to Kohl, "I'm proud of you, wolfboy."

Kohl walks over and pulls me close, "How proud?" He asks.

"Are you still going to do this when I'm huge?" I ask.

"I'll have to extend my reach but I'm not too worried."

I chuckle and take a deep breath, "You've gone through a lot in the last month. I just need you to let me know how I can help."

"This. What you are doing right now. It's enough."

"Promise me one thing."

"Anything."

"When I do, and it is inevitable, start getting cranky, do not take it personal. I don't know what's coming. I don't know how this all turns out but it's me and you. Us. Just like we always have been. Fights and all."

Kohl nods, "Agreed."

"Any bright ideas? Kissing, cuddling, sex, etc. seems like a shoo-in but—"

"It's been a long day." Kohl chuckles, "How about we hop in bed and actually sleep. If we're really wild, we can dream."

"You cad!" I laugh. I smile at him, "It's going to be alright, you know. This isn't the end of the world. Cassie's going to be happy and Mickey is out there somewhere finding his bliss. And let me remind you, we're having a mystical pregnancy."

"I know." He says softly, "Let's get some rest."

I lead the wolf to the bedroom and climb in bed, wearily discarding my shoes. He climbs into the bed behind me and slides his arm over my waist. I place my hand over his. I feel safe. It is a strange feeling. I know there are a lot of forces out there right now that are wholly unsafe to me specifically but his touch makes me feel like none of it can touch us.

I cannot worry about any of that.

I need to rest.