ONE WEEK LATER
Being with Chase’s pack for the past seven days has been truly epic. We spent most of the days exploring the national parks around his home, walking around his vineyards, and at night we’d sit by the fire pit on his back deck, drink wine and talk. No one from my pack has seen or heard from Killian since I left. Even Laila hasn’t been able to track him down with her magic, which means he’s no longer in the area.
The smell of pancakes wafts in the air, and I breathe it in. Chase and I came up with a plan to alternate cooking days. Today is his day to cook all the meals. I don’t see how he isn’t mated yet. The wolves in his pack love him, and they’re loyal. The man is handsome, smart, and very attentive. He has a successful vineyard that’s well-known across the country. What I love is his house. It’s a Tuscan-style villa with stone walls, intricate wrought iron accessories all throughout, and stone paths that lead to the vineyards.
I look around the guest bedroom and smile. It has an earthy feel to it with its soft yellow walls and wooden beams. The windows have long, sheer curtains over them to allow the natural light to filter in. It’s perfect because I have a fantastic view of the vineyards from my room. In a way, I don’t want to leave, but I know I must.
My bags are packed except for the clothes I plan on wearing tomorrow. In the morning, Chase is flying with me to Tate Grayson’s house in Montana. I’ll be spending the next week with the Great Plains pack.
Stomach growling, I walk out of my room just as my phone beeps with an incoming text.
Micah: You doing okay?
He texts me every morning, asking the same question. Bailey does the same along with Amelie and Laila. It feels good to know I have them. I didn’t realize how much I was going to miss them by being gone.
I type back a response.
Me: I’m doing great. It’s so beautiful here. Chase has been an exquisite host. In a way, he reminds me of you.
Micah: Ha! He can’t compete with me.
Giggling, I text him back as I walk down the stairs to the kitchen.
Me: I’ll be sure to tell him that. 😉
Micah: Go for it. Just stay safe out there. Vilkas and his men are still incognito. We don’t know where they are.
Me: Got it. I’m prepared to rip off some balls if I have to.
Micah: That’s my girl.
When I get into the kitchen, Chase looks down at my phone and shakes his head with a smile on his face. There are two plates at the table, and both are piled high with pancakes. “You have the funniest laugh.”
“Thanks,” I say, taking a seat. “Micah was telling me how no one has seen Killian and his men, and I said I know how to rip off balls if they come this way.”
Chase starts to sit and freezes. “Ouch. Remind me not to get on your bad side.” We both laugh, and he takes his seat.
There’s a bowl of warm syrup off to the side, and I use it to pour over my pancakes. “Micah taught me well.” But then, that night with Killian replays over in my head. He was too strong for me to overpower him. “Unfortunately, my training couldn’t help me with Killian. I have no doubt I could’ve hurt the others, but him …”
Chase’s eyes blaze like fire. “You’re strong, Faith. Don’t you ever doubt that. You were there and prepared to fight. That right there shows you have guts.”
I look over at him. “Thanks, Chase. I’ve really enjoyed being here with you.”
He tries to hide his need from me, but I feel it every time. I know he wanted something to happen between us, but the bond isn’t there. Everyone says I’ll know it when it happens.
“I’ve enjoyed my time with you as well,” he replies. “Now I truly know how hard it was for Micah to send you off. I’m going to miss having you here.”
“We still have one more day. Do you think we could spend it walking around the vineyards? It’s so peaceful out there.”
Chase smiles. “Sounds like a plan to me. And tomorrow afternoon, I have a private jet taking you to Montana. Your brother is meeting us at the airfield. Just know you can always come back here anytime you want.”
“I appreciate that. My family and I are lucky to have you as an ally. It’s a rarity to find true friends among other packs.”
He nods. “You’re right. I’ve been in my fair share of fights. There’s a lot of deception and disloyalty out there. You never know who’s going to turn on you.”
And that is the stone-cold truth. My parents learned that the hard way, and I’ve seen it firsthand numerous times. I hate how you never know who those people are until it’s too late.