One step closer
I completed the tasks Earl had assigned to me while he remained at the hospital, feigning recovery. It was a precarious situation, especially considering his recent visit to Kat. I wasn't prepared to expose Kat to our world just yet, and Earl's disregard for caution was evident. Venturing around the barn, my senses on high alert, I searched for any potential threats lurking in the shadows. Despite encountering a few rogues previously, particularly those drawn to Kat, our increased security measures had proven effective. Protecting my mate was paramount; I couldn't allow any harm to come to her.
In the meantime, Derik, my beta, had taken on the responsibility of managing pack affairs, affording me the opportunity to focus on Kat. A Luna holds significant importance within a pack, and introducing a human into our midst required delicate handling. Should Kat choose not to remain, I would respect her decision, even though it would inevitably lead me to select a mate, a prospect I wholeheartedly opposed. However, the necessity of an heir loomed over me, especially given my advancing age as an unmated Alpha. While we're seen as a tough bunch, there are other packs out there that could give us a run for our money, especially across North America. Luckily, we haven't had to tangle with them... yet.
Ascending the stairs to Kat's room, I overheard her engaged in conversation on the phone. While I hesitated to eavesdrop, the teasing from her friend regarding her feelings for me elicited a foolish grin, betraying my emotions.
Enzo laid in my mind, his tail wagging eagerly as he soaked in the warmth of our mate's loving voice. I could practically feel her blushing through the phone. With a soft knock on Kat's door, I called out, "Kat?" She shushed the other line, clearly embarrassed by her friend's teasing. Slowly, the door creaked open, and Kat stared at me, a mix of confusion and curiosity in her eyes. As I was talking I could clearly tell that she was not listening to me. Finally it kicked in.
"Wait, what?" she blurted out, clearly caught off guard by my unexpected presence. "I'm not leaving you alone tonight, Kat," I said gently, to which she simply nodded. Turning away, I headed downstairs to set up the cot. It had been ages since I slept on such a small bed, and I couldn't help but laugh at the thought of how I must look squished onto it. "Only for you, Kat," I whispered to myself, determined to make it work for her.
Honestly, my pack always came first, but that didn't mean I was totally comfortable with the situation. As I lay there pretending to sleep, I heard her moving upstairs, her footsteps growing closer. I shut my eyes tighter, trying to keep up the act. When she finally settled beside me, I could practically feel her heartbeat racing. It felt like the air was sucked out of the room as she paused, so close I could almost feel her breath.
Her scent was all around me, tempting me to just pull her into my arms, but I held back, not wanting to scare her. Then, she placed a light blanket over me, and Enzo purred in my mind, "Our mate's got our back." Even though I ran hotter than humans, I kept the blanket wrapped around me, savoring the scent of her as I drifted into a contented sleep.
As I stirred from sleep, a faint whimpering reached my ears, causing me to sit up abruptly, senses alert as I scanned the room, trying to pinpoint its source. Soon, I realized the sound was emanating from above me. With cautious steps, I tiptoed up the stairs, the floorboards creaking ever so slightly beneath my weight. Placing my ear against Kat's door, I listened intently. It was her—Kat was whimpering in distress.
I lightly tapped on the door, hoping to rouse her gently, but received no response. Increasing the volume of my knocks, I waited, still met with silence. Deciding to take a risk, I turned the knob and stepped into her room, the soft glow of moonlight filtering through the window casting faint shadows across the floor. "Kat," I whispered, my voice barely audible in the darkness. Glancing to my right, I spotted her form huddled in bed.
"She's having a nightmare," Enzo's voice echoed in my mind, his concern mirroring my own. My heart clenched at the sight of Kat, curled up with no blanket, her distressed whimpers filling the room. Approaching her slowly, I reached out to adjust the blanket, covering her trembling form in an attempt to provide comfort.
Suddenly, she jolted awake, panic evident in her wide eyes as she swung out defensively. "Get away from me!" she shrieked, scrambling away in fear. My heart sank at her reaction, witnessing the terror etched on her face. "Kat," I called out softly, urgency laced with reassurance in my voice. "Kat, it's me... It's Elijah. It's okay," I repeated, trying to soothe her frazzled nerves amidst the chaos of her nightmare.
She stared at me for a moment, her eyes filled with a mixture of vulnerability and anguish before she dissolved into tears. Without hesitation, I settled onto the bed beside her, pulling her into my embrace and cradling her in my lap. Her arms instinctively wrapped around my neck as she buried her face into my chest, her sobs muffled against the fabric of my shirt.
"I'm sorry," she whispered brokenly between sniffles, her voice barely audible amidst the turmoil of her emotions. "Shhh," I murmured softly, my hand gently stroking her hair in soothing motions, tracing patterns down her back as I attempted to offer what comfort I could.
Gradually, her cries began to subside, her trembling frame gradually stilling against mine. As she lifted her tear-stained face to meet my gaze, I found myself captivated by the vulnerability reflected in her eyes. Without warning, she reached up, her fingers tangling in the fabric of my shirt as she pressed her lips to mine in a tender, unexpected kiss.