She’d never seen a dead person before. There were a lot of firsts happening today.
“It’s over now,” Xander said, his voice deep and reassuring.
“I’m sorry, Dad.”
“You didn’t know. I was planning to tell you, but he got his claws into you first.”
“I’ll never wander again, never question your orders,” Tyson said.
Willa could hear the sincerity in his voice. The poor boy had been through so much, and most of his life was a lie. It was time to put hate aside and really live—as human and wolf.
They both approached her, Xander reaching down to help her to her feet. His hand was so warm.
“Are you okay?” His hands were everywhere, checking for the slightest injury.
“I’m okay. I’m fine, Xander.”
“I thought I’d lost you. You have no idea how crazy that made me feel.”
She shook her head. “No, it’s my fault. I should have believed you when you tried to tell me the truth about your wolf. I guess it freaked me out. I reacted without thinking.”
“Perfectly understandable. You’re a human. All of this is new.”
Willa didn’t care that he was covered in blood and mud. She wrapped her arms around him, craving someone to ground her after everything she’d witnessed. Her life had been tossed upside down, and she still needed to get her footing with all these new revelations.
“I’ve got you, baby.” He held her head to his chest, kissing her hair. She could hear his heart beating. He was very much alive, even though not fully human.
“We should get out of here,” Tyson said. “I have tutoring in an hour.”
They all laughed.
“I think your tutor won’t mind if you miss today. Maybe a few days,” Xander said.
****
He watched in awe as his mate explored the grounds around his home. It was like seeing everything new through her eyes. Her sweet innocence pulled him in again and again.
“It’s breathtaking…”
“The sun sets in that direction,” he said, pointing to the valley below. Now he wouldn’t have to sit alone and watch the natural beauty of his land. He’d have a mate to enjoy life’s simple pleasures with.
“You have the perfect vantage point.”
“You’re right. I do.”
When she turned around to find him staring at her, she blushed. He scented her change in mood, her embarrassment and hint of desire.
Nearly a month had passed since the huge drama had unfolded back in the city with Greer and Tyson. Willa had wanted to tie up all her loose ends and give notice to the university so they could find another part-time librarian. She was easily replaced at work, but not in his life.
She walked back toward him.
“I’m so glad Tyson’s taking to university now.”
“Just took a new frame of mind to change his perspective. He’s heir to an empire, and we must keep up with the times.”
His son was intelligent and more than capable of completing his degree. It was his hatred of humans and humanity in general that had tainted his views on everything, all fueled by Greer and his lies. Now he had the proper focus he needed to succeed.
Xander couldn’t be prouder of his son.