Curled in someone’s embrace, I open my eyes to find that Quincy is holding me. There are dark circles under his eyes and stubble the same shade of red as his hair on his jaw. True to his words, Quincy stayed with me and helped me through the pain. I lost conscious sometime after he told me he would kept me fed and hydrated and I am glad for that. I feel weak, sore and exhausted.
The pain, it consumed me. Captured me. Burned and broke me.
But I woke up today. I am alive and I survived.
Quincy is fast asleep, his chest rising and falling as he holds me gently against him. His heartbeat is comforting and I think back to the last time I spent the night in someone’s arms. I woke up alone. Woke up to the other side cold while I wondered where Rune had gone. Then things became worse when I was attacked, rejected and banished because I was left alone.
But Quincy never left me alone and I am so grateful for it.
“Good morning.” Quincy mutters, his face moving to look down at me.
“Morning.” I mumble out, blushing. He caught me staring.
“How do you feel Bryn?” He asks, brushing my hair out of my face. I know I should move. That I should distance myself from someone that is not my mate, but Goddess does it feel good to not feel alone anymore.
“Sore but better. The dam in my mind is gone and I feel lighter inside.” I answer, resting my head against his chest again.
“That’s good. You will need to take it easy for a few days for your body to heal but I say give it three days and you will be kicking mine and Ash’s ass in no time.” I laugh at this, thinking back to the day before the ceremony when I was training with Quincy and Ash in a two versus one match. I throttled them and they needed to be sent to the pack Hospital to be looked at. I remember looking to Quest while two warriors helped the injured Quincy and Ash to the Hospital and asking if he wanted to spar. He made some excuse and was gone before I could promise I would go easy one him.
“How long have I been out of it?” I asked, closing my eyes. Quincy plays with my hair, causing my already tired mind to become drowsier.
“Five days. Asteria sent Chase in with food and to check on how you were doing”
“Did I hurt or scare him?” I asked worried about the pup.
“No. I told him this is the consequences of rejecting his mate. He promised me he would never put anyone through what you were put through because, and I quote, “Seeing my big sister like this is scary. No one deserves this.” Then the kid left after giving you a hug and telling you to feel better.” My heart melts as I think about Chase. His scent lingers inside the room so I know what Quincy told me is true. I am glad I didn’t scare him and as soon as I can, I will track him down and give him a proper hug.
“He called me his big sister?” I ask, my lips curling in a smile.
“Yeah. Those three love you like a sister. Its no wonder you made a familial bond with Asteria, Gale and the pups.” His voice is soft and I wonder what Quincy is thinking. The only thing I know about his past is that his Mate rejected him. Now I know it was for Jonnah Cross. What was his childhood like. Where are his parents. I decide that after hoe he has been a friend I needed, I will be there for him when he is ready to talk.
“Has anything happened since we locked ourselves in… actually, where are we?” Pushing myself off Quincy, I look around the room. It seems so familiar to me but also different.
“Your cottage. While you were busy helping the pack last week, Asteria had taken some Omegas and they decorated your cottage and bought furniture. We are in the main room.” Quincy answers with a laugh. That’s why this place seems so familiar to me as I take in the room. We were in front of a fireplace, the fire inside small and warming the room. I remember how cold I felt when we first arrived and thank Quincy for making sure I stayed warm. He waves it off as he stands, stretching while I remain seated.
This is my house. The walls are a sage green, the same colour I had shown Asteria on one of our many nights in a hotel room. I had shown her the plans and furniture I wanted to buy once I became a member of Golden Fang.
“I need to thank her and the Omegas that helped.” I whisper in awe, climbing to my feet. Quincy lets out a short laugh as he makes his way to the kitchen side of the main room and rummages through the fridge. I wince when I take my first step, my body reminding me that I have literally been through hell and back the last few days and that I should be resting, not standing.
“Sit your perky ass on that couch. I will bring you coffee and some scones Asteria brought last night to you.” Quincy orders without looking at me, his voice muffled by the fridge. I bristle at his tone, wanting to remind him that I am his superior now but stop myself. Quincy is my friend. He helped me though the pain. Fighting the part of me that wants to prove I am fine; I slowly lower myself onto the couch and groan when I move too fast. Scratch that, I am not fine.
“So what else have I missed?” I ask as Quincy places scones onto the coffee table beside me before back tracking to the kitchen and returning with a coffee mug in each hand, handing one to me. I sip at the hot liquid as the red head takes a seat beside me, watching him munch on a scone.
“Not much. Some wolves have been sneaking around our borders and we taught them a lesson. Sent them back to their packs. Homes are being rebuilt.” He shrugs, avoiding eye contact with me and I begin to grow suspicious. Quincy and I have grown close enough now to know when he is avoiding telling me something,
“Quincy.” I growl a warning, my eyes narrowing into slits as I watch him.
“What else happened.” This is an order and I allow just enough power of my new position to slip through to show I am serious. He sighs, placing his mug on the table as he wrings his hands. He really does not want to tell me what ever it is he is hiding.
“Asteria got a call from a Beta in another pack. Things have gotten bad there recently and many wolves are ready to abandon it, even if it means they become Rogues.” He begins explaining hesitantly.
“Oh. That’s it? I thought we had war declared on us.” I laugh out, reaching for a scone.
“That’s not all.” Quincy sighs, turning to finally look at me.
“The Beta asked Asteria if we would be able to make room and takes these wolves in. She told the Beta that she needs some time to think about it because one, we are rebuilding Crescent Phoenix and two, we needed your input before we decide what to do.” My hand pauses, hovering over the scones as I look into Quincy’s eyes. They are grim and apologetic and a sinking feeling fills me.
“Quincy.” I begin, placing my mug on the table and standing from the couch.
“What pack does this Beta belong to?” My voice quivers as my friend looks away, guilt radiating from his body.
“Asteria said she would tell you.” He counters back, his voice low.
“No. You tell me.” He sighs, running a hand through his hair before he turns back to look at me, his playfulness from when we woke up gone as he reaches out and takes my hand, squeezing it.
“It’s Beta Jett of Pine Moon.”