Page 43 of Alpha Hunt
Gage, seemingly oblivious to it all, claps me on the shoulder. “Well, keep us posted.” His voice drops, and he slants a look at where his mate has taken a seat with Casey. “Savannah hides it well, but she’s really counting on things coming together. She’s desperate to be reunited with her family.”
I nod, dragging my attention back to him. “Of course. I’ll keep you in the loop.”
But even as I say the words, my mind is still on Casey. On the flicker of emotion I’d felt from her, the briefest glimpse behind her walls.
I know she’s conflicted, torn between her instinctive distrust of me and the undeniable attraction between us. But for the first time, I wonder if there might be something more there. Something deeper, something real.
“I think it’s time for the girls to eat.” Savannah breaks the spell as she rises. Casey hesitates and then stands, too. “I’ll go to the nursery,” Savannah adds.
“There’s no need to leave the room,” Casey says. “I can help.”
Savannah laughs lightly. “Hon, unless you’re hiding a milkbar behind those perfect puppies, you’ll have to be content to watch.”
“Good point.” Casey laughs. “Well then, I’ll keep you company.” She angles a look at me. “We’ll be right back.”
As Savannah takes the twins for their feeding, I watch Casey follow her out of the room. I can sense her curiosity, her desire to learn everything she can about caring for the little ones.
Once the women have left, Gage turns to me, his expression serious. “So, what’s going on with you and Casey?”
I can tell this conversation was prompted by Jagger. They want to know if I’m serious about the mating, if I understand and appreciate their traditions the same way they do. They’re aware that I’m not one of them, not originally.
I meet Gage’s gaze steadily. “I’m committed to this relationship,” I say firmly. “I know it’s not going to be easy, but I’m prepared to be patient. To do whatever it takes to make it work.”
Gage nods, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. “I have faith in you, Edirn. I’ve always known you’re a good man.”
“I appreciate that,” I say, my voice rough with emotion. “I want you to know that I’m here for the long haul. Not just for Casey but for the pack as a whole. I’ll do whatever it takes to serve this community.”
Gage nods. “I know you will. And we’re lucky to have you. It’s just…”
“You need to be sure.” I smile. “I understand.”
He pauses for a moment, taking this in, then continues, “Tell me more about this thing with Barrett.”
I take my cue, explaining what’s been going on, what we found in Sweetwaters. With the arrival of the twins, Gage has been preoccupied, so I fill him in on what he’s missed out. We’re still catching up when Casey and Savannah return.
The expression on Casey’s face has me going still. Her eyes are shining with unshed tears. I’m on my feet in an instant, my heart clenching at the sight of her distress. But then I realize they’re tears of joy, not sorrow.
Savannah follows close behind, a gentle smile on her face. “I’ve asked Casey to be a guardian to the twins,” she announces, her voice warm with affection. “Along with you, Edirn.”
For a moment, I’m stunned. It’s a tremendous honor, a sign of trust and acceptance that I never expected. Gage had mentioned it before, but to have the invitation extended to us as a couple… I look at Casey, seeing the emotions play across her face. She’s touched, moved beyond words by Savannah’s request.
“I…I don’t know what to say,” Casey manages, her voice thick. “Of course I’ll be their guardian. I’ll protect them with my life.”
Savannah beams, pulling Casey into a tight hug. “I know you will. There’s no one I trust more.”
Gage comes to stand next to me. “You good with this?” he says, his voice gruff but warm.
I smile. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
The evening continues, the atmosphere warm and amiable. We talk and laugh, sharing stories and enjoying each other’s company. Casey sits close to me, her thigh pressing against mine, and I can feel the heat of her skin through the fabric of our clothes. It’s a simple touch, but I lean into it. It feels like a promise of what’s to come, of the bond we could share.
Maybe…
As the night winds down, Savannah and Gage bid us farewell, the twins sleeping peacefully in their arms. Casey and I make our way back to our apartment; she’s silent, but I can sense the tumult within her. She’s still reeling from Savannah’s request and also from the strangeness of her feelings for me. I glance at her as we walk, taking in the softness of her expression.
“I’ll get it,” she murmurs as we reach the door to our apartment. She fumbles for the key as I watch silently. Suddenly, the air between us is charged with a new kind of energy. The warmth and camaraderie of the evening have lingered, creating a sense of closeness that wasn’t there before.
As the door closes behind us, I find myself drawn to her, pulled by an irresistible force. She turns to face me, her eyes locking with mine, and I can see the same longing reflected back at me.