Page 31 of Link with Me
Her mother sighed, a mixture of resignation and understanding crossing her features. “All right, if you’re sure he’s the one. Just make sure he knows that if he can’t keep you safe, he’ll have me to answer to. And not just a stern talking-to. I’ve got a whole arsenal of mom tactics he hasn’t seen yet.”
Tara laughed, squeezing Lena’s foot through the blanket. “Yeah, and don’t underestimate her. Mom’s got moves. Ninja moves.”
Lena adjusted her position in the bed and her mother’s curiosity once again took the lead. “So, have you met his parents yet?” she inquired, her eyes alight with the prospect of juicy details. “I mean, if things are getting serious, you must have at least talked about meeting the family, right?”
Lena nodded, a smile creeping across her face despite the soreness in her side. “Not yet. I think we’ll be having dinner soon. I feel like he’s been keeping me to himself.”
“Awww,” her mother and sister said at the same time.
“You know, Alex’s mother and I are friends. We’re in a book club together. She is really nice.”
Tara leaned forward, her interest piqued. “Ooh, a future mother-in-law showdown. That’s going to be epic! Can I come? I’ll bring popcorn.”
Their mother waved her hand dismissively. “Tara, behave. But really, Lena, this all sounds very serious. Are you thinking about the future... like, a future future with him?” Her voice softened, tinged with a mix of hope and concern.
Lena’s gaze drifted, her mind wandering to the possibilities that lay ahead with Alex. She imagined cozy homes, laughter-filled holidays, and maybe, just maybe, little feet running around. The thought brought a warmth that radiated from her heart, soothing some of the ache from her injuries.
“I am,” Lena confessed, her voice barely above a whisper as she turned back to face her family. “I can actually see a life with him. A home, stability, and yes, maybe even kids.”
Her mother clasped her hands together, her face lighting up. “My grandbabies could be little werewolves! How adorable would that be? We will need to puppy-proof the house again.”
Tara snickered. “Yeah, and stock up on beef jerky... you know, just in case they get out of hand during a full moon.”
Lena rolled her eyes but laughed along. “We’re not stocking up on beef jerky, Tara. I do like the idea of integrating our lives, seeing where this journey with Alex takes us. It feels right.”
“Just make sure you keep us in the loop,” her mother added. “Especially with all the wedding planning. You’ll need someone to keep you grounded when you start considering moonlight ceremonies and mystical vows.”
Tara gave a mock salute. “Aye, aye, captain. Team Lena on wedding duty.”
Her mom and sister had just walked out when Wes, Alex’s friend walked in.
“Is everything okay?”
“I came because I know Alex is allowing his feelings for you to dictate his actions and they might impact this pack severely.”
Her stomach immediately churned. “What’s going on?”
“Alex went to meet with the elders to declare war on the Hillside Pack.”
She sat up and winced. “He what?”
Wes nodded. “I think what he’s doing is valid and if I were in his shoes I’d probably do the same, but he’s the alpha. We need him to stay in control. His words and actions speak for our entire pack.”
She tried to tamp down the fear growing in her chest. “Where is he now?”
“At the elder council.”
“Take me there. I want to speak.”
“I don’t know if they’ll listen.”
She narrowed her eyes. “You didn’t just come here to tell me all this so I do nothing. I’m not going to sit by and let Alex start a war in my name. Not for me.” She sat up and winced at the pain. “Give me a second to get dressed.”
Wes went outside her room and she managed to pull on the shorts and T-shirt her mother brought earlier. She limped out to the hallway where he had a wheelchair waiting for her.
“Let’s go.”
He raised his brows. “Hop on. I’ll give you a ride.”