Lone Wolf (The Pack 5)

No, I won’t, Paige promised, her arms coming around me. You lifted the curse on this land. You accepted the magic into you and now we’re all free.

It was me? I frowned, devastated by the revelation. “It was always me?”

“It’s not your fault,” Gran stated, walking up to us. “You were a child when your mother died, and her death was something no child should ever have witnessed. You couldn’t process it, you rejected the magic you should have inherited. There was nothing I could but hope eventually you could accept who you were, and the magic that is half of who you are.”

“But why didn’t it go to Paige?” I argued. “She’s a true witch.”

“So are you,” Gran snapped. “You adored your father and he encouraged the wolf in you, but neglected the other half of you. Your existence is a beautiful blend of two incredible gifts and that is terrifying to some. You are powerful, Dru, and you should never hide that power.”

“I thought you hated me because I was a wolf,” I murmured and Gran sighed.

“I never hated you. How could I hate someone who reminded me so much of myself?” Gran glanced at my hand entwined with Caleb’s and bit her lip. “I only wanted you to be happy. Happy in your own skin and to not feel the need to hide who you were. I didn’t want you to make the same mistakes I made.” She looked at Caleb, her lips pursuing. “Perhaps, you chose better than I did. He’s certainly stubborn enough.”

“Will you give us your blessing?” I asked boldly and she stared at me for a second, her mouth twisting as she gave me a short nod. “Thank you.”

“It’s time I let the past go too,” she admitted, her gaze straying to Gregory. Paige clapped, startling us, as she glanced around, her smile brighter than the sun.

I love a happy ending, she sighed, clasping her hands.

“Where’s Monster?” Dom interrupted, not hearing Paige, his gaze impatient as it swept the clearing. “You better not have hurt my wife’s little brother because I do not want to hear about that shit for the next twenty years,” he added, pointing his finger and Gran’s mouth drew up.

“You better put that finger down before I break it,” she ordered and he lowered his hand, drawing back warily. “Your brother is fine.”

“Brother in law,” Dom corrected, glancing around. “Then where is he?”

“I’m here,” Monster answered sheepishly, stepping from the cover of the trees. “I showed up, ready to rescue Paige from her Gran, but it wasn’t necessary.”

Gran is going to let me come stay with you, Paige told me excitedly, almost bouncing. Monster was telling me about high school. It’s real, Dru. Not just in books.

“I think she’s a little old for high school,” Caleb said out of the corner of his mouth and I shrugged.

“What difference does it make? Do they kick you out if you’re too old?” I asked and he shook his head as he answered, “No, we can fudge her age if necessary.” I nodded crisply as Dom stared at us in confusion.

Is this what you want, Paige? To come and stay in a house with me? Go to school? I wanted to make sure it was what Paige wanted and not what I wanted for her, but I wasn’t above bribery either. They have hot showers and washing machines.

Paige’s eyes rounded as she squealed. Yes, it’s everything I want. He can hear me, Paige confided, her gaze darting to Monster. I like talking to him.

I’m glad, I told her as Caleb suddenly smirked, his gaze going to Dom.

“Oh, you’ve got to be kidding me,” Dom burst out, pacing away from us as he ran his hands through his black hair, those yellow eyes glaring at nothing. “I’m not ready for this.” He waved his hand between Monster and Paige. “No mating until you’re both out of the damn house.” He shook his head. “Thomas is going to kill me. He leaves for two weeks and now his son is in love.” He grimaced. “With a witch.” He dropped his hands. “Just shoot me now.”

Gran smiled as she said, “I can arrange that.”