Chapter 23
Chapter twenty-three
Lyra
Gage growls behind me, and then he thrusts his hips hard, notching his knot deep inside as he comes for a final time.
I’m not too far behind, shaking around Wren’s cock as he’s knotted at my front. He brushes a sweaty strand of hair behind my ear, peppering kisses around my face.
His purr affects his voice next as he whispers, “You did so well, little sparrow. It’s over.”
I did do pretty well, didn’t I? My heat has come to an end. My very first, and it looks as if I didn’t die in pain after all.
Instead, I had two Alphas there to attend to my needs, ensuring I was cleaned and fed while I got through this difficult time.
Now, the pain ebbs and flows until it eventually fades into a dull ache. For the first time in days, I can truly breathe as I press my forehead against Wren’s chest, focusing on his soothing purr and thunderous heartbeat.
In this moment, I can pretend—pretend that I am not a wanted fugitive and that the king isn’t after me.
In these rare moments, just maybe I can be happy. Perhaps I can allow myself to entertain the illusion that I am safe.
That I can be truly happy.
But the illusion will shatter eventually. It always does.
And then I will be left to pick up the broken fragments of my soul.
This… this can’t last. But I’ll be damned if I won’t make the most of it. So, I acquiesce when Wren lays me down on the bed, encircling me in his strong arms and sage scent.
Gage purrs at my back, and he feels as safe as a solid wall. They both envelop me in their scents of sage and woodsmoke, making me feel safe and secure.
In our little cocoon, no one can get us.
No one.
Gage leans forward, sniffing my hair as he brushes a cheek over me. He’s marking me with his scent, and I swallow. Yet I grip his arm affectionately when he wraps it around me, holding me close.
That’s how we stay for a while. Birds trill outside the window, and I shut my eyes, enjoying the momentary peace.
I may even fall asleep a little.
Then I’m startled from my brief slumber when Gage suddenly announces, “Run away with us, Lyra.”
My eyes pop open. Then I turn my head to look at the Alpha.
His passionate eyes burn into my own, and air eludes me next. He is serious. Deadly.
“What?” I ask.
He nods his head. “You heard me. There is only devastation for us here, little doe. And it’s about time we moved on.”
So, we would all be fugitives. All four of us, spending the rest of our lives running from a vile king.
No. I won’t let them.
“But this is your home. One you’ve spent the last couple of years building,” I argue.
It’s Wren who speaks now. “And what would it mean if you weren’t in it, little sparrow? No. I go where you go now. My only priority is getting you as far away from this kingdom as much as possible.”
I’m not sure what to say. Tears sting the backs of my eyes, threatening to break free. Wren notices, leaning forward to kiss the bridge of my nose. “We are prepared to make the sacrifice for you.”
I sputter next, accidentally spitting all over him, but Wren just chuckles in that handsome way of his, a dimpled grin plastered across his face as he wipes my spittle from his cheek. “I take that as a yes, then?”
I’m too overwhelmed. They are prepared to leave this beautiful little paradise just for me. But I’m still not done arguing. “But what about Fidget? This is his home, too.”
Wren sighs, hanging his head. Then he looks my way again. “He will come with us.”
I just won’t stop as I blurt next, “But the life of a fugitive is not for a fox.”
Both Alphas freeze for a moment. Then they guffaw. Gage hugs me closer, planting a kiss on the back of my head.
Wren is still chuckling. “Little sparrow. He is a fox. A word synonymous with crafty, fast, and sly. He will manage.”
I bite my lower lip. Now I have run out of excuses.
Gage lifts his head, removing his arms from me now to let his hand rest on my hip. “We have made up our minds, little doe. Our decision is final. We are leaving. Wherever you go, we go.”
My lip wobbles. “But... there’s Malakai...”
Gage’s sigh is strained as he rises from the bed, searching for his pants. “You leave our brother to us. He will come around. Eventually.”
Yeah, I’m not so sure. That Alpha hates me enough already as it is. So, what will he think of me when he learns that I am driving him away from the home he built with his brothers?
Before I can protest further, the door bursts open, and then a small, orange blur rushes around the room.
His sniffing and chittering give him away, but I gasp in delight regardless, elated to see him; I haven’t had the chance to visit him since I went into heat.
“Fidget!”
He squeals at the sound of my voice, jumping up onto the bed, and I pet him like there’s no tomorrow, giving him a ridiculous number of pets. “Fidget, Fidget, Fidget!”
He squeaks in pleasure, then flops down onto the bed, getting his muddy paw prints all over the sheets.
And not to forget his pee, too.
Well, it looks like it is Fidget’s bed now as he marks his territory, and wow... that is a strong smell.
Yet Wren and I hardly care as we fuss over the little vulpine. He wriggles between us, never staying in one place for too long. As is his way.
How did he even get out of his pen? I know Wren said that foxes were crafty little animals, but he would need opposable thumbs in order to undo the latch.
Gage exhales grittily, throwing his shirt over his head. “It’s fine. I was going to wash those sheets, anyway.”
The Alpha moves toward the door. Before he leaves, he looks back at me, offering me a small nod. My throat grows tight when I spy the expression on his face.
His decision is final. The pack and I are running away together.
To where, exactly? Who knows, but I allow myself a moment to get excited about the fact.
It’s that mystery of the unknown. I was always excited at the prospect of leaving the kingdom, anyway.
Especially now that I will have chaperones. Someone to protect me and to take care of me.
I couldn’t have asked for a greater gift.
Wren and I laugh together now as Fidget chases the Alpha’s foot beneath the sheets. He pounces atop the plush, white sheets like it’s a blanket of snow. Wren told me it’s one of a fox’s hunting tactics, and his foot acts as the mouse.
When Fidget jumps into a high arc, I burst into laughter, peering at the door.
Gage has gone. But his decision still stands.
We are leaving the cabin.
A new life awaits us all now.
And you know what? I can’t wait.
Here’s to new beginnings. And just perhaps on our way, I can find my sisters.
And then I’ll be truly happy.