Chapter 20
Chapter Twenty
Blake
W ith everyone settled around the dining table, I help Holden bring out the food, snagging the platter of vanilla pancakes and leaving him the sausage and eggs.
I serve Chloe first, laying three fluffy rounds onto her plate.
Then I frown down at the serving platter. “Hmm, what do you think this funny-shaped pancake is supposed to be?”
Chloe giggles. “I think that’s a mouse.”
“A mouse?” I shake my head. “Who would want to eat a mouse?”
“Me!” Quinn bounces in her chair. “That’s for me!”
I grin as I slide the pancake onto her plate. “You know, I can totally make mouse pancakes.”
Quinn shakes her head, sending her long pigtails swinging. “No way! Yours aren’t as good as Uncle Holden’s. He makes the bestest pancakes ever .”
I clutch my chest. “Defeated once again by Uncle Holden!”
Everyone around the table chuckles while Holden ducks his head, his curls falling across his forehead as a blush colors his freckled cheeks.
My focus shifts to Chloe, still cozy in her sleeping shirt. Someone had given her one of Nathaniel’s quilted jackets to wear, and she let me pull her pink hair into adorable buns on top of her head after I finished wrangling Quinn’s second pigtail.
As we dig into breakfast, Chloe leans toward Quinn, giving my niece her full attention. “So, tell me more about your story.”
Quinn’s entire face animates as she launches into elaborate tales of her unicorn sleuth alter ego. “Well, you see, Detective Stardust’s horn is a magic magnifying glass, and it lets her find all the hidden clues! And she interviews other animals to get to the bottom of each mystery…”
Chloe’s pink eyes sparkle with interest. She listens carefully, asking questions at all the right parts, and Quinn is thrilled to have such an engaged audience.
The others watch the sweet scene with a collective sigh of relief at the ease with which Chloe bonds with Quinn. We were all worried about how she’d adjust to having a child suddenly being part of the pack. But she’s taking it in stride so far.
Still, a part of me hesitates to get my hopes up. To assume that this means it will work out long-term. Chloe’s still healing from her wounds. And Quinn…that girl’s had more than her share of trauma in six short years.
I need to take this day by day and see how things progress. Much as I long to wrap Chloe up in my arms, to pull her and Quinn close and never let them go…I need to learn to be patient and let this unfold naturally.
When we finish breakfast, Nathaniel catches my attention and tilts his head toward the front door.
With a nod, I turn to Quinn. “Hey, how about you read your first story about Detective Stardust by the fire?”
Quinn lights up, and she bounces in her seat. “Can I, can I?”
“Sounds like a wonderful idea.” Chloe stifles a yawn. “You’re such an excellent storyteller.”
“I’ll start the fire,” Dominic offers, already heading toward the hearth.
Holden leaps up. “I’ll grab a blanket!”
As Quinn retrieves her notebook from the kitchen, Nathaniel and I slip out the front door into the crisp morning air.
Dew sparkles on fallen leaves as we walk down to the path and pace around the cabin to the back garden, scanning the ground for evidence of the intruder Chloe saw last night.
“Too bad it hasn’t rained in the last couple of days.” Nathaniel studies the grass by the gate, where an intruder would have had to pass. “Tracking will be harder with no fresh mud. If only Sprinkles was a trained search dog.”
I chuckle at the idea. “Sure would be convenient right now. Never thought we’d need a bloodhound. We should ask Kyle where he found that boat and check the woods around there. If someone’s been on the island for over a month, there will be signs.”
He grunts in agreement.
We walk the perimeter, searching for any disturbances or unfamiliar prints. But if anyone was lurking here, they were careful not to leave a trace we could follow.
“Chloe’s good with Quinn,” Nathaniel murmurs as he kneels on the stone patio of Chloe’s suite, searching for footprints.
“She is,” I agree, a complicated warmth filling my chest. “Quinn adores her already. But…”
Not finding anything, Nathaniel rises to his feet with a frustrated shake of his head. “But?”
I sigh, rubbing a thumb over the rainbow-beaded bracelet Quinn made me. “Quinn attaches quickly, but she’s used to people leaving, so it’s hard to say how she really feels. And Chloe… She’s been through so much, and it’s not all about Louie. Being kicked out of her pack as a kid, then all the bullying… We have to do this right. For both of them.”
Nathaniel studies me. “You spoke to her earlier?”
“Yeah,” I say, grateful that his level head had kept me from running off half-cocked yesterday. “I apologized, and she took it well, but actions are what will matter most.”
“Good.” Nathaniel turns to start toward the gate at the back of the garden. “When Kyle comes back, we’ll ask about the mystery boat.”
Once we return to the cabin, we find Chloe and Quinn now sitting at one of the smaller dining tables, still close to the fireplace. The blanket drapes over their laps under the table.
Quinn chatters about her drawing supplies as she pulls out her big box of crayons and hands Chloe a drawing pad.
I catch Chloe’s attention. “How’re you holding up?”
“I’m okay. This is nice.” She gestures to the crackling fire, Dominic sitting at the table still sipping coffee, and even Sprinkles, sleeping at his feet. “I never had something like this growing up.”
“Crayons are for the poor,” Dominic teases from behind his mug. “We only allow learning tools.”
Chloe laughs at the childhood memory and deepens her voice. “Art won’t put food on the table.”
“By the way, have you seen my latest million-dollar investment?” Dominic responds in a false falsetto. “This oil painting will turn all the champagne brunch ladies green with envy.”
As Chloe snickers, Quinn scrunches her nose at me. “What are they talking about?”
I tug one of her pigtails. “Their parents wouldn’t buy them crayons when they were your age.”
With a horrified gasp, she offers Chloe her box. “Here, you can share mine.”
Chloe bows her head, accepting them with the honor they’re due. “Thank you very much.”
Quinn turns back to me. “Uncle Blake, what should we draw?”
“Hmm.” I scratch my beard and turn to Nathaniel. “What do you think?”
“How about you draw your dream bedrooms?” he suggests.
“Oooh, yes!” Quinn reaches for a purple crayon. “I want a treehouse with fairy lights!”
Nathaniel settles at the table across from Dominic. “What about you, Chloe? What would your dream bedroom look like?”
It’s an obvious fishing tactic, but Chloe doesn’t notice.
She bites her lip, a slight flush rising to her cheeks. “Oh, um… I’m not sure…”
“Come on, it’ll be fun!” Quinn pats the drawing pad in front of Chloe. “You can put anything you want!”
Shyly, Chloe selects a light blue crayon and begins sketching. “Well… I’ve always wanted a big, cozy bed with a canopy. Soft curtains, and a place where I can curl up to read.”
As she continues describing her dream space, her voice steadies, and I can’t help but picture Chloe bathed in soft sunlight, wrapped in a fluffy blanket, a book in her hands and at peace.
Quinn’s voice breaks me out of my thoughts. “Oh, I want a reading nook, too! Uncle Blake, make our rooms just like this!”
I laugh, meeting Chloe’s startled gaze. “I’ll do my best. Uncle Dom and Uncle Nat will help me, right, guys?”
They both agree with matching indulgent expressions.
Chloe and Quinn bend over their drawings, their heads close together, the soft scratch of crayons on paper and the crackle of the fireplace filling the room.
I walk over to join the others, stealing Dominic’s mug to take a sip of coffee as my mind works. We have light blue paint from Cabin Three, and it wouldn’t be hard to convert the bed upstairs into a poster bed. I could have the pieces built by tonight and painted tomorrow.
Nathaniel leans across the table, his voice quiet. “If Domonic gets an order in at the supply store, Kyle can pick it up before he comes back.”
Dominic pulls out his phone to take notes.
Holden brings out a pot of coffee and a mug for me, so I return Dominic’s nearly empty cup. He also brings a basket of scones, which he must have whipped up the second breakfast was cleared. Dominic snatches two from the top before Holden delivers the treats to Chloe and Quinn.
“Thank you.” Chloe stifles a yawn behind her hand. “Sorry.”
“Getting sleepy, Chloe?” I call out.
She startles, surprised to find us all still at the table. “No, I’m okay.”
By the way she blinks slowly, she won’t be okay for much longer. Her body needs all the rest it can get to heal, but I don’t push.
Holden returns to the kitchen, and they color for a bit more. But then Quinn lets out a yawn of her own, a tiny fist rubbing at her eyes. Last night hadn’t been solid sleep for anyone, and it’s taking its toll on the most susceptible of us.
I set down my mug. “It appears you’re both in need of a nap.”
“No, I don’t wanna,” Quinn whines, bottom lip jutting out. “M’not tired.”
Chloe stifles another yawn. “Even great artists need rest. It helps them be more creative later.”
Quinn mulls this over for a moment before heaving a put-upon sigh. “M’kay. Will you nap with me, Chloe?”
Her hesitant gaze flicks to me.
I lift a brow, leaving the choice up to her.
“Please?” Quinn turns the full force of her wide, pleading eyes on Chloe, and she crumbles in an instant.
“All right.” She returns her crayons to the box. “Just a short nap.”
Before my niece changes her mind, I hoist her into my arms and hold out a hand to pull Chloe to her feet.
She takes it, her palm soft against my callused fingers. I lace our fingers together as I head upstairs, Quinn’s yawns filling my ear the entire way.
In my bedroom, I pull back the quilt and lay Quinn down.
She’s out almost as soon as her head hits the pillow, her stuffed black dog clutched to her chest. I tuck the blankets around her slight frame.
Chloe lingers by the door, teeth worrying her bottom lip. I pad over to her, keeping my steps slow and letting out my pheromones to soothe her.
“Hey,” I murmur. “You okay?”
“Yeah. It’s just…” She trails off, shoulders hunching inward.
Fighting the urge to reach out and pull her into my arms, I wait for her to continue.
“It’s been weeks since I felt safe enough to sleep, and now I can’t stop sleeping.” She leans against me. “You make me feel safe.”
The words knock the air from my lungs, and I wrap my arms around her. “Good. That’s good.”
I tuck a lock of hair behind the delicate shell of her ear. She leans into the touch, lashes fluttering shut, and it takes everything in me not to kiss her.
“C’mon,” I say instead, “Let’s get you settled.”
She allows me to guide her to the other side of the bed, a pretty blush staining her cheeks as I fluff the pillows and drape the blankets over her. She snuggles down, facing Quinn, one hand resting protectively on my niece’s back.
I perch on the edge of the mattress, fighting the urge to tangle my fingers in her hair, to lower my head and breathe in the sweet lily-and-lilac of her. “I’ll stay until you fall asleep.”
Her lashes droop. “Promise?”
“I promise.”
As her breathing evens out, I feast on her delicate features, memorizing the fan of her lashes against her cheeks and the soft pink of her parted lips.
Mine , my Alpha rumbles. Mate. Protect.
I exhale, trying to ease the tightness in my chest. She’s not mine, not yet. But I’ll be damned if I let anything happen to her. To either of them.
Rising on silent feet, I slip out of the room, closing the door so they won’t be disturbed.
When I return downstairs, I find Nathaniel and Dominic hunched over the bedroom drawings.
“We can do the forest mural here.” Nathaniel taps a spot on Quinn’s sketch. “Maybe some glow-in-the-dark stars on the ceiling?”
“Definitely.” Dominic takes notes. “We can customize a couple of pre-made bookshelves to turn them into built-ins for Chloe.”
“They’ll be out for a while.” Dominic and Nathaniel straighten as I approach. “If you give me the measurements for the bookcases, I can cut and paint the trim pieces.”
“I placed an order for the desk last night.” He taps at his phone. “I’ll get the matching bookcases, too.”
“Great idea.” I grab my mug, the coffee now cold, and take a sip. “Text me the links, and I’ll work from the product descriptions.”
My phone buzzes in my pocket, and I step away from the table as I pull it out. A check of the name on the screen has me grinding my teeth.
Looks like my dad finally returned from his business trip.
Bracing myself, I swipe to answer. “Hey, Dad.”
Behind me, my bondmates come to attention.
“What the hell have you done?” His voice cracks through the speaker, sharp with accusation. “Police? And why is Child Welfare saying Sadie’s home is an unfit environment?”
“Because it is.” I struggle to keep my voice down, not wanting to wake up the girls. “She’s not fit to be a parent, and it’s time you stop pretending she is.”
“And you think you are?” Dad scoffs. “Spare me the white knight routine, Blake. We both know this is just another one of your ploys to tarnish our family name.”
Blood pounds in my ears, my grip tightening on the phone. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Nathaniel and Dominic go still, their attention zeroing in on me.
“I’m not the one tarnishing anything,” I grind out. “Sadie’s addiction has spiraled out of control, and you’ve enabled it for years. Quinn was in real danger, Dad. I did what was necessary to keep her safe.”
“By involving the authorities? Airing our dirty laundry for all the world to see?” He makes a disgusted noise. “This is a family matter. It should have stayed in the family.”
“How’s that worked out for us so far?” I pace the length of the dining room, the scent of Nathaniel’s leather and clove pheromones mingling with Dominic’s citrus musk, trying to steady the rage coiling in my gut. “Sweeping things under the rug, pretending everything’s fine while Sadie drinks herself into oblivion and neglects her daughter?”
“We should have handled it ourselves,” Dad insists, but a hint of uncertainty leaks into his tone. “If Mrs. Reynolds wasn’t up to the task, I could have hired a second staff member to help. Your sister will get clean for Quinn. She just needs help.”
“Quinn doesn’t need more nannies. She needs to get sober.” I let out a humorless laugh. “Face it, Dad. Sadie doesn’t want to change, and keeping Quinn with her will never change that. I’m not letting my niece pay the price for Sadie’s mistakes anymore.”
Silence stretches across the line, broken only by the harsh rasp of my father’s breathing. I can picture him now, jaw clenched, eyes narrowed to slits. The same stubborn expression I’ve seen in the mirror a thousand times.
“You think you’re so much better than the rest of us,” he says at last, the words dripping with venom. “But you’re not. You’re a self-righteous prick who gets off on playing hero.”
The words hit like a punch to the gut, stealing the air from my lungs. I open my mouth to respond, but nothing comes out because, deep down, I wonder if he’s right. If I’m doing this more for myself than for Quinn.
Nathaniel’s hand settles on my shoulder, warm and solid, and Dominic moves to my other side, his presence offering silent support. Their scents envelop me, soothing the jagged edges of my temper.
“I’m doing what’s best for Quinn,” I say, my voice rough but steady. “If that makes me the bad guy in your eyes, so be it. I’m not backing down. Not this time.”
Before he can respond, I end the call, my hand trembling as I lower the phone.
Nathaniel squeezes my shoulder, his touch grounding me. “You’re doing the right thing. Quinn’s lucky to have you in her corner.”
Dominic hums in agreement. “Don’t let him mess with your head about this. You’re what’s best for Quinn.”
A lump forms in my throat, my chest aching. I haven’t heard hate like that from my dad since I told him I planned to form a pack with Nathaniel and the others.
He had worked hard to build up the Harris pack, to make a name for himself in the construction world. When I left, he took it as a spit in his face. I didn’t want the empire he created, and Sadie was in no position to inherit the business.
Once he retires, he’ll either have to sell it off or appoint one of the other Harris pack members to fill his shoes. But it will never be the same as passing it on to his blood son. My decision to choose a different pack over the one I was born into will always stand between us.
Nathaniel nuzzles my cheek. “You going to be all right?”
“Yeah.” I rub a hand over my beard. “Just…processing.”
Dominic presses a fresh mug of hot coffee into my hands. “We’re with you. No matter what.”
“I know.” And I do. This pack, this family we’ve built…it’s everything. “I just hate that it came to this.”
“Your father’s a stubborn bastard, but so are you,” Nathaniel says. “And you’re fighting for something that actually matters.”
“Okay, now it feels like you guys are just buttering me up.”
Nathaniel’s hand squeezes my shoulder once before falling away. “Come on. Let’s get started on those bedrooms. I’ve got some ideas for Quinn’s treehouse. A little manual labor will help set you to rights.”
Dominic backs away from us. “That’s my cue to go place my orders.”
Nathaniel levels a hard stare at him. “As soon as you’re done, you’ll put on paint clothes and join me. You can do the big parts of the walls.”
Shoulders slumping, he whines pathetically.
That pulls a laugh from me. “You can’t be a pretty-faced smooth-talker all the time.”
“Just most of the time.” His chin lifts. “Never forget that this face wins us investors. If we left things to your ugly mugs, we’d all still be living in Cabin One.”
I swat at him, and he laughs as he dances backward, the tail of his braid swinging as he spins away.
His antics bring a smile to my lips, and the last of the anger from talking to my father fades.
This is the pack I chose, and I’ll do what it takes to keep it.