56 Beloved
Maureen POV
Clarice begged me to go on a run. I had spoken to the Alpha and Luna to make sure it would be alright given we aren’t technically part of the pack. They have both been so kind and told me that my mother and I may both shift freely. I know my mother is still nervous about being here and about Damien, but I really believe we belong here. I hope this pack will be a safe place for Penny to grow up. We are coming back through the woods toward the path that leads to the beautiful cottage they have let us so graciously use. As we approach the path, Clarice growls low. We notice a man walking and I expect her to keep moving toward the cottage but she shocks me and stops in front of him. “Clarice” is all I manage to get out before she scents the air. The smell of lilacs fills our nose.” “Mate” she says, and I’m ready to freak out. “Clarice no, we have to think about Penny. She lost her father. We already lost our mate and I won’t live through it again. You know Damien is still out there and he won’t stop trying to get us.” “Maureen, he’s a warlock, he’s strong” Clarice pleads with me. “Do you think he is really going to want a rogue with a child?” She whimpers and takes off toward the cottage. I can feel her heart breaking just as much as mine is.
and get her ready for bed.” “Alright” she says, which isn’t like her. She would normally give me some witty response or
out from the trees in front of us. Everything in me wants to protect him, but I can’t leave Penny. A million scenarios run through my mind, but before I can act, he rushes out into the clearing. I watch him protect a group of wolves and pride blooms in my chest even though he isn’t mine. He is a good man. In the blink of an eye, the feeling of pride is replaced by fear as I watch him fly through the air hitting a tree. The sound of his body striking
turn back to the most beautiful man I’ve ever seen. I shake away those thoughts and concentrate on healing him. I lay my hands on chest. I can feel the glow start in my fingertips and into his body. After a few minutes, the glow dies down and I can hear his heart rate slow. I rub my hand down
to face John, the door to the cottage
John POV
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