Chapter 87

Selene

After our parents leave, Phoenix goes into Luke's office to speak to him—or more likely, yell at him. Talking to my mom was kind of the Band-Aid I needed to rip off first, and I'm now I think I'm ready to see Makayla and Sam again.

I text them to let them know they can come over, and fifteen minutes later, there's a knock on the front door. When I open it, they both throw their arms around me.

"Selene, we missed you so much!" Makayla sobs, squeezing me like I might just disappear if she lets go.

"I'm okay," I whisper, trying to swallow the lump forming in my throat. But of course, seeing them cry makes tears well up in my own eyes. Damn it. This is exactly what I was trying to avoid.

I look up behind them to find Loki standing in the doorway. I know he's supposed to be acting as her bodyguard, especially since she refused to stay in Luke's house any longer, but the way he watches her as gotten even more intense since she left—If that is even possible.

I know they like each other, even though Loki tries his best to hide it, but there's something else there. I can sense it.

After we calm down and settle on the couch, with Loki still standing guard at the door, Makayla opens up a bottle of wine. "We don't need to talk about what happened if you're not ready, but we're just so glad you're okay. And I know you need a drink," she says, pouring me a glass.

"Yeah, I do," I admit, gratefully taking a measured sip of it. The cold, bubbly liquid runs down my throat, soothing the unease still churning in my stomach from earlier.

Sam leans against me, resting his head on my shoulder. "Not being allowed to visit you was killing us, but we respected that you needed time. Are you feeling any better?"

I shrug. "Physically, sure. I got cleared by the pack doctor after a day or two. Mentally? Not so much. Zack...Zack was a monster. And I feel so stupid for not seeing that until it was too late. He wanted to create a pack from dangerous rogues, and then have me become an Alpha so he could take over. I'm starting to think that's the only reason we dated in the first place, and then finding out that we were fated mates was just the topping on the cake for him."

Tears slide down my face before I can stop them, and I gulp down more wine, trying to numb the pain. I know Phoenix can feel it, but I'm glad he hasn't come out to check on me. He'd probably be upset that I'm talking about it even though I'm not quite ready yet.

Makayla gives me a sympathetic look. "That wasn't your fault that he was a psycho. I'm just glad Phoenix was able to save you and bring you back home."

Sam hums in agreement. "That man literally lost his shit, I'm surprised he didn't end up shifting and killing someone. I've never seen someone that angry, that out of control and desperate. But I completely understand why. You really mean the world to him."

"And I'm his fated mate," I add with a small smile.

"Holy shit!" Sam exclaims.

"I knew it!" Makayla says, a bit louder than necessary.

I laugh. 'You did not know it."

Makayla gives me a pointed look. "I so did. I didn't see Phoenix but once or twice after you went missing, but there was this crazed, haunted look in his eyes. Like he was slowly losing his mind without you. I've only seen that with fated mates."

I know Phoenix went through a lot after I was abducted, but hearing just how bad it was for him makes my heart ache. He and his wolf felt everything, while luckily my wolf was suppressed.

Fuck. It makes me want to hold him tighter for all the sacrifices he's made for me.

Sensing my inner turmoil, Sam decides to change the subject. "So, I've heard rumors that Philip might be stepping down as Alpha soon. Is that true?"

I nod. "As a matter of fact, him and Mom just stopped by. He wants Phoenix and me to take over as Alpha and Luna."

Makayla's eyes widen. "And they know? About you two?"

"Yep. That was honestly awkward as hell," I mutter, my cheeks burning. "But I'm glad we finally got it out in the open. We can just...be us now."

Sam snorts. "Family dinners might be a little awkward now now that they know you're doing your stepbrother."

We all burst out laughing, the tension in the room lifting a little. I finally feel a tiny bit normal again, like the weight of the world is no longer crashing down on me and I don't feel that overwhelming sense of dread.

Makayla bats her lashes at Loki, patting the spot next to her. "Loki, come sit next to us."

"No. I'm fine right here," he grumbles.

She rolls her eyes but turns back to me with a mischievous smile. "I swear, we've made progress. I started having panic attacks after you disappeared, and he actually came into my house and held me," she says through mind-link.

I can't help but smile. I love this for her, even if the big, bad wolf is a little shy around company and scared of his own emotions.

Later on, while we're in the kitchen washing the glasses, I pinch Makayla hard enough that she lets out a little yelp.

"Ow, what was that for?" she snaps, rubbing her arm.

Loki's growl comes immediately after, echoing through the entire house, and within a few milliseconds, he's right by her side, his eyes blazing.

"Are you okay?" he asks, his voice low and dangerous, but I'm not afraid. I have a big bad wolf of my own.

She blushes. "Yeah, it was nothing," she whispers, looking up at him lovey-dovey. He stares back at her with that same intensity in his eyes.

Oh my goddess. I was right—they're mates!