Page 25 of Pack: Posy 3

"Fast, slow," he whispered in my ear, "soft, hard. I can move any way you want me to move."

Fire scorched my face as I shoved his chest to push him back.

"Cole!"

Laughing, he put his hands on my waist, lifted me out of the SUV, and put me on my feet. I grabbed his hand and tugged him toward the front door, eager to see inside this beautiful house.

"The twins and Beatrix beat us here," he noted, pointing to a truck with his free hand, and I nodded to acknowledge him.

The front door opened before we could knock, and Emerson welcomed us inside his home. He gave us a little tour, which made my jaw drop again. I would have to come over sometime when I could look around to my heart's content. There were so many little nooks and corners to explore, not to mention random stained glass windows, spiral staircases, and hidden spaces.

We ended up in the large living room, where Beatrix, her mates, Angelo, Leo, and Thoreau were seated and chatting. After greeting everyone, I sat down next to Thoreau on the love seat.

"I got you a present, Reau!" I handed him the big gift bag.

"For me?" His eyes widened and he took the bag carefully with both hands. "Thank you, luna!"

"You're welcome. Open it up!" I clapped my hands with excitement.

He slowly took out the tissue paper, then squealed and lifted the wolf stuffy out of the bag. He stared at it for a few seconds, then smashed his face into its belly and squeezed it tight.

"It's the same colors as Tanner," he whispered. "How did you know, luna?"

"Oh, I didn't. I picked the one I thought you'd like the best. Do you want me to get you a different one?"

"NO!" he screeched. "It's Baby Tanner. I love him! He's mine forever."

"That's right," I soothed and rubbed circles on the boy's back. "He'll be with you for as long as you want him to be."

While I was talking with Thoreau, I listened with half an ear as Beatrix talked with Leo.

"I have something for you." She handed him a small white jewelry box. "We destroyed everything else that was in the trunk you found in the bayou, as it was all black magic or tainted by black magic, but there was nothing wrong with the ruby pendant. We purified it just to be safe, and now it's clean to do whatever you want with it."

Leo made a face as he opened the box and stared at the gem that had cost him so much.

"We know you might not want it, but no one else has the right to it," she said with a shrug and gentle smile.

He sighed, but didn't say anything and slipped the jewelry box into his pocket.

"All right, Reau," Beatrix chirped as she turned to him, "you ready to do this?"

"No," he said with a pout.

"It won't hurt, I promise. And you can hold your wolf stuffy the whole time."

"No."

Beatrix cut her eyes to Emerson, then me, then back to Thoreau.

"This has to happen," Emerson explained to him. "The king ordered it. We can make you more comfortable, though. What would help, Reau?"

"Will luna hold me?" he asked in a small voice, and my heart leapt into my throat.

"Of course I will," I said without hesitation. "You want to sit on my lap?"

"Little luna bunny, he's bigger than you are," Emerson pointed out with a frown. "How about you sit next to her, Reau? Then you can cuddle her."

"That works, too," Thoreau agreed.

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