Page 105 of Shattered

Keeley smiled, but Aurora saw something deeper in her hazel gaze, something she couldn’t place. “Kal is bringing them back to the compound to spend the night either here or with Dani and Caden.”

“I owe you, Keeley, like big time.”

Keeley pushed off of the railing and put her hand on her shoulder, giving Aurora a hearty squeeze. “No, you don’t, Aurora. You and Abby, you’re part of us, and this is what family does.”

Aurora blinked away the tears she could feel building in her eyes and whispered. “I know. I still owe you one or a thousand.”

Keeley smiled. “No, you don’t. The fact you’ve given Mac happiness and peace, it’s enough for all of us.”

Aurora nibbled on her lower lip, while she stared out over the property. None of the children had noticed she was there yet, and, more importantly, Abby hadn’t even noticed her yet. Had she, there would have been no way for Aurora to sneak off the porch and get back into her vehicle. But could she leave the little girl? Did she want to?

For Mackenzie? To help him? Yes, yes, she could.

“Wow.” Keeley peered into Aurora’s eyes. “I canactuallysee your wheels turning.”

Aurora frowned. “What do you mean?”

“Abby will be fine, Aurora.”

Aurora pushed a wayward strand of hair behind her ear. “It’s just been a couple of crazy weeks. Most days, Abby’s schedule has been shot to hell…”

“Kids are resilient, and she’s adapting to all the changes quickly without any issues. You know this. One more night without you isn’t going to hurt her.” Keeley glanced over at the house across the way. “Dani is home, she’s going to be here with me most of the night, she’ll monitor her. I promise.”

“Makes me sound as if I don’t trust you guys,” Aurora mumbled.

“Pfft. You’re a mom, even if she is your niece, worrying about your child, is normal,” Keeley reassured her. “If it makes you feel better, go inside and see her, talk to her for a few minutes, and then go to Mac.”

Whatever the kids were watching, had them all breaking out in laughter. She could hear it out there. It brought a smile to her lips, and Aurora would have to have been blind not to see the happiness, and the healthy glow in her niece’s cheeks.

Aurora glanced at Keeley. “I don’t want to disturb Abby. She looks as if she’s having fun.”

“She is, and she’s in good hands,” Keeley answered.

“I know. It’s just always been all about Abby, and it’s always just been her and me against the world. I’m learning slowly it’s okay to not always be in charge and to allow myself to be a woman and have other interests. It’s hard finding a balance.”

Keeley nodded. “For some, it’s one of the hardest realizations to come by. For you, though, it’s different since Abby has spent most of her life being sick in one aspect or another. You had to step up and be theonebecause you were theonlyone there for her. We all recognize it, and we want to help you find yourself. It’s a win-win for everyone, because Abby gets to spend time with her new cousins, and interact and play with children her age.”

“How’d you get so smart?” Aurora asked.

“I deal with stubborn Raferty men, day in and day out. The only thing I got going for me is my smarts,” Keeley quipped before giving her a small shove toward the stairs. “Now go find your mate. Although, you don’t have to go too far. He’s at his house.”

Aurora laughed. “Yes, mom.”

Keeley snorted. “I don’t think any mom would tell her daughter to go fuck her other half’s brains out.”

“At least not in the vicinity of her overprotective, alpha mate.”

Keeley chuckled. “Bingo! See, you’re already learning, my young neophyte.”

After saying goodbye to Keeley, Aurora got back into her car and took the five-minute drive to Mackenzie’s house. His work truck, parked in the driveway, was the only indication Mackenzie was even home. Other than the front porch lights, the entire house was dark. Aurora pulled her car behind Mackenzie’s truck and parked it. Before getting out, she took a deep, calming breath. She slipped out of her car when she felt a bit steadier and made her way to the door. If it was locked, she was screwed. Mackenzie had yet to give her a key to his home.

She gave a prayer of thanks when the doorknob turned, and she was able to walk into the house. “Mac?” She said his name a few times, but was met with silence.

She frowned. He couldn’t have gone far. She strode into the living room and curled up on his giant chair he loved to sit in when he wasn’t in the kitchen or tinkering with something or another. Aurora took off her shoes and sighed. She loved her job, but she hated the shoes. Within seconds, she understood why her mate preferred this chair over the others. It was soft, warm, and more importantly, comfortable. She fought back a yawn, but when the second one hit, she couldn’t prevent it. Cuddling deeper into the chair, she tucked her head up against the side with the intent to only rest her eyes.

The beep of the microwave woke her up, and she had no clue how long she’d slept, except, it was completely dark by then. “Hey.” She sat up and wiped the sleep from her eyes. “Where have you been?’

“Running,” he replied, his voice dark and growly.

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