Page 13 of Shattered

“So, close by then,” she said.

“Yep,” Keeley agreed. “I’ve always been kind of militant about the kids’ bedtimes. Kind of had to be when our first children were twins. So, if Abby doesn’t go to bed early on the weekends, might as well let her go watch movies.”

“Movies it is.” Aurora bit her bottom lip. “I have to make a list, though.”

“Of?”

“Snacks she can and can’t have along with drinks,” Aurora replied.

“Right. Let me get you some paper.” Keeley went back into the house, and for the first time since they arrived, Aurora allowed herself to relax.

She watched as the children ran around at full tilt, hopped up on candy and excitement. Abby was in the middle of them all, laughing and talking. It was as if they’d all always been friends. The adults had gathered together in small clusters as well, carrying on their own conversations. But, as her gaze moved over those who filled the backyard, she’d yet to see the one person who’d single-handedly turned her inside out since she arrived, Mackenzie.

Why she cared about him after he basically ran away from her, she didn’t know. When she stared at him, there’d been this kindred thing between them. She’d felt it the moment she said hello. She saw the shadows of loneliness in his eyes. Saw the sadness, too. She couldn’t imagine what it had been like seeing his whole world implode like it had, and in such a public theater. From the small bits of news she’d heard, Holly Geithner had not only torn apart the lives of her mate and children, but that of Hayden’s, Jase’s, and practically the whole community of Window Rock. It broke Aurora’s heart seeing the remnants of Holly’s betrayal, in a way.

Yeah, people were smiling and laughing. The children were playing and having fun, but she could feel the undercurrent of tension radiating through all of them. Almost like they waited for the other shoe to drop. She didn’t blame them. In the last year and a half, more shit had gone wrong instead of right.

“Here you are,” Keeley said, placing a pad of paper in front of Aurora. “Write down everything, and I’ll make sure Shelby gets it before the kids leave.”

“Thanks,” she murmured.

“Not a problem.” Keeley squeezed her shoulder. “Duty calls.”

Aurora watched as Keeley retreated to the kitchen once more. The womandidrun a tight ship. Tighter than she did with Abby. Of course, they had their routines. More so while Abby was undergoing treatment at Seattle Children’s Hospital. After her surgery, they fell into their own daily plan that worked for them. However, when Abby’s incidences of turning blue and being too cold became too much, they moved to a warmer drier climate.

After she finished the list, she sat there for a while longer, observing those around her. At some point, Kalkin brought her a plate of food and she began to eat. The meal had been spectacular, what she’d eaten of it. Her stomach had been in knots since she’d accepted the invitation, and as the hour grew later, the knot cinched up more. She couldn’t explain it. She didn’t think it was because she or Abby would get hurt, but perhaps, it was more like, the unexpected.

Soon, all of the children were gathered into two lines. Those who would be going to Caden and Danielle’s place and those who would be camping out in Keeley and Kalkin’s house. Abby came over to her with a huge smile on her face. Her cheeks were still rosy, but her eyes were still bright and clear.

“Mumsy,” Abby said. “Did you hear? We’re going to have popcorn and watch spooky movies.”

“I did,” Aurora said. “I gave Keeley a list of all the things you can and can’t have.”

“Okay.” Abby threw her arms around Aurora. “Thank you, Mumsy, for bringing us tonight.”

“You’re welcome.” She tapped the tip of her niece’s nose. “Have fun watching movies.”

Her niece grinned. “I will. You have fun, too.”

Once all of the children were gone for the night, Kalkin stepped outside into the middle of the backyard. If the man had been intimidating while inside the house, he’d been more so, standing there. A minute later, another man she recognized as Rapier Dryer joined Kalkin. She learned quickly after she moved there, that Window Rock had two Alphas, Kalkin and Rapier, and though they were both Alphas, Kalkin had more power. She also learned there was a small pride of lions just arriving in Window Rock, and they were led by Christoph St. John.

“Welcome, everyone,” Kalkin said. “Tonight, we run. Those who are mates and those who are single are welcome to participate. I will remind you it is the full moon. For wolves, it means—” Kalkin gave everyone a wicked grin— “things are about to get freaky. I shouldn’t have to say this after all we have been through, but there will be no forced capitulation. If your partner isn’t willing, then leave them alone. Don’t make me have to stop enjoying my evening because you don’t like being told no.”

Rapier stepped forward then. “The trail behind Kalkin’s house goes up into the bluff. There are trees and clearings. Remember where you are at all times. Also, one of the paths opens up behind Caden and Danielle’s house. Don’t freak the kids out.”

The way Rapier said those words, had Aurora wondering if someone had scared the kids before without meaning to do so. She laughed to herself. Well, Keeley did say naked butts were bound to be seen. So, it probably had. She glanced up at the moment everyone began to undress. Aurora’s ability to breathe vanished. What were they doing? She closed her eyes and gave a small squeak before backing away from everyone. She didn’t need to see all of them in their naked glory.

A low growl caught her attention, and she opened them. There alongside a giant lion stood Kalkin. A black wolf with yellow eyes. Around her, several different types of animals and...Holy shit...A dragon? Her heart hammered in her chest. Her body trembled. There was also a unicorn, horse, a...a vampire.How the fuc—?No, she was seeing things. Right?

“It’s a lot to take in the first time you see this,” Keeley murmured beside her. “No one here will hurt you.”

“I’m really seeing a vampire then?” Aurora whispered.

Keeley gave a soft tinkling laugh. “You are.”

Keeley said everything a bit too matter of fact for Aurora’s liking. Sure, shifters were out and visible and had been for as long as she could remember if not longer, however finding out vampires were real? What else? “I’m sorry...”

“It’s overwhelming, I get it.” She wrapped her arm around Aurora’s shoulders. “I was in your shoes a few years ago when we finally met Cyril when he came home for a visit with Henry and Shelly. “Okay, crash course. Ready?”

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