Page 53 of Shattered

He was flying solo.

“There are some things an old wolf like me doesn’t get a third chance at. Strike that, I shouldn’t be able to have another chance to make this type of relationship a go. I’ve failed at everything. The paths I’ve taken have led to ruin and, this last time, it took more of my family with it.” Not to mention involved two innocent pups.

“So, are you saying you’d ruin me or vice versa?” She tilted her head to the side. “Because, I’ve got to tell you, you already have.”

He grunted. “Sex doesn’t ruin anyone. It’s what comes afterwards that can.”

“Give me until the weekend then,” she said. “I have to think about all of this and weigh my options, especially if someone else wants to take their chances with me.”

The beast inside Mackenzie roared to life, snarling and spitting as he lunged, pushing against the surface of his skin. His flesh rippled, and the short hairs on his arms stood on end.

No.

The wolf didn’t like the idea of her finding anyone else. She belonged to him and come hell or high water; the wolf would have her. “Sounds like a plan.”

“Fine, then I should go,” she murmured. “Thanks for clearing some things up. Also, I’m not on birth control—no reason to be. I’ll keep you posted, should I end up, you know. Pregnant.”

Again, another bolt of regret and shock shot through him. “If it’s all the same, you should be fine. I wouldn’t worry too much about it.”

“You’re not the one who carries a baby for nine months. I would be. I’ll tell you when I’m concerned.” Anger burned in her blue eyes. He’d rather her be pissed at him than crying, he supposed.

“You’re absolutely right.” Mackenzie held up his hands. “If you’re worried, Danielle will help you.”

“I’m not. But still, if I was, I would have gone straight to her. Not come here with Abby.” She stood then. “We should go.”

“Stay,” he said. “Charisma made dinner. Abby enjoys being here. No reason pulling the girls apart now. After dinner, you can go if you want, or—” he closed his eyes. “Or, you can stay here with us for the evening.”

“Mac, I—”

“I swear, no hanky-panky. Honest. You can sleep with Abby in her room. Or, I can have Abby bunk down with Riley, and you can have Abby’s room. It’s up to you.”

She blew out a breath. “Now I understand why Keeley and Danielle say Raferty men are so exhausting. Your highs and lows are more like tsunamis than ebbs and flows.”

He gave a weak laugh. “Yeah, we run hot and cold.”

“It’s not a good thing, Mackenzie Raferty.”

“Wasn’t saying it was,” he replied.

Aurora sat on the couch and closed her eyes. “I can’t believe how my day has gone.”

Neither could he. “If you need a nap or anything, you can rest in Abby’s room.”

She shook her head. “Can’t sleep. If I nap now, I won’t sleep later. My body was prepared for work tonight. Not the day off.”

Mackenzie nodded. “Fine, I’ll—”

A knock at the door drew his attention. No one came to his house, especially at that time of the day. If anyone needed him, they knew to come in the morning or later in the evening after the kids had settled in for the night. He went to the door and opened it, taking a step back. Hayden stood on his porch with Emmeline in her arms.

“Hi,” Hayden said. “I’m the rally person for tonight.”

Mackenzie stepped to the side to allow them entrance. “‘Rally person’?”

His niece nodded. “Yep. It’s time for dinner at Kalkin’s, then we’re headed to the school for the Thanksgiving play.”

“Shit, that’s today?” Aurora groaned. “I totally spaced out. No wonder why Kalkin gave me the night off.”

Hayden laughed. “Yep. All of us got the day off.”

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