Page 55 of Shattered

Mackenzie continued on to his room. He could wear his grubby jeans and t-shirts around the house all he wanted, but going to an event, he should at least look presentable. Once he was in his room, he grabbed his best pair of pants out of the closet along with a button-down shirt he reserved for when he went on bids with Rapier. When he was dressed, he went back downstairs and found all of the children along with Hayden, Emmeline, and Aurora waiting on him.

“We’ll take my truck since it has more room,” Mackenzie said. “It might be time for you to upgrade vehicles.”

Hayden laughed. “We’re already in the process. We’ll see you at the property.”

On the drive over, he thought about everything Aurora and he had discussed. It still blew his mind, and it also worried him even more. The gaps in time was his wolf, he didn’t doubt it for a second, however the fear of going feral still sat at the back of him mind. The ‘what if,’ was a constant niggle of contention for him. It was why he couldn’t give her what Aurora deserved, yet he also couldn’t say no to her, either.

“Like I said before, you should stay with us tonight. Between the dinner and the play, you’re going to be exhausted.”

Aurora cut her gaze to him. “I think Abby and I should go home. I’m tired as it is, and staying might lead to other things.”

Other things meant one of two possible scenarios. Either they’d end up having sex again, which his wolf was onboard with, or he’d end up losing time. “True. Or we could both crash, wake up the next morning, and act normal.”

She laughed. “Something tells me, we’ll never be normal.”

No, they wouldn’t. “I’d very much like you to stay and to join us for Thanksgiving dinner, too.”

“Mac—”

“Listen, it’s always a huge thing my brother does for our joined families,” he said. “I am sure he’ll invite you, anyway. It’ll give us time to figure out how this is going to work. Plus, you and Abby can be with us instead of being alone.”

She stared at him for longer than he expected her to. “Fine. We’ll go. But, if anything like Halloween happens, I’m locking myself in a room, and you won’t find me.”

Mackenzie laughed. “I’d always find you, Aurora. Even if I’m not sure I should be a mate or have the chance to be one, you’re mine. We’ll just have to figure this out together.”

Chapter Eight

When they arrived at Kalkin’s, the party or dinner or whatever Kalkin called these little get togethers, was already in full swing. Mackenzie ushered Aurora into Kalkin’s home along with Abby. Liam and Riley had found two of the younger children outside and were hanging out on the bridge between Danielle’s and Kalkin’s house. Hayden along with Emmeline followed them into the house and joined Nico and Asher at the couch.

The noise inside the house always seemed to surprise her. She’d never experienced anything like it before, even when her parents were alive. Maybe it was the infectious laughter or the open chatter of those who’d gathered together, it filled her with wonder and a sense of belonging, something she hadn’t realized she’d missed until the Halloween party she’d been invited to.

“Want anything to drink?” Mackenzie asked.

Aurora nodded. “Sure. Why not.”

“Anything specific?”

She shook her head.

“I’ll be back.” Mackenzie gave her hand a squeeze.

“Mumsy, may I go play?” Abby zipped up her coat and sniffed as she spied a glanced at all of the children outside, especially Mikey.

“Sure. Be careful. Remember to be respectful and don’t overdo yourself,” Aurora replied.

“I will Mumsy,” Abby replied as she headed for the door.

“You made it!” Keeley wrapped her in a hug filled with warmth. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

“T-Thank you.” Aurora grinned, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear. “This place is packed.”

“We’re missing a few people and Kalkin’s on his way back with a couple of more family members.” Keeley chuckled. “Christmas this year will be interesting too.”

“Oh? Why?”

Keeley didn’t say anything, instead, she showed Aurora around the house, introducing her to different family members along with pack/pride members she’d not had the chance to meet yet. Most of them were from the Dryer Pride. “I worry about stupid things. Are you happy here, Aurora?”

Keeley’s question caught her off guard. “Yes. I like it here. Abby is feeling well, and I think we’re in the right spot to help her continued healing.”

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