Page 84 of Shifting Fate
Dallon
I laid with Arias until his racing heartbeat slowed and his breathing evened out, stroking my fingers through his tangled, dirty hair. We talked for what seemed like hours, and I found myself thanking every god imaginable that we’d both made it out alive. Now that I had him in my life, I didn’t want to imagine an existence without him. I held him until his tired body succumbed to sleep. I wanted to join him so badly. I was utterly exhausted, but my wolf was restless.
I was worried about Tashi.
Before the Dreadhunter shit started happening, I didn’t think twice about my little sister living on her own. She was an adult. She deserved her privacy, but now that she’d been attacked in her own home?
I didn’t want her to be alone.
Gently untangling myself from my mate’s clutches, I covered him up and crept out of my room. I held my breath until I reached the doorway, worried he might hear me leaving and wake up. As much as I didn’t want to leave him, or my warm bed, for that matter, I needed to make sure that Tashi was okay.
I could sense the mingling energies of my packmates as they settled into evening routine. Voices trailed down the hall from the kitchen. I sniffed the air and caught a whiff of ham and beans, which tended to be Remy’s go-to meal when he felt the pack needed a little comfort food. Which also meant that we were having cornbread. Mmm.
It wasn’t hard to pick up Tashi’s scent. I followed it into the living room—only to come face to face with one big-ass dude. The giant of a man sat on the couch with my sister nestled in his arms. She was out cold, snoring softly with her cheek smushed up against his bicep.
Before my inner-wolf could get his panties in a twist, I paused.
Cocking my head to one side, I studied the stranger who my sister looked mighty comfortable with. He had to be at least six-five or six-six, built broad and sturdy, though not without a bit of a gut. His hair was copper-red, pulled back in a long ponytail, and he had a full ginger beard. He stared back at me with unerring confidence, but his gray eyes were kind.
“You must be Claude.”
The bear of a man smiled. “I am. Andyoumust be the infamous brother I’ve heard so much about. Dallon, right? I’m sorry we had to meet under such shitty circumstances.”
“You could say that again,” I muttered.
He cleared his throat. “I’m sorry we had to meet under—”
I pointed at him. “Ah, I see how it is. No wonder Tashi’s so enamored with you. You’re cut from the same damn cloth!”
Claude chortled. “That we are.”
I glanced up at the clock that hung over the TV. It was a quarter till six? Already?
“When did you get here, anyway?” I asked.
“As soon as I heard about the attack.” His expression turned grim. “The thought of my Tashi fighting against those monsters… Damn it, I should’ve been here.”
“You’re here now,” I told him. “That’s all that matters. My sister’s no pansy. She shot that Dread bastard right between the eyes, I’ll have you know.”
Pride flushed through me, but it was followed by a chilling wave of unease. Even though Tashi had proved she could take care of herself, I didn’t want that to become her norm. I didn’t want my sister to live her life in fear of who—or what—might come after her next.
I leveled Claude with a look. “Real talk? What happened today scared the shit out of me, and it made me realize just how fragile we all are. I know Tashi will move past this and come out stronger for it, but I don’t like the idea of her living in that place by herself anymore. It’s too dangerous.”
“I agree,” he said. “But you don’t have to worry about her being alone. I’m staying with her until this mess is over. I’ve already settled things with Rhine. As of today, Amber Run has the protection of Timberbrook.”
“Timberbrook?” I asked. “The bear colony on the edge of Northpoint?”
Claude nodded. “The very same. I’m one of the clan’s Alphas, alongside my brothers. Slade and Toph will also be nearby, in case of another attack. You have our loyalty…and I promise you, I will protect Tashi with my life.”
I fell silent, studying the big bear and my tiny little sister. She fit in the crook of his arm like she was made for that very spot and I knew. Claude would keep her safe, no matter the costs. Wasn’t that what a mate did?
After a moment, I swallowed the lump of emotion in my throat and asked, “You love her?”
Claude’s smile was genuine. “With all of my heart.”
I narrowed my eyes at him, but I was too tired to play the part of overprotective big brother. Besides, I got good vibes from the guy.
“Don’t hurt her,” I warned softly. “She’s my sister. She’s the only family I’ve got.”
