Chapter 150
Chapter 150
“You can give him a good scolding later. Right now, I’m starving-let’s eat!” She chuckled as she and Bennet stepped inside the cozy cottage.
The lunch was nothing short of wonderful. We learned that my father was expected back from his travels within the next couple of days. Interestingly, he might be even more excited than my mother to finally meet Kennedy. My mom has this natural charm that effortlessly draws people in. Just like Bennet, she had Kennedy opening up about her childhood-growing up with the knowledge of werewolves and pack life, yet not fully part of it until a few years ago.
I discovered so much about Kennedy during our time together. For instance, Christmas is her favorite holiday. Although we each have our small family gatherings, our work never truly stops. The stories Kennedy told about Silver Crescent left me convinced that our modest traditions are bound to change dramatically next year. Still, I’d do just about anything to keep that sparkle alive in her eyes and the warm smile she directs at me.
When it was time to leave, after countless hugs and repeated goodbyes, we began to head out. But Kennedy suddenly hesitated.
“What’s wrong?” I asked, noticing her discomfort. Everything had been perfect just moments before, so I wasn’t sure what had shifted.
She shrugged, looking uncertain. “I don’t want this to sound strange.” I raised an eyebrow, silently urging her to continue. “Could Alpha walk me home p>
“Is that all?” I asked, relieved. She nodded. “You never need to feel nervous about asking to see him or wanting to spend time with him p>
“I guess I’m just not sure how that works,” she admitted. “I mean, you’re both the same, but in my mind, you feel like two separate beings. Does that even make sense? I just… I have this urge to see him right now.” She shrugged again, a little embarrassed.
“You can spend as much time with him as you want as long as I get an equal share,” I teased, leaning down to kiss the top of her head. “Let me change quickly and toss my clothes in the truck with Bennet p>
“Okay,” she replied softly.
Bennet said nothing as he followed me outside, where I could change and shift behind the truck. I wondered if Kennedy had ever witnessed a full shift before. It was something I made a mental note to ask her later. I didn’t want to frighten her if it was new to her.
Alpha padded around the truck to meet her, shaking his sleek black fur. She simply stared at him, as always. She seemed momentarily mesmerized, as if she couldn’t quite believe he was real-even though she’d been around shifters her whole life. Alpha nudged her gently with his shoulder, breaking her trance, then began to walk toward the packhouse.
She remained quiet for a while, but eventually her curiosity got the better of her. “So… are you always in Ryker’s head? Or do you go to sleep or become dormant until he needs you? I’ve always wondered how this ‘two minds’ thing actually works p>
This was yet another thing I admired about her how naturally she spoke to him, treating Alpha as his own person rather than just a part of me. She knew I was listening somewhere inside, but she didn’t seem bothered by it.
“We both can listen to the conversations happening around us,” Alpha explained. “But I can also pull back if I need to. After a tough fight or when we need to recover, that’s what I do. It helps me focus and conserve energy, which speeds up healing. But I’m also very present for any interactions with you p>
“Is that so?” she asked, intrigued.
“Yes,” he confirmed.
“What’s been your favorite interaction with me so far?” she pressed.
“Don’t you dare!” I scolded, laughing. She wasn’t playing fair, and he clearly didn’t care about embarrassing me at all. This could go in so many different directions.