The Light in Us

53. Fox

53

Fox

A rms slip around my waist as I’m chopping potatoes. “She’s in the shower.”

Teddy sinks into me when I turn, seeking comfort I need to give, just as much as he needs to receive it. “Did you have a good afternoon?”

It was so fucking hard to leave them be, to not skulk outside the door. But I forced myself downstairs. The smell of garlic and oregano permeates our kitchen.

“Yeah.” His words are muffled. “She’s almost forgotten how to be an omega, Fox. They took it all from her. And I’m so fucking angry .”

I have to force myself not to react, to not let my fury bleach the air. “They’re going to pay for it.”

Something I’m still considering. But if I hated Wordsmith before, it’s nothing to how I feel now that I know exactly how they forced my mate to live.

Teddy sniffs the air. “Smells good. What are you making me, pack leader?”

I poke his nose. “ Us . Lemon chicken and garlic roasted potatoes with feta cheese.”

He feigns a moan. “You’re going to spoil us.”

“You’re already spoiled.” But Fallon isn’t, and I intend to change that. “Exactly how it should be.”

He kisses my chest. “In that case, I’m going to make us cocktails and chill out in my nest before dinner.”

I pause. He only does that when he’s feeling low. “Teddy.”

“It’s not that,” he says softly. “I’m just… I’m sad for her. And I don’t want to hound her, so I’m going to lose myself for a while. I’ll take Rowan up with me. Call us when dinner’s ready?”

I rub my thumb along his cheek. “Of course. And you’ll call if you need me.”

It’s not a request.

After he’s disappeared, I finish preparing dinner and slide it into the oven to cook. Wilder and Zeke aren’t back yet from their errand, and I check my watch, wondering where Fallon is.

I lean against the counter and cross my arms.

Fuck it.

I take the stairs two at a time.

Teddy and Rowan are up in the attic. I veer off down the hallway on the first floor, passing Fallon’s new bedroom. There are enough things scattered everywhere to last her for the next ten years at least, thanks to Teddy, but no sign of my mate, the door left open.

I slow as I reach the bathroom and check my watch. The door is closed, steam curling from underneath.

Teddy went upstairs forty minutes ago.

Maybe she likes long showers.

She can spend as long as she likes in the bathroom. Turning to leave, I hesitate. Something makes me reach out and tap on the door. “Fallon?”

There’s no response. More steam appears, along with the scent of the shampoo Teddy probably picked out. It matches Fallon’s scent, works with it.

But there’s something else underneath it.

My hand is pushing open the door before I bother stopping to think. “Fallon—,”

She doesn’t look up. She’s sat on the floor of the shower, water cascading over her and her face buried in her knees. Her wet hair covers her like a damn shroud.

But I can just hear her sobs above the rushing of the water.

Fuck. Her quiet cries threaten to break my fucking heart. I rip the shower door open and ease myself down onto the floor next to her. The hot water pelts down over my head, my shoulders, soaking my shirt and jeans in seconds as I brush her shoulder in silent question.

What do you need?

I don’t want to assume. Bad enough that I’ve invaded her shower, but there’s nothing on this goddamned fucking earth that could make me turn around and walk away from my mate in pain.

She’s had enough fucking pain in her life.

Fallon doesn’t say anything. But my mate curls herself into me, still shaking with the force of her near-silent cries, and I inhale in silent relief that at least she’ll let me give her this. Sliding my arms under her, I lift her onto my lap, Fallon’s legs facing sideways and her head against my shoulder. Her arm comes up to wrap around my neck.

Nothing I can say can take her pain away.

But I hold onto her tightly, my hand cupping the back of her head as I gently rock her. “I’ve got you.”

I don’t expect her to respond. But we sit there for a long time. Long enough that I smell the unmistakable scent of burning in the air before Teddy’s head slides around the door a little while later.

He hesitates. But when he goes to leave, Fallon makes a noise, deep in her chest. My mate holds out her hand, and Teddy dives in next to me, his hand lifting to stroke her hair as he cuddles into her.

And that’s where we stay.