“It’s strange, because I don’t feel separate from her. I still consider her ‘my wolf.’ But having the knowledge that we’re different, each with our own soul, makes it easier moving forward. I felt that immediately. It lessens any competition for control on my end when it comes to supernatural issues. I can trust her to think for herself, and she knows a lot more than I do, and there’s no way to put a price on that. But we still don’t agree when it comes to my human issues. Her tendencies are decidedly supernatural, mine are not, and I’m not willing to give up my control on that. I will keep my humanness, whatever happens.”
“It makes sense you’d push back on that and hold your ground, and, Jess, your humanness is what makes you who you are. Your wolf will come to see that. And even though she might be irritated with you, she will respect you for it in the end.”
“She might, grudgingly.” I laughed. “I already feel like we understand each other better and it’s only been a handful of hours since it happened—”
“Ma Reine.” Naomi’s voice was quiet in the darkness but I jumped nonetheless. “We are sorry to bother you, but we must have a word.”
19
“Well, we’re not exactly sorry to interrupt you, per se,” Danny added as I scrambled to stand, Rourke right behind me, a very low chuckle rumbling under his breath, “but I am, however, apologetic it’s the middle of the night. See, we heard you chatting, even though you were doing your best to be quiet, and my girl and I”—his face broke into a huge grin as he beamed at Naomi—“would like your permission to get the hell out of here.”
“But only if that’s okay,” Naomi added hastily. “We know you will need us, but in light of what happened, we were hoping—”
“—with me almost losing my life and such,” Danny interjected smoothly, “we decided we have some catching up to do. And here”—he glanced around the planking and the trees—“is not the bloody place to do it.” He cleared his throat. “The kind of catching up we need to do is of a delicate nature.” Then he winked.
Rourke started to laugh openly and Naomi stiffened.
She blushed so hard, it resonated in the moonlight. I slapped Rourke on the chest with the back of my hand and inclined my head. “I hope Naomi is well aware that she’s going to have her hands full with you, Daniel Walker. And of course you can leave. You have my permission to get out of here ASAP. We’re going to be heading back at first light, and we’ll meet you at home.”
Danny replied, “Oh, Naomi knows what she’s in for, and she’s told me herself she’s in.”
“He speaks frankly,” Naomi said. “I am definitely… invested. But our duty to you comes first. We would not leave you knowingly in danger, but if you feel you are safe for a time, we would appreciate a few days away.”
“Well, let’s not be hasty. It could take weeks to complete the—” Danny said.
Naomi elbowed him in the ribs and he smiled like he’d just won the lottery.
“Of course, take your time. You two deserve it,” I said. “We’ll rendezvous at home. If anything happens, I’ll get word to you. Check the Pack phones daily.”
“We will, Ma Reine.” Naomi’s face broke into a wide grin. “I swear to it.”
Danny moved forward and took my hand, surprising me. “There’s just one more thing I must do before I leave.” He knelt down on one knee in front of me. “You are blood-bonded to my mate already, and we were bonded as well, until my untimely semi-death wiped the troth away. I would swear another one to you right now before we leave. Before all gathered here, I choose you, Jessica McClain, to be my Alpha. I was meant to serve you, and you alone, and I will continue to do so until I take my last dying breath.” He put his other hand over his heart.
“Well done, Daniel.” My father strode toward us from the other sleeping area. I knew the entire camp had heard our conversation. He turned to me. “Daniel Walker is unfaltering in his loyalty to you, and that’s the best kind of ally you can have. As we move forward, my dream is to have an army of wolves who are loyal to you, and who will swear an oath to protect you at all costs.”
Tyler walked up, his hair tousled from sleep. “I’m keeping my allegiance to you, too, Jess, and any wolf who doesn’t like it can answer to me.”
My father nodded his agreement. I glanced between my brother and my father and smiled, feeling proud to call them family. Danny still had my hand. He gave it a small tug. “Shall we get on with it, then?” he asked. The look on his face was so serene and content, it made me smile. It was hard to believe we’d almost lost him.
I nodded and Rourke handed me a knife, which I gave to Danny. “You’ll have to go first. I heal too quickly, so this might be a challenge,” I said.
“Happily,” he answered as Naomi moved to stand behind him. She looked as joyful as I’d ever seen her. Her loyalty to me was absolute and I knew she and Danny were going to make perfect partners.
I remembered the words for the troth and had no need for a prompt this time. I projected my voice as I started, “Of my mind and body, I ask thee, Daniel Walker. Do you pledge of me freely?”