Chapter 18 - Erin

I don’t even know where to begin with processing all of this. I knew there would be a lot about Dane I didn’t know. I didn’t know he was a werewolf when we dated, so I’m sure there was a lot related to that he kept from me. I just wasn’t fully prepared to hear all this.

I knew Dane was different, more aggressive, and unstable than the man I knew. Now that I know he’s that way because he lost his mate, I’m unsure how to feel about it. Do I feel bad for him? I mean, in a way, I do. His soulmate died.

The thing is, Hale lost his soulmate too and isn’t deranged and aggressive. He lost his wolf, staying alive for his son’s sake. Dane isn’t clinging to life for River and Sage. He’s clinging to life rather than following his soulmate because he got a taste of power and wants to keep it. He didn’t even know about them without looking for me.

And when I think that he’s here because he wants to use my kids, it pisses me off. All the sympathy I had for his loss goes out the window. I don’t care what he lost. Nothing gives him the right to try and take my children, to try and use them.

I wouldn’t be so afraid if he were still the same Dane I knew. I could take the Dane I knew, the one I thought was human, in a fight. I’d fight to the bitter end to keep my kids safe from him. But he’s not a human. He’s a mentally unstable werewolf. I wouldn’t stand a chance in a fight against him.

By all accounts, I should be freaking out right now. Thinking about how quickly I can pack my kids up and get as far from here as possible. Yet, I’m not. And I know exactly why I’m not. Hale.

His presence is calming and exactly what I need. It’s like being calm is his superpower and that he can make others feel that way through his words and touch. Because I was a few seconds from a panic attack when he reached over, put his hand on my leg, and squeezed gently.

And don’t get me started on the things his conviction, as he promised no one would hurt us or take my children from me, did to my heart. Before I had my kids, I dated my share of guys. Sure they all ended up being toxic assholes, but none of them made me feel like Hale does. Is this what falling in love feels like?

I sound ridiculous. Talking about love when I barely know the man. But I don’t think I can ignore the feelings. And I know they aren’t just because he came here when he thought I was in danger. That helps, but it isn’t everything. I fell for him when we were just EMomma and MountHD chatting on Kindred Spirits. I don’t know if things would have moved this quickly if Hale hadn’t realized who I was. And despite all the craziness, I’m glad he’s here and that this feeling wasn’t one-sided.

“Okay. So there doesn’t seem to be much we can do now. Unless you think there is something we can do as some form of defense if Dane comes back.” I sighed, trying to take control of the situation and move forward.

“And this is why you should have let us get that BB gun. I bet silver bullets would be helpful.” River interjected.

“River, this isn’t a monster movie. We don’t even know if silver is harmful to werewolves. And I stand by my decision not to keep guns in my house.” I sighed.

“Well, River is correct. Silver is harmful to werewolves. Silver poisoning can kill if untreated and a bullet to the heart or head does the job no matter what kind of round it is.” Hale stated.

“See!” River exclaimed.

“However, many hybrids are affected by silver as well. It’s not as deadly to them, but it can be harmful. So having silver around would put you and Sage in danger.” Hale explained.

River and Sage pouted. “That explains a lot. I thought it was weird that they would have a silver allergy. I used to have a silver locket, and as babies, they tried to chew on it, resulting in a rash on their hands and their lips swell.” I blinked as it all now made sense.

“Fine, no silver.” River grumbled. “What else can we use?” They questioned.

“Well, wolfsbane, also known as monkshood, is poisonous to werewolves. But again, as hybrids, you would be susceptible to its poison, though to a lesser degree than a full-blooded werewolf. So the option wouldn’t be beneficial. Only your mother could handle the plant.” Hale shook his head, shooting down another idea.

“Is it poisonous to you? Not trying to be rude.” Sage questioned.

“That’s an excellent question. I may no longer have my wolf, but as a full-blooded werewolf, I still have the same weaknesses. So silver and wolfsbane can still hurt me and, like anyone else, could kill me.” Hale explained.

“So then, what can we do?” Sage questioned, arching their brow.

“Make sure all windows and doors are locked, and if there is a security system, it is armed. I know there is a Silvercloud security camera above the front door. I’m not sure how far that extends to security on the property.” Hale explained.

“Well, we do have an alarm system. It was part of the house already. So the camera on the front door and another facing the yard with motion lights.” I answered.

“Okay, good. Then since none of us are going anywhere tonight, you should arm the system. It will alert us if Dane does come back. Since the system is Silvercloud, it will be accessible by my Deltas.” Hale nodded.

“You never explained that. Why would your Delta have access to the security system? Is it because this house is rented to use through the company and therefore your Alpha?” I questioned because that was one thing that struck me as odd.

“Well, that is part of it, yes. But also because my Delta is Silvercloud.” Hale shrugged like that wasn’t some shocking news.

“Wait, you know THE Silvercloud!? The guy who started Silvercloud tech? The guy responsible for some of the coolest technology ever?!” River exclaimed, going wide-eyed.

Hale chuckled softly as he nodded. “Yes. Delta Jonathan Silvercloud is the founder of the Silvercloud brand. He and his mate Persephone have made some interesting technological advances. To the world, they are tech geniuses. In the pack, they are our Delta couple. And in Jonathan’s case, the boy who blew up a part of the pack house.”

“He blew up the pack house?!” River inched forward in their seat, all ears.

“What’s a pack house?” Sage questioned.

“The pack house is our Alpha’s home and acts as a meeting place for the pack and guest quarters for visitors. In his youth, Jonathan lived at the pack house and had a unique sleep affliction. Some people talk or walk in their sleep. He invents and then doesn’t remember what he made. In one such incident, a button was pressed on an unknown invention. It resulted in part of the house being destroyed and rebuilt. Alpha Logan moved his lab to an underground bunker further from residential areas.” Hale explained.

“Whoa! That is so cool!” River laughed.

I, of course, groaned cause this was all just giving my kids ideas. “Okay, enough of that. Neither of you is allowed to make anything that is combustible. We are renting this duplex, and I am not dealing with not only paying damages for our half but to end up paying for damages for our neighbor’s stuff.” I warned, pointing my finger at each of my kids.

“You’re no fun.” My kids pouted.

“Alright, I think that’s probably enough excitement for the evening. You should all try to get some rest.” Hale suggested getting to his feet. “I’ll ensure everything is locked, and then I’ll be on the sofa if you need me.”

“Right… cause you’re going to stay on the sofa and not mom’s bed.” River snickered as they and Sage got to their feet.

“Good luck with that.” Sage chimed in. “Night, mom. Night, Daddy Hale.” The cheeky shits grinned as they hurried out of the living room.

“Feel free to ignore them. They are just trying to tease us. I won’t fight you about it if you want to sleep out here.” I sighed. Of course, I want him to stay in my room. But I also don’t want to push his boundaries. He’s too nice a guy with a lot of baggage to sort through.

“It would be the most appropriate place. And if something does happen, it means I’m in a better location to address it no matter which door Dane may attempt to come through.” Hale rationalized.

“Of course… that does make sense.” I agreed. I reminded myself I shouldn’t feel put out by him sleeping in the living room. He’s here to protect us first. And the living room does give him a better defensive position.

“Erin? You don’t seem all that sold on the idea.” Hale sighed, cocking his head slightly. “Did you want me to stay in your room?” He questioned.

“No… yes.”I know my answer was a contradiction “I don’t know. I understand why you’d want to sleep out here. And I don’t want to push or to come off like something has to or would happen if you stayed in my room. Just because we were making out earlier doesn’t mean we are jumping into sex. Not that I would mind that, but I’m sure you aren’t ready for that. And it makes sense you have a lot of emotions to sort through. Way more than I do. I know having your close helps calm me, and I….” I tried to explain myself, rambling a little.

His lips cut off my rant. It wasn’t a long kiss, but it was sweet, and as he pulled back, he rested his forehead against mine. “I understand, Erin. And if we are on the same page that nothing physical would be happening, I can stay in your room.”

My heart fluttered, blinking as I looked at his boundless blue eyes. Seriously, he is the sweetest man I’ve ever met. And these little moments are making me swoon. “Okay… Thank you. I’m going to change into pajamas then.” I gulped mentally, thinking about what I had for pajamas that weren’t going to be embarrassing or too sexy to wear. I don’t want to give him the wrong idea.

“Okay. I’ll be there shortly. I want to make sure the house is secure. What is the alarm code so I can turn it on?” Hale nodded, stepping back to give me space.

“Oh right. Um, it’s 8431.” I had to think for a moment about the code. I hadn’t used it yet. Guess I’m going to start using it every day from now on. Even if Dane is sent packing, I live in a city with werewolves and vampires. I’m not sure how safe I’ll ever feel again.

“I’ll be to bed soon then.” Hale nodded, stepping away from me to check the windows and doors.

I let out a breath as I turned, went to my room, and started going through my clothes, trying to find something that rides the line of sexy and comfy. It’s honestly not very easy. The best I could find was a light blue floral print cami and shorts set. Fuck I’m nervous. Why am I anxious? We aren’t going to have sex. He’s just going to sleep in here. Yet my heart jumped when I heard a gentle knock at my door. “Come in.” I tried to keep my voice from squeaking, but it still did.

I smiled, nervously chewing my lip as Hale stepped into my room, closing the door behind him to the soft giggles of my kids. I’m sure they poked their heads out to see what was happening—little shits.

“Are you alright?” Hale questioned, obviously having noticed I was nervous.

“Yes. It’s just that I can’t remember the last time I shared my bed. I don’t count sharing a bed with my kids when they were little. And I know nothing physical will happen, but I’m still on edge that you’ll be in my bed.” I admitted.

“It’s okay. I’m in the same boat. I haven’t shared a bed with anyone but Jen. So, it’s a new thing for us, and we’re both nervous about it. But let’s try to move past our nerves and get some rest.” He suggested as he tugged his sweater off.

Okay, so I understand why he’s taking it off. It’s a nice sweater he wore to work, which looked way too nice paired with River’s sweatpants. Plus, who wears a sweater to bed.

Holy shit, he’s shirtless. My boss, Hale Shelton, is standing in my bedroom in sweatpants that don’t fit him, or maybe they fit too well.

I hope I’m not drooling right now. I didn’t realize Hale looked like this under all his prim and proper business clothes. He didn’t have the ‘dad bod’ you’d think most men his age would have. I’m not saying he has a six-pack or anything crazy, but he’s still fit. And I will be in bed where I can touch and hopefully cuddle with him. Jackpot.