LXXXI

Just as I had predicted, we were awoken to the scathing creak of rusty hinges in desperate need of attention. And just as I had assumed, I was flung off the bed, to the corner of the cabin farthest from the door. Isaac was on the verge of shifting, growling ominously at the intruder.

“It’s me,” a familiar voice whispered softly. “Brandi.”

I picked myself up off the floor and stumbled over to my mate. Sparks flew to life when I placed a hand on his arm, and he subconsciously relaxed under my touch. Not enough to guarantee Brandi’s safety from a lycan protecting his mate, but enough that I could jump in and mitigate the situation.

“I figured you’d come by,” I snickered. “What’s the emergency?”

Isaac still seemed uneasy. Whether it was because he had been dragged out of sleep, or he was still trying to convince his primal side there was no threat, I did not know. But, when Brandi held out her hands and offered several quartz stones, he stiffened again. I figured the peace offeri