Kira“I’m going to stay awhile,” Perrin says, as Mark and the Alpha begin to leave. Deidre gives him a pained expression, then, as if understanding something I don’t, nods curtly and leaves. When they’re gone, Perrin sits back down and eyes me from across the bed. “You seriously don’t remember saving yourself?”I hold up a hand. “Before we do that, I want to make myself perfectly clear.”“About what?”“Don’t you dare drag Ben here. I’m not interested in some type of pity visit–”But the moron only smiles at me. “I doubt it would be a ‘pity visit,’ Kira. He’s genuinely worried about you.”“You heard what I said,” I snap. “I don’t want him here.”“You honestly wouldn’t see him if he comes?”“I’m not interested in anyone forced to check in on me,” I snarl. “Where is that food, anyway?”Perrin laughs and sits back in his chair. “Ok, fine. I’ll merely suggest it to him–don’t look at me like that, I’m not disobeying a direct order from the Alpha–that he come, but I won’t demand it, ok?”“F

Lo“You’re going to do great!” Perrin gives my hand a squeeze, then brings it to his mouth and kisses the back of my palm.“I wish I didn’t have to do this,” I say, trying not to hop from foot to foot with nerves.Cynthia and Deidre picked out a lavender, form-fitting dress that emphasizes the bump that’s been forming steadily for the past few weeks. I try not to rest my hand on my stomach, as I’ve been taken to doing lately. Not that the press hasn’t already guessed why we’re here.Alpha Jason rounds the corner with Deidre on his arm. She’s dressed in a beige business suit, not a hair out of place on her head. But despite her pristine makeup, she looks like she hasn’t slept in weeks. Alpha Jason stands strong in an immaculate suit, his tie a tan brown to match his wife.I look at Perrin, noting that we don’t match or have any visual link between us. Perrin doesn’t miss a beat. “We have years to figure that out,” he murmurs against my ear, before stepping forward and shaking his fathe

Deidre“You’re quiet.”“Was the press conference not enough for you?” I can feel the words land with unnecessary force, but I’m preoccupied right now. “I thought it went well,” he said neutrally.“I agree,” chimes in Mark. He’s up front with Charlie, watching the roads. “By the way, when we get there I’m going to stop and speak with our pilot. Make sure everything is set for our departure next week.”I turn to Mark, momentarily forgetting about our trip to Texas. “Are we flying together?”“Perrin will fly separately. You know we never put two Alphas in the air at the same time.” He speaks as if this is something I should know. I do, but counter.“I think we need to arrive at the Welcome Ceremony as a united front, though.”“We can do that. I’ll ensure our car services pick us both up upon arrival.”“Good.”We pull up to a private hangar. Mistra is waiting for us, her luggage to the side. “I thought she was flying first-class?” I asked, recalling our agreement that night in my office.

KiraIrene seems to think I’m well enough to attend the AA meeting two days after I’ve woken up. “Nothing like returning to our scheduled programming,” I mutter as she checks my vitals and we prepare to leave. Jennivah stops by as we’re about to exit the room, handing me a pair of sunglasses.“Won’t this just make me look hungover?” I ask, inspecting the pair but not putting them on. “Not really the vibe I’m going for.”“Consider this a soft rollout of the real you,” Jennivah says. “A statement is coming out this morning regarding your attack. It didn’t go unnoticed that the Alpha and Beta took a meeting with our northern neighbors. It’s best we ease into your new… look, with care.”I scowl at her, looking at Irene for permission not to wear them. But Irene gives me a stern look in return. “AA is based on anonymity. If the group sees what you look like, the rumor mill will start flying. Our members are happy to keep their own identities a secret, but let’s not tempt them with having t

Kira The morning passes slowly after my mother’s visit. Then the afternoon, too, only punctuated by a few brief visits from various members of the patrol guard. They don’t seem to have cared about whatever statement Alpha Jason put out. They came to see for themselves that I’m quite alright. Which was kind of adorable, really. Seeing grown men trudge in and out of my room. They didn’t bring flowers. Or words, for that matter. Only the occasional approving grunt and nod. As much as I appreciate them coming to see me, I don’t think they have much they want to say. They just want to see. Galpin physically gasped when he saw my eyes. He came by himself, and didn’t stay long. Just a few awkward fist-bumps from a man old enough to be my father and trying to relate. Tenzin and Royhill followed an hour later, visibly relieved that I was still breathing. Had they walked in wearing their wolf-form, they would have had their tails between their legs. But once I reassured them it was no way in