Mated in Mist (Talon Pack #3)(22)

“I…” She trailed off then tried to look casual as she glanced over her shoulder at Bram, Ryder, and Brandon.

Brandon had come over to Ryder’s that morning with coffee and pastries and, apparently, an agenda. The quiet Omega and his Heir brother had been in deep talks since they’d politely asked to speak privately. She didn’t feel slighted in the least, as she was the one intruding. She didn’t belong with the Talons, didn’t belong with anyone, and she knew that. Having two very handsome wolves ask for some space to work without her around wasn’t an insult. It was just life.

When Bram and Charlotte had shown up, it had been a surprise. Though not an unwelcome one, as Ryder had opened his home to the two. Bram had quickly joined in whatever conversation the other two men were having, and Charlotte had taken Leah aside to the living room, where they were now.

Any other time, Leah might have felt overwhelmed at the drastic changes in her life and the fact that she was now living with a wolf who wanted her, yet didn’t want to want her, as well as being surrounded by wolves who could kill her in an instant. They were that strong. It was only the pureness of their hearts and the integrity of their souls that led them down the path of humanity and away from depravity.

She wasn’t a pacifist, but she also preferred to use her words to fight rather than her magic. It just wasn’t in her as a water witch. Oh, she would try, and could even inflict some damage if she had to, but she tried not to.

And that wasn’t the way to survive on the run.

It had been Roland that saved her countless times because he could work past the inherent calmness of his powers. He had been the storm to her quiet lake.

And now he was gone, and she had to provide the waves.

Leah let out a breath, reaching out to grip Charlotte’s hand. The other woman had quietly waited while Leah tumbled through her thoughts.

“One day, I will be able to have a full conversation without getting lost within myself,” Leah said simply.

Charlotte just smiled softly and shook her head. “You’ve been through a lot. I’m surprised you’re even out here and not wrapped in your quilt on your bed. Or perhaps in a bath?”

Leah smiled then. “I do love baths.” And Ryder had a beautiful claw foot tub in the master bathroom he had offered to her. She hadn’t taken him up on the offer yet, as she hadn’t wanted to take four hours in the bath when he might need something, but she would soon. Her powers demanded it.

“You know, there’s a lake on Talon land, I believe,” Charlotte added. She looked over Leah’s shoulder. “Ryder, is the lake within the den wards?”

The conversation at the dining room table stopped, and Leah turned as all three men looked over at them. Was it wrong that she heated up just at the thought of Ryder looking at her like that? Sure, the other two were attractive, but, apparently, all she wanted was Ryder.

Who wouldn’t take her for a mate.

But she didn’t want that, she reminded herself.

Ryder met Leah’s gaze and nodded. “It’s within the den wards.” He kept looking at her, though it had been Charlotte who’d posed the question. “I should have thought of that before. Do you need to recharge? I can take you to the lake tonight.”

“I’m fine for now,” she said honestly. She hadn’t used her powers, and since she’d been able to drink as much water as she wanted plus take long showers, she was fine. A natural lake would be amazing, but it wasn’t necessarily needed yet. “I don’t want to take you away from your duties or burden you.” She didn’t want to be anyone’s burden, least of all Ryder’s.

“You just tell me, and we will go.” He paused. “Or someone else can take you, of course. It doesn’t have to be me.”

So polite. So formal.

She honestly did not understand this wolf.

Nor did she understand herself recently.

“Thanks.”

“Let’s go for a walk,” Charlotte said suddenly. She stood and brought Leah with her. “We’ll let you guys talk Pack business or whatever is so interesting over there, and I’ll show Leah around.”

Ryder snorted. “You’re not a Talon, Charlotte. How are you going to show her around?”

Charlotte rolled her eyes. “Between Finn, Gina, and Brie, my family is slowly mating with all of you so much that I’m here just as much as I’m on Redwood land. If I get lost, I’ll call Brie.” She paused. “Unless you don’t want a Redwood and a lone witch walking around without supervision.”

Brandon sighed. “It’s not that.”

“Then what is it?” Leah asked. “Am I a prisoner here?” She couldn’t keep the bite out of her tone, and when Brandon sat back, she regretted it. He may not be able to feel her emotions because she wasn’t Pack, but he could feel Ryder’s.

She kept messing up, and yet because she didn’t know where she stood, she couldn’t find her balance. That needed to change. She wasn’t some weak-kneed girl who couldn’t breathe without fainting. And despite how she’d acted since she’d first come to the Talons over a week ago, she needed to show them who she was.

Ryder stood and made his way to her, a frown on his face. Leah took a deep breath, her heart racing, though she wasn’t sure why. He didn’t move to touch her, didn’t do anything but stand closer to her than was necessary for a mere acquaintance.