Third Rank Penn Lake Wolves Book Three by Clare Atling

expression.
    ‘Oh Brandon, I know it’s going to
take time to build our trust again. But no, there was nothing going on between
me and Colt. In fact, we never really spoke. His father kept me captive for a
long time and killed my mother, but he gave me hope in that room when I had
none. It’s not his fault that his father is a maniac, no more than it is Callie’s.’
Brandon stiffened again at Callie's name. ‘Colt told me they are brother and
sister,’ she continued. ‘For Callie's sake I couldn’t let him die there. Whether
he wants to or not, he is going to need a family, this family, to help him through
it all. If I have to be his friend to do it, then I hope you will support me?’
    ‘Fuck,’ replied Brandon
irritably. ‘The man is a prick, but I see your point. Seth will have to decide
what happens to him, ultimately. I’d rather you didn’t see him, but I guess
what you say makes sense. He’s going to be fine once his broken ribs heal. Alex
and a few others have him in a holding cell, near the marina, that we use for
rogue wolves.’ Brandon pulled her closer again and she snuggled her head back
down on his chest. ‘I’m sorry I didn’t trust you.’
    ‘It’s going to take time, you and
me,’ she said. ‘But there is nowhere else I’d rather be.’
    ‘Then go to sleep, my angel, because
I promise you’re not going to get much sleep tonight.’ Brandon kissed the top
of her head and then closed his eyes. Maggie couldn’t believe the turn of
events in just a short space of time, but she was glad to be right here with
Brandon, where she belonged. Hopefully, home at last.

 
     
    Chapter Thirteen
     
    Hope knocked on the door to her parents’
bedroom quietly as she didn’t want to wake her father. Her mother’s voice
welcomed her in and she opened the door. Her father was still healing in his
wolf form and her mum was sitting next to him, running her fingers through his
fur. Even Hope could feel the love that engulfed this room.
    ‘Seeing as no one wants to leave
their mates,’ she began, ‘and Seth has taken Sarah to the mainland to get her
arm looked at, I’m going to head on over to see how our prisoner is doing.’ Hope
smiled at her mother’s look of distrust.
    ‘Now, Hope, don’t you go down
there causing trouble,’ said Mary. ‘From what Maggie told you, it was Colt who
helped her out, and it was Colt who saved our Callie from Marcus in the first
place.’
    ‘I’m not going to cause trouble,’
replied Hope. ‘But the guys might like some food, seeing as they’ll probably be
there most of the night till Seth gets back. I won’t be long. I’ve got my phone
if you need me.’ She walked over to her mother and kissed her cheek. ‘I love
you, Mum.’
    ‘I love you too, Hope.’
    Shutting the door behind her to
give them privacy, Hope pulled on her jacket before heading into the night
towards the marina. The small building to the right looked more like a storage
shed, but she knew it held a small cell for any rogue wolves that needed to be
held before being transported to the mainland. Colt would be there, but she had
no intention of feeding him. She had brought food along for Alex and the boys
and hoped he would feel hungry watching the others eat in front of him.
    She knocked on the door and
walked into the small building.
    ‘Hey, guys. I brought some food
for you all.’ Alex sat up in his chair and looked as tired as she felt.
    ‘How’s your dad?’ Alex grabbed
the bowl of casserole and delved into it with the bread Hope had brought along,
like he had been a starving man. The others joined him at the small table.
    ‘He’s as okay as he can be,’ she
replied. ‘Mum’s with him. How’s the captive?’ She turned to see Colt had sat up
on the small bed and was staring at her. She walked closer to the bars, but not
close enough for him to grab her if he wished. She barely noticed the scars
across his cheek, for the man staring at her had to be the hottest man she