Chapter 57: Willa

It took some convincing for Ferrin to let me shift on the way back instead of allowing him to carry me. He was still worried he had done major damage even though I insisted I was fine and healing quickly. In the end, I shifted and was practically healed by the time we made it to the car.

Well, I was a bit sore, but I wasn’t about to tell Ferrin that.

I did, however, allow him to carry me to our suite after falling asleep on the car ride home. He laid me in our bed before going to the bathroom and retrieving a warm, damp washcloth. He cleaned the remnants of our forest encounter from my skin — that had already healed to faint marks — before climbing in behind me. He cocooned us in the blankets, holding onto me firmly as we fell asleep.

***

We were awoken earlier than I would have liked, but I was looking forward to the day. So, it wasn’t too hard for me to muster up the energy to get moving. I showered and got dressed for another day at the barracks. I was fixing coffee for Ferrin and me when Miranda stopped in.

“Good morning,” I said brightly.

“Good morning to you, too,” she said with a smile. “You seem chipper today.”

“I’m looking forward to working with the recruits some more,” I said.

Ferrin came out of the bedroom and greeted Miranda before coming to grab his coffee cup. He kissed my cheek and took the muffin I was holding for him.

“I wanted to let you know that another maid would be taking over your apartment this week,” Miranda said.

“Is Greta back?” Ferrin asked.

Miranda nodded. “Yes, sir. I know you trust her and she’s eager to return to work.”

“So soon?” Ferrin turned to me. “Greta has handled my quarters for a few years now. She has been on maternity leave for the past six months. She knows she can take more time, Miranda.”

“Yes, she does,” Miranda replied. “I’m only bringing her back part-time for now. She’ll only cover your suite instead of the whole floor.”

“Well, I look forward to meeting her,” I said. “Oh, and before you go, Miranda, do you mind doing me a favor?”

“Of course not,” she replied happily. “Whatever you need.”

“Just a sec.”

I went to the office and grabbed a piece of paper and a pen. I wrote out a quick note and returned to the living room.

“Do you mind getting this to Lady Hannah, Lord Henshaw’s new mate?” I handed the letter to Miranda. “I want to invite her for a get-together this afternoon.”

“That sounds lovely,” she replied. “I’ll get this right over. Would you like to meet in the library again?”

“No,” I said. “I’d like this to feel a bit more personal. Have her come here. We’ll sit out on the patio.”

“Absolutely,” she agreed. “I’ll let you know her response as soon as I know.”

“Thanks, Miranda,” I said as she left.

Ferrin came up and grabbed me by the waist. His lips met mine as he breathed in my scent.

“I have to get going,” he said. “Do me a favor today, though?”

“What’s that?”

“Keep Shawn and Adam with you when Hannah is here,” he said. “I’d prefer they were in the apartment with you two.”

My brow furrowed. “Do you think Hannah would do anything to me?”

“No,” he replied, “I think she’s harmless. But I’d rather not take any chances. She’s still new to the country, and we don’t know anything about her. You’re too important to make exceptions.”

I sighed heavily. “Okay, I think I can handle that.”

“Good,” he replied. “And don’t keep Hannah here too long. Arlo is back and I’m hoping he has news about Ava. I’ll want to fill you in on anything we find out.”

I nodded.

I knew Arlo was helping us to find Ava, the seer who predicted the prophecy. I understood why it was important to find her and to learn more about her vision, but it still made me nervous. Whether I believed in prophecy or premonitions or anything like that, many of the people of Whearhal did. They took this threat very seriously.

And we were confident that I was the alpha that it referred to. It was nerve-wracking enough knowing that put a target on my back, but to think I could actually be the cause of Ferrin getting hurt? It was sickening.

“Hey,” Ferrin said, lifting my chin. “What’s wrong?”

I gave him a gentle smile. “Nothing.”

“Willa…” Ferrin said warningly.

“I just worry that we won’t find out anything good,” I said with a shrug. “What if it’s as simple as it sounds? And me being in your life is all it takes to…”

“Willa, stop,” he insisted, grabbing my face. “We’ve been through this. You being in my life is not a question. It’s a done deal. We’ll figure this out and we’ll beat it.”

“And if we don’t?”

“It will never be your fault, baby,” Ferrin said firmly. “So, don’t stress about it. We’ll find out more about the prophecy and take down whoever is working against us. Okay?”

“Okay,” I conceded.

He kissed me deeply, holding me tightly.

“I love you,” he said when he pulled away. “Have a good day. Stay safe.”

“I love you, too,” I replied. “I’ll see you later.”