Free Suffering & Salvation by Kenzie James Celia Kyle

Simi didn’t ask Brand where she was, but she was gone by the time they had returned from their run. She made a mental note to thank her later…for everything she’d done for a complete stranger.
    Having scarfed up their delicious dinner of leftover spaghetti and meatballs, Simi had helped Brand clean up, then she’d headed into the bathroom to look herself over one more time before they left. Satisfied she still looked presentable, Simi returned to her mate…waiting for her with the biggest smile on face.
    “Wow.”
    “I look okay?”
    “Absolutely stunning.” Brand tucked in his polo shirt and zipped up his slacks before tying on a pair of boots. Good. Boots. She hated loafers. Malcolm had always worn loafers. Less to remind her of her ex, the better. “Ready?” he asked, adjusting the waistline of his pants.
    “You look pretty good yourself, little wolf.” She smiled. She was ready. Ready to start her new journey, and though apprehensive, Isa and she were looking forward to a life of freedom and change. “Yup. Let’s do this.”
    She approached him, slipping into her heels at the foot of the bed on the way, blowing past him and down the stairwell.
    “Careful, Simi!” Brand followed, but kept his distance. Giving her the space he must’ve thought she still needed. He grabbed a set of keys from the hook by the front entryway before opening the door and holding it for her to exit first. She stepped through and approached the SUV in the circular drive, and the closer she got, the more anxious she became.
    Once they were both inside, he turned the ignition, a worried look on his face. She placed her hand on his forearm as he shifted into gear. They were on their way to the Gathering. Her and her mate, Isa and Wolfie, driving now on the road to her second chance at life.
    “Don’t worry yourself, Brand. I’ll be okay. Promise. I’ll be okay.” Simi repeated those words, maybe trying to convince herself to believe in what she said.
    He snagged her hand and brought it to his lips. “Your wish is my command, little one. But I’m here for you. You’re not alone. Always remember that.” He set her hand on his thigh and she kept it there, enjoying the flex of muscle beneath her palm as he drove them to their destination.

Chapter Six
     
    Her attention just beginning to focus on the passing landscape, she was surprised to find them turning into a driveway only a few minutes after they’d left. “I thought…”
    “All the members of Pack live relatively close together. For obvious reasons.”
    “We could’ve walked.”
    He drew her hand to his lips again, brushing a kiss on her knuckles. “We could have. But I don’t want you to get sick, wet hair and all. Besides, I couldn’t take a chance in dirtying that pretty little dress of yours.” He winked and released her.
    The SUV parked, he asked her to wait so that he could get the door for her. She watched the joyful expression on his face as he circled around to her side, beaming from ear to ear as he opened the door for her. It was then that Simi realized just how much pleasure he seemed to derive in doing things for her. What a gentleman. What a catch. She felt lucky to have met such a kind, warmhearted man. Being good-looking with a hard body didn’t hurt, either. Not even the teensiest bit. Brand held her hand as she stepped down, ensuring she didn’t topple over.
    They walked a few steps to the front door and rang the bell. A tall woman soon appeared, blonde and looking as regal as anyone Simi had ever seen—dressed in a gorgeous silk gown with her hair upswept. Isa and Simi recognized her immediately as the police woman who’d been present at Brand’s apartment that unforgettable day.
    The woman smiled, mouth going wide, face lighting up with joy. “ Brand, it’s so good to see you. ” Her voice was husky, oozing with arousal. “So good of you to come. I wasn’t sure you’d be here.” She stepped forward and reached out as if to touch