Free On a Razor's Edge by K. F. Breene Page B

show of pure courage, or absolute stupidit y, Tim said, “You forget, those aren’t the only…loved ones being exchanged. You have my Beta—my second in command--and his entire family. His wife is pregnant. We each have given over something precious to ensure this working relationship. It is that important, and so we will treat it as such.”
    “Then we understand each other. I’ ll leave you to it. Stefan, you might say your goodbyes.”
    Stefan stared at Tim as Dominicous walked away toward Toa, wanting to verbalize his own threats, but refrained, knowing he’d only sound redundant. Instead, for his mate, he said, “Sasha thinks she fails constantly, which brings her down. I’d be grateful…” Stefan refused to let his jaw clench. “…if you would play positive around her. Keep her spirits up. She is truly a remarkable female, but she doesn’t know it.”
    “In return, I hope you’ll keep Esmine comfortable. She is heavily pregnant.”
    “We cherish pregnant females. She will be well looked after.”
    Tim stared for a beat before saying , “I know about what happened with your parents. It is a different pack now than it was then. We do not abide by such absolute cowardice. I want you to know that.”
    Rage welled up in Stefan, barely in check. Sasha looked over in surprise, meeting his eyes with a question. She felt his sudden turmoil and, like the dear heart she was, would leave everyone waiting to come over and check. Dear heart, but terrible leader. Trusting he could work his way out of situations was something she still had to learn.
    For the moment, though, he was thankful—not that he could admit it, obviously. Especially in front of a sack of farts like this pack of critters in front of him.
    Stefan calmed his mind so his mental trash-talking didn’t turn verbal and end the agreement right here. He nodded once, and then strode away.

 
     
    Chapter 6
     
     
     
    I stopped loading the few meager possessions I owned into the car and stuffed my hands in my pockets. I’d never really had a home, which was true. Living with a foster family didn’t allow me to get too comfortable putting down roots. Then my small apartment, the first space that became mine, had been something like a handout from the city for my parentless status. I paid the rent and didn’t get any breaks on rent after a year, but still, I hadn’t exactly earned it.
    But now, as the door was opened by a solid man with wild eyes, I felt a clump of lead form in my chest. If ever I had a home, this was it. I had my own area in a secret spot, with a standing invitation to treat Stefan’s rooms as my own. I had been given leave to decorate as I wished, hang pictures if I wanted, and otherwise have the run of the place. He had invited me in permanently; to share his space, make it mine.
    On the cusp of deciding I would like that very much, I was being packed up again and sent on my way. Sure, it wasn’t for that long, and yes, I needed to get trained away from spectators, but still, a girl could whine a little.
    “Sasha.” The voice tingled down my spine and lit me up.
    Stefan stood behind me, his eyes intent but soft, his face something from a magazine cover. “This is farewell. I will see you soon. Take care of yourself and come back to me safe, okay? Don’t do anything foolish and make sure to stay close to Toa, Charles, or Jonas at all times.”
    I slid my arms around his neck, letting him hug me close. He backed off enough to kiss me, his lips and manner indulgent, giving me something familiar and solid to hang on to. He didn’t rush me or hurry me along for the sake of his gruff leadership role. Instead, his tongue played, chasing mine, intertwining as his hands roamed my body, as if he were feeling and remembering each curve to have something to hold on to when we had to endure our nights away from each other.
    “Okay,” I said into his chest when my body started to heat up uncomfortably. It wasn’t the time for a