Page 102 of Awakened

“Despite what Daxen may think, I’m more than capable of sitting in a chair while other people talk.” I shoot him a self-deprecating smile, forcing a chuckle as I add, “Once I’ve had a shower, that is.”

To my right, I can feel Dax seething. But his feelings mean nothing compared to my own need for Idril.

When the time comes, I’m going to claim her right in front of every fucking Alpha in this state. Just so there won’t be any more fucking confusion moving forward.

“Don’t you think you should rest a little longer?” Vae asks, frowning in concern. “You just woke up, Caelan.”

“I’m done resting.” I snap. “If something happens, I don’t want to be scrambling to play catch-up just because my Pack wants to baby me.”

Dax turns to Gav with imploring eyes, but Gav shrugs. “If he’s up for it, I see no reason to wait.”

I grunt, biting back a smile as Daxen pinches the bridge of his nose like I’m being unreasonable.

He has no fucking idea just how unreasonable I’m about to get.

“I’ll grab Lenora,” Gav adds. “Assuming she and Calder give the all clear, we’ll convene in the War Room in an hour. Give you some time to shower and get dressed.”

“Thanks.”

He turns to leave but pauses with his hand on the nob and looks back at me over his shoulder. “Might want to brush your teeth.”

When I give him a flat look, he grins and disappears into the hall. Less than thirty seconds later Lenora reappears, opening the door and slipping in on silent feet.

Both of my Packmates wait in tense silence while Lenora checks my vitals. Are they worried for me, or worried about what’s coming?

“I sent for these as soon as you woke up,” Lenora explains, taking a pile of clothes from a nurse and handing them to me. “I figured you’d insist on leaving.”

Grinning, I set the clothes in my lap and reach behind me for the tie to my hospital gown, fumbling with the laces.

“Do not overdo it, O’Ruaric. I know you’re a big, bad Alpha, but you need to give your body a chance to finish healing. Don’t be an idiot.”

I shrug off my hospital gown and toss it to the floor. “Got it.”

“You aren’t an idiot, are you, Caelan?”

Something in the Beta’s tone makes my skin prickle, and I freeze in the middle of pulling my shirt over my head. Warily, I lift my eyes to meet hers, and I swear…

She knows something. Or she thinks she does.

“I’m not,” I answer, holding her gaze until she steps back with a satisfied nod.

“Hey! I’m not an idiot either!” Vae proclaims, shooting Lenora a charming grin that shows off his dimples.

“Yes, you are,” she responds flatly before turning to Daxen. “So are you.”

I have to bite down on my lip to keep from laughing as Daxen’s mouth parts in shock, and Vae makes a strangled sound of indignation. Lenora sweeps past them and exits the room without giving either male a chance to respond.

“What’s her deal?” Vae grumbles.

I shrug. “What’d you two do to piss her off?”

“I—”

“We’ll let you get dressed,” Dax says, speaking over Vae and cutting him off. I duck my head and pretend I’m engrossed in looking for a pair of socks so he doesn’t see the laughter in my eyes.

When I nod, they both stand, taking their time crossing to the door. Vae hesitates before he leaves, stopping at the threshold with the door half open.

“Do you want us to hang out in the hall? In case you need help getting upstairs?”