“I guess so,” she said, laughing.
“All right, guys, drag the bodies over and start throwing them in the ravine. Then let’s head home,” Bran said as everyone erupted into groans.
It was another hour before the bodies were taken care of and everyone slowly made their way back home.
When they arrived at the Pack house, Bran immediately got on the phone to let Ma know that the perimeter had been sealed. She said she would spread the word and let everyone know. He hung up the phone and went to look for Kate and Caleb. He found them curled up on the den floor with the entire pack cuddled up close to them. Smiling, he made his way through the obstacle course of people’s arms, legs, hands and feet. When he finally made it to Kate, he lay down on the floor and snuggled up to her back, wrapping his arm around her waist as she curled around Caleb’s body and wrapped her arm around his waist. He sighed. For the first time in nearly a week, he went to sleep with his heart at peace.
Chapter 13
Bran looked over the invoice for the kitchen remodel that Kate had insisted on. Duncan and his crew had done a wonderful job and was able to fit them in almost immediately. The kitchen had been updated with industrial stoves and refrigerators. Caleb had also insisted on two deep freezers since he had taken on feeding those who lived in the Pack house. The other invoice was for one of three shopping trips that he had participated in when Kate insisted on buying everything new for the new kitchen. He had to admit he liked knowing that she picked out the amber-toned coffee mugs to match his eyes. Or that Caleb had chosen the green accents since he knew it was Kate’s favorite color. The kitchen really felt like their own now, not just leftover decor from his parents.
He reached over and picked up one of the raspberry scones that Caleb had made for breakfast. He took a bite and sighed. Fate had known what she was doing when she sent Caleb to them. He looked up and smiled at the painting that now hung on the wall of his office. It was one of the first that Caleb had finished when he was able to set some time aside to paint.
It was of Kate, dressed in a skimpy fifties-style blue polka dot bikini. Damn, he loved that painting. The man was a freaking genius. He briefly wondered if he could bribe him into doing more. He was suddenly overcome with the need to see his beautiful mate. He stood and stretched his legs. The invoices would be there when he got back.
He passed the den, where Cecelia and a recovering Gina sat with Landon and Lucas. Some of the other pack children sat with them entertaining the boys, who seemed more like tiny princes with their court than babies. Gina and Cecelia, who were both in the education program at the local college, were using this as experience to finish their papers for their Child Development class. Both girls hoped to graduate soon and teach at the local elementary school.
After coming home, Gina and Cecelia had taken over watching the boys from Rian, who pouted, but Bran thought the lion was secretly glad to have some of his nights back. That didn’t mean that Rian didn’t stop by at all hours to make sure his nephews were doing well. Bran waved at Gina before making his way to the dining room. He smiled. There was his beautiful mate.
She was talking to Beverly about what formulas and foods were best for the twins. Ever since the attack on Gina, Beverly had completely changed her attitude toward Kate. The two could be seen all over the Pack house, listening to people and helping settle disputes. There was no dissension in the pack now. Everyone loved and respected Kate for how she had handled the hyena threat. She looked up and saw him watching. She winked and nodded toward the kitchen. He smiled and nodded.
He walked down the hallway from the dining room to the kitchen. Caleb was bent over a stainless steel bowl, mixing up what looked to be ground beef.
“Dinner I hope,” Bran said and Caleb looked up.
“Yup, Kate wanted meatloaf. I’m almost done. The boys?” He added about another cup of breadcrumbs.
“Gina and Cecelia have kidnapped them again. The twins are currently the center of attention in the den.”
“They are going to be heartbreakers. We should warn the pack now,” Caleb said, looking proud as he continued to mix the beef and crumb mixture. “Caleb, are you happy here?” Bran asked. He knew how he felt about how things turned out, but he wanted to make sure his other mate was happy as well.
Caleb looked up, surprised. “Of course I am. I’ve never had a home like this before. You, me, Kate, and the boys… that’s home to me. Being able to stay home with them, watching them grow, and being able to paint, I feel like all I have done is take. Like a mistress.” He put the formed meatloaf into the pan and put it in the oven.