They both nodded, burying their faces when the door opened and she walked out into the mid-day sun.
Chapter 14
They had set up six extra-large tents, and people were running everywhere. It looked like controlled chaos. Three of the large tents were medical stations. The other tents were military central.
The boys clung to Kirby, but every now and then they would peek out from being buried in her shoulder. Kirby continued to follow Della who went to a large, open, airy tent where several other werewolves and lost scared people stood, taking everything in. Della moved to a corner with four chairs and sat with the youngest girl on her lap. Kirby followed, sitting slowly with her precious cargo. Looking up, she noticed Rane nod to his mother then take off.
“Are doctors going to come and check the children out, or are we going to wait until they are comfortable and at home?”
Della smiled at her and nodded to the boys who were now sitting up and looking around with smiles on their faces. “I think it’s best if we get them home first and have the doctors check them there. Let them enjoy their freedom for now.”
“We really are saved,” Mick said. A few tears were rolling down his face.
Blue was jumping up and down on her, and an involuntary wince escaped her. Blue hesitantly got down, still gripping her arm as he tried to spin in circles. Mick joined him. The sun shone bright, and the boys and girls went just outside the tent opening. Tears were rolling down Kirby’s face, and she sighed in relief as familiar muscular arms came around her. Rane leaned down and kissed her forehead.
“Little red, you did good. Look at them enjoying their freedom. You helped give them that. I’m so proud of you. I’m sorry I tried to hold you back, not wanting you to fight. I should have had more faith in you. You were amazing, and I don’t know how we would have done it without you.”
She stood up and turned in his arms, nodding to Della who walked over to stand by the children who were now dancing in the sunlight. She smiled up at him.
“You’re forgiven. This whole experience has opened my eyes in so many ways. It has made me relook and think about the goals that I have. You were right, I wasn’t prepared but…” She reached up and touched his lips to stop him from talking. “If it wasn’t for me jumping into this situation, I don’t know if I would know my potential for my gift. I definitely know my confidence wouldn’t have had this huge increase. I love the fact that I helped save all of these people, and, Rane, you were fantastic in action.”
He kissed her gently on the lips as he whispered, “You did good, little red, you can let go now. Let it all go.”
As soon as he said that Kirby took a deep breath and collapsed into his arms, her adrenaline finally running out. Rane picked her up and sat on the edge of a chair, turning her so she could see Della and the children.
“How come your mum is still going? She barely has a bruise.”
Rane hugged her tighter. “Werewolf genes. She’ll be completely healed by tonight.”
Kirby groaned and snuggled closer, wincing as her own bruises and cuts made themself known. She fought to stay awake as she watched the children. Looking around again, she stood up, yelping in pain, and said, “Where are my brothers? They were behind me I’m sure.”
She tried to get further out of Rane’s arms, but he pulled her back down and held her tighter. He kissed both of her cheeks, and then her lips again gently before he said, “They are both in medical being seen by a doctor. I checked on them quickly before I came back to you, they’ll be fine. They’ll be sore though, although Hayden will feel better a lot sooner than Logan, thanks to Sandra.” He kissed her lips again. “We will have an extra person this weekend, Sandra mated Hayden.”
Kirby chuckled. “I thought it was strange when that woman went crazy to protect Hayden. Poor Sandra.”
Kane chuckled. “More like poor Hayden, because Sandra has been dying for a mate. She won’t take any bullshit. Sorry, sweetheart, you do realize that he will now have all the advantages that you have.”
Kirby groaned. “I was so looking forward to getting a chance at finally beating them in something.”
He chuckled again and hugged her tighter. They sat for another fifteen minutes in silence, just enjoying watching as another four children joined the others in dancing.
“What’s going to happen now, Rane?”
He sighed. “I should be talking to the military leader and working, not sitting here with you. It’s just when I’m with you, you make me take a breather and enjoy life, take it all in. For once in my life I’m not career minded.”