Terr4tory by Susan Bliler Page B

whispered an “Aww shit!” she followed his line of sight to see Sarya, Jase, and Becca on the verge of tears.
    “I’m not saying goodbye now!” he quickly amended, holding up his hands.  “I’m not leaving.”
    Jase smiled through his tears and leaned forward, wrapping his tiny arms around Barron’s massive shoulders.  “Good, Alpha.”
    Willa barely caught Jase’s whispered, “Cuz we need you.”
    Great!   Her own throat clogged with emotion, and she blinked rapidly to dispel the tears that flooded her eyes before she coughed.  “Okay.  Everyone back inside.  I need to get Barron cleaned up.”
    Everyone shuffled back inside except for Arden, who stalled on the porch to cross his arms and stare up at Barron.  “Cortez says you protected the Phina.”
    Barron nodded, his eyes narrowing on the boy.
    “Thank you.”  Arden thrust his hand forward and Barron’s lips twitched before he solemnly accepted the proffered hand and shook.
    Arden turned and went inside, but when Willa made to follow, Barron caught her.  His hands gripping her hips, he turned her to face him.  “You alright?”
    Delicate brows shot up as green eyes rounded in incredulity.  “ Me ?”  She shook her head in disbelief. “You’re the one who…”
    Barron’s finger over her full pink lips silenced her.  Her breath caught as his gaze roamed up and down her frame.
    “My wolf needs to know that you’re okay, Willa.”  His eyes met hers.  “Indulge him.”
    “I’m…I’m fine.”  She assured and lifted her arms to turn in a full circle, allowing both Barron and his wolf to scan her.  When she turned to face him again, Barron had visibly relaxed and she wondered at that.  Was it possible that the thought of her injured was so distressing to him?  Her eyes slid down to his ripped and blood-soaked clothes.  “My turn.”  She turned and held the screen door open before pointing inside with her free hand.  “Come on, let’s get you cleaned up.”
    Barron smiled, and when he crossed in front of her, he stopped and turned to stare down at her.  No words, no actions.  He simply stared.
    Willa’s breath caught, and she couldn’t help but wonder what he was looking at.  What he was looking for.  She wanted to ask, but his gaze held her captive, and for long moments they stood in the doorway simply staring at each other.
    Sarya’s sudden screech had Willa blinking and shaking herself from her reverie as the girl raced into the kitchen and stopped to protest, “Phina!  Jase has a grasshopper in the living room!”
    “Do not!”  Jase bellowed from the other room.
    Rolling her eyes, Willa smirked conspiratorially at Barron.  “An Alpha’s job is never done.”
    He returned the smile and lifted a hand to hold the door over Willa’s head before ushering her in ahead of him and speaking loudly enough to be heard in the other room.  “JASE.  NO BUGS IN THE HOUSE.”
    Jase’s response held none of the disappointment Willa had expected as he shouted with a smile in his voice, “OKAY!”
    Willa grinned, but her heart contracted painfully.  Why did it feel so natural to have Barron here, interacting with her pack?  They were becoming too attached, and it was frightening.  It was too soon after Garner’s death for the young ones to get attached only to have to say good-bye.  The thought was disturbing.  Part of her wanted to demand that Barron leave immediately, but another part wanted to drop to her knees and beg him to stay.
    Inside the kitchen, she settled Barron at the table and disappeared upstairs to find the first aid kit.  Alone in her bathroom, she stared at her reflection.  She looked…stricken.  And why wouldn’t she?  She’d nearly been claimed by an outsider, and had another declaring she was his.  Squatting, she hurriedly rummaged under the sink and pulled out the bright yellow first aid kit before hurrying back downstairs.
    Back at the table she worked quietly to remove Barron’s