Chapter 16

“Oh, you’re awake.” Kailin pretended to be surprised. I was pretty sure she heard me talking to Nirvana.

“How are you feeling, son?” There was still a worry in Case’s eyes. “You should know that she didn’t know what she was doing.”

“I’m good, Case. I deserved it after what I did to her. It’s all good.”

“I was mad, terrified, and immensely shocked. Everything just dropped on me, and he is fine. You don’t have to defend me, Grandpa.” Her laugh dried in her throat. “And I see what’s going on here. You’re more concerned about his well-being than your own granddaughter.”

“He’s the alpha, Nirvana—the leader of the pack. Your grandfather is just showing him respect,” Zarah said.

“It’s fine. Really. Thank you.”

“So what? People bow for him, kill for him?”

“Yes,” Kailin answered confidently. “And he will do anything to protect his pack, give up his life for us.”

She slowly turned to me, both shocked and amused. “So