“Because the Pack females are giving me shit, that’s why.”

Ben nodded. “We know that, which is why we think it’s important for you to be the one to go get her.”

“First of all, the only reason she hasn’t been brought here before this is because her doctors are in Halle. Second, the moment I show up,informally  , with the Luna, the females are going to start givingeveryone shit.”

“They’re demanding full protocol?” Dave looked shocked.

“No.Gina  is demanding full protocol.”

The three men exchanged a look. The strongest Wolf female, Gina had been vehement in her outrageover a non-Pack Luna, and her loud protests were stirring up the other females. Nothing would do butfor Rick to followfull  protocol, forcing the Pack to accept his mate as their Luna. The fact that Gina was Dave’s sister made things even more awkward for the men.

“Shit. Sorry, man.”

Rick eyed Dave with some sympathy. “Not your fault.” He was beginning to wonder if it wasn’t time for Gina to go start her own Pack, somewhere far, far away. Like in Alaska. “But because of Gina, I needyou two to go get Belle.”

The men nodded, all argument tabled. “I’ll protect the Luna, Rick. Don’t worry.” Ben grinned.

“Although from what I remember, she may not need much in the way of protecting.”

“She can’t shift, remember? Not until Doctor Howard says the pin can come out, and he told me it will

be another six months before that happens.”

“How’s her physical therapy going?” Dave’s concern was written all over his face.

“It’s going well, but I’ve been warned she’s been pushing herself a little harder than she should be.” And

when Belle found out he’d been monitoring her progress, she was going to be seriously pissed at him.

Not that he cared. Her Alpha had forced him to leave her behind four months ago, citing her injury.

He’d agreed, reluctantly, his Wolf howling in protest at the thought of leaving his mate. Now, his patiencewas at an end. Phone calls were not enough to still the raging in his blood for his petite, fiery,injuredmate.

Belle was coming home, if he had to fight the Pride Alpha and his own Pack bitches the entire fucking

way.

Belle stood outside her small apartment, one small suitcase in hand, ready to bid the town of Halle, Pennsylvania a somewhat fond farewell. All of her other belongings were already winging their wayacross state to the Poconos thanks to a trio of very enthusiastic Wolves. They’d shown up on herdoorstep as promised, cheerfully packed all of her belongings into a truck and driven away, leaving heronly her bed, a folding chair and a small dinner tray. They’d even taken the television. She had the feelingif she hadn’t hidden her little computer they would have taken that, too.

She shivered and wished Richard would hurry the hell up. The forecast had mentioned snow, and her hipached like a son of a bitch. All of her belongings had been shipped the day before; the only thing left wasgood-byes.

Not that there are many of those to be said, which is why the farewell is only somewhat fond.Herparents had long since retired to Arizona; she’d talked to them more than once over the phone, but theirrelationship was distant at best. They hadn’t even bothered to fly down to see her in the hospital, and asfar as Belle was concerned that was a good thing. The Alphas and Betas of the Pride were there to seeher off, and Sarah had sworn she’d be here, as had Adrian and Sheri. They’d yet to show, but Belle hadfaith that they would. These people here, and the man who waited for her, were the ones that mattered.

None of the other Pride members could be bothered, and Belle decided that, too, was a good thing. Shehad a limited supply of pepper spray, and the gun shop owner had told her that, without a license, shecouldn’t get a gun.

God alone knew whenthat  would come through. Until then, she’d make do with her more makeshift

weapons.

“Give me that.” Max, the Pride’s Alpha, took her suitcase out of her hand with a frown. “Sit in the

Durango and get warm.”

She opened her mouth to argue and saw Emma in the car, waving her over. “Fine.” She blew her blondehair out of her eyes and limped to the SUV, trying desperately not to lose her balance on the icypavement.Fuck.  She could feel the cold seeping into her bones.Why couldn’t Rick live in the friggin’ Bahamas?

“Belle.”

Belle smiled. “Simon.” She automatically looked behind him for Becky; the two were rarely far apartunless they had to work. She found Becky settling into the Durango next to Emma, and grinned. Sarahsat there too, waving at her. She wondered when the other woman had arrived. How had she missed it?

He placed one hand under her elbow, steadying her on the ice. “C’mon, let’s get you in the car beforeyou fall on your ass.”

He gently steered her towards the car, his body hovering over hers protectively.

She hoped they got to the SUV before Richard showed up. Simply mentioning Simon’s name wasenough to earn her a growl. If he saw how solicitous Simon was being, he’d probably have an aneurysm.

“Thanks, Simon.” She started to settle into the seat, gingerly putting weight on her hip.

“Hey.”

She looked up into dark brown eyes that had once defined her world. “Yes?”

“If anyone hurts you, let us know. We’ll come up and kick some dog ass for you. Okay?”

Belle blinked back tears as Max, Emma and Becky all nodded their agreement. “Thank you.” Sheleaned over and took Becky’s hand as Emma’s landed on her shoulder. “Thankall  of you.”

Simon nodded. “We’re Pride.”

And as far as they were concerned, that said it all.

Belle couldn’t hold back the tears, burying her face in her gloved hands. Only a handful of people stillconsidered her Pride, but they were the mostimportant  people. She knew now she’d always have ahome here, and friends, no matter what happened.

Soft arms circled her shoulders. “Remember what I said, Belle. Everything will be all right.”

She sniffled as Sarah, bless her heart, stroked her hair.

“Just keep picturing how Richard’s going to react to the full Brazilian you got!”

She gave a watery chuckle just as Simon said, “Really? A full Brazilian? Ow! Damn it, Becky! What didyou do that for?”