Forever Our Ever by Kat Barrett Read Free Book Online Page A

arms of the chair, she pushed herself to her feet. It was a feat that was easier said than done, and Ever winced as the fluctuating stitch became a full-fledged cramp in her side. She was glad that none of the men seemed to see her pained expression and she immediately force herself to grin to hide it. “So when are we leaving?”
    “Now would be good,” replied Kris.
    “Are we driving or walking?”
    “It’s not that far, if you want to walk. Are you up to it?”
    The short nap had left her feeling oddly energized. Hopefully, this was a feeling that would continue. Ever was so tired of being tired. A walk in the woods on a warm night sounded perfect. “I would like that very much.”
    Kris looked at Mick, who nodded. “I think she’ll be okay.”
    They walked together toward the door and once they got outside, Kris put his arm around her. Mick took up a spot to the opposite side, taking her hand, and Liam walked beside him. It was the position of alpha, sub-alpha, and Liam who was simply a werewolf with high-standing brothers. He said that he didn’t mind holding a lower ranking, and never acted as if he did. Mick, however, wanted to be alpha and Ever feared that one day he might challenge his brother for the title. She had never witnessed Kris in a fight, but she still had a feeling that Mick would lose. In many ways, Mick had an alpha personality, but he was also lacking in the inner strength that Kris had.
    There was something very commanding about Kris, even if he was very subtle about showing it. People listened to him instinctually and when push came to shove, Kris always knew what to do. Mick was less subtle, and he often came across as being bossy. He had learned quite a bit about medical issues, but wasn’t well versed in a roundabout way like Kris. Kris knew a surprising amount of information on a wide variety of topics. He was also better suited to living in the wild, where Mick was very comfortable with the conveniences of man. She didn’t really think that he would make a good alpha at all.
    Kris rubbed her shoulder. “What are you contemplating?”
    Her thoughts were not for their ears. “I was just enjoying the walk.”
    “Are you scared?”
    “Of what?”
    “About meeting everyone?”
    She had not been thinking about that, now that he mentioned it. “I don’t know if I would use the word ‘scared.’ I’m a bit hesitant. I’m worried about your father.”
    “So am I. Tonight could have many different outcomes.”
    That didn’t make her feel any better. “Are we in danger?”
    “Not really. Weres are not big on attacking others of their kind as such. If there is a dispute between me and my father, it will be handled in a public forum. It will happen where all can witness the outcome, because the winner will claim his place and the loser…well, let me just say that he won’t.”
    He did not want to tell her that one of them might end up dead. It wasn’t as if his reluctance helped. She already knew the rules. Kris and his father could live in harmony, or the man could challenge him and one of them would die. Had Kris been passive for so long that he had lost the edge he would need to win? That thought filled her with sudden fear.
    Kris leaned to the side and kissed her head. “What’s wrong?”
    Should she tell him? Would it sound as if she doubted his ability to win? “Will you fight as wolves?”
    “Yes.”
    “That sounds dangerous.”
    Kris chuckled softly. “I guess you could say that.”
    In the distance, she could see fires burning. Ever wanted to turn around and go back to the house. She wanted them to pack up and go back to her house. She wanted to go home where they were all safe…yet they weren’t safe at her house either, were they?
    Kris snuggled her tighter to his side and she leaned her head on his shoulder. The cramp was still bothering her and walking was making it worse.
    Mick stroked her hand with his fingers. “You okay?”
    “Yeah, why?”
    “You are