Page 136 of The Other Side

Kit gave him a brilliant smile. “Perfect.”

They’d hardly set off in the car before Kit said, “I’ve asked Will to come and live with me.”

“Wow, that was some kiss,” Drum said.

Kit laughed. “I asked him yesterday. I knew he was mine. Fated mates. He doesn’t get that yet. He’s never seen me shift for a start.”

“Did he say yes?” Drum asked.

“Yesterday he said he’d think about it. I knew I came on too strongly but… Today, he said yes before I could ask him again. He’s coming over this afternoon so we can talk.”

“Is that what it’s called?” Drum said. “In my day…”

“Shush,” Osian said and Kit laughed.

“When we get back to Sparlow, will you take me to see the people who helped me get out of the mine?” Drum asked.

“I can do that.”

“Maybe show us around the village and introduce us?” Osian asked.

“Of course. We can start with the pack because I borrowed this car from Luke. He’s our alpha.”

“Do the pack live together?” Osian asked.

“Yes, apart from me. That’s my choice, not theirs. They’re okay about it. We all get on really well. They’re proud that I’m such a good tracker. They tease but it’s good natured. I’m happy. And now Will has said yes, I’m even happier.”

Chapter Twenty-Two

Kit parked at the side of a sprawling stone house, fifty metres away from the café, and led them round to the front door. It opened before they reached it.

Luke had a broad, welcoming grin on his face. “Well, look who’s on his feet.”

“I came to thank you,” Drum said. “I’m not sure how coherent I was when you pulled me out. I suspect, not very.”

“Come in. Willow’s at the café, but everyone else is here.” Luke led them down a hallway that opened up into a massive, sunlit kitchen.

Three men looked up from a card game at the table. “This is Grant, Ivo and Thom,” Luke said.

“I’m really grateful.” Drum stepped forward. “I wouldn’t have made it without your help. Thank you.”

The three men abandoned their cards immediately. Drum and Osian shook their hands.

“Think nothing of it,” Grant said.

“I was shocked you survived the fall,” Thom added. “When we realised where you were, we feared the worst. You’ve got some serious grit.”

“To make it over that plank bridge and up that sheer face! That was some determination.” Ivo smiled at him, his amber eyes crinkling at the corners. “Most would have given up. You’ve got a wolf’s heart, Drum.”

The genuine praise brought a flush of heat to Drum’s cheeks. “Is the mountain rescue team online? Can I thank them like that?”

“Yes, we run the local forum page,” Luke nodded, his eyes full of respect. He glanced at Kit, then back at Drum. “I’d expected you to be more battered. “Kit’s work?”

Drum looked at Kit, a quiet, shared understanding passing between them before he nodded.

“Aye, he’s a miracle worker, our Kit.” Grant laughed, raising a mug of tea in a silent toast. “Glad to see you in one piece, truly.”

After a few more minutes of easy banter and promises from Drum to buy them a pint at the local pub, Kit led them back out and up the hill.