If Beau couldâve shaken the sense into her the night sheâd left, placed him in charge of the pack, he would have. He would have done anything to get her to stay. He was always ready to be her second in command. He was always ready to help her be the alpha. It had all blown up though, everything. The sudden loss of Hayley, the loss of her father and Elijah (a second father really), her world had all but crumbled beneath her feet. And if it meant sheâd be better for it, he would take over all over again. As long as it meant sheâd come home.
So as he sat on the porch of his place, whittling for the first time in a while, he heard the approach before his eyes glanced up. Giving her the faintest grin, he nodded and looked back down at his work. âReally should give this up.â He started as he set it aside. âWasnât ever any good at it except making those stupid little flute things.â Knees came up to his chest and arms folded over them as he looked at her. âYou back to⊠you now or do I have to worry about another bar overflowing with your terrible aim?â
Itâs easy, the joke leaving him, but he felt a guard go up. She could change her mind anytime, leave him in the dust again. And he wouldnât be able to be upset with her, because if there was one thing Beau got, loss left a hole no amount of running or hiding could repair. But it sure could numb it. âIf you are, welcome home?â He shrugged and looked down. âMissed you, half-pint.â