“You’re sure about this?” Liam asked, searching my eyes for any doubt or hesitation.
“Positive.” I tried to sound more confident than I was. “We can’t just let her sister be another pawn in Castro’s sick game.”
Liam nodded solemnly. “I’ll take care of it.”
“Thank you.” Rosalie wiped her tears away with the back of her hand, her shoulders shaking with suppressed sobs.
“Don’t thank me,” I spat. “Just remember, once you get your sister back, I never want to see your face again. Got it?”
Rosalie nodded. “I understand.”
“Good.” I turned away from her, my breaths coming in short pants. This whole ordeal had left me emotionally drained and desperate for some semblance of control.
“Goodbye, Liza,” Rosalie said as I stormed away from her, my heart hardening against her voice. I refused to look back, no matter how desperate she sounded. I couldn’t bring myself to feel any compassion for her when she had betrayed us.
I barely made it outside before the dam broke, my chest shaking with the force of my sobs. Cold wind bit at my cheeks as I stood on the porch, staring into the vast wilderness that surrounded our home. It was a cruel reminder of how vulnerable we truly were, and how much I’d allowed myself to trust someone who had been working against us all along.
“Damn you,” I hissed through clenched teeth, balling my fists at my side. My anger surged, overwhelming the pain, and I needed to let it out before it consumed me completely.
I shifted without a second thought, my human form giving way to the powerful wolf within. My senses sharpened, the world around me coming alive in a way it never did when I was human. The scent of damp earth and pine needles was a calming balm, while leaves rustling in the breeze reached my ears like the whispers of conspirators.
I sprinted into the forest, my paws pounding against the ground, relishing the freedom and strength my lupine form provided. As I ran, I tasted the cool, crisp air on my tongue, and the dampness of the soil beneath my feet. Each stride brought a momentary reprieve from the turmoil inside me, and for a short time, I was invincible.
My paws thundered against the damp forest floor, sending dirt and leaves flying behind me. I pushed myself to run faster, harder. My heart ached with every beat, but I couldn’t stop—not yet. The wind whipped through my fur, stinging my eyes, making them water, but I barely noticed the discomfort. All Ifocused on was the pounding of my paws on the ground, and the fury that burned like wildfire beneath my skin.
I tore through the underbrush, branches snapping and cracking beneath my powerful paws. The once-familiar woods had become a blur of green and brown, the world around me reduced to nothing but a backdrop for my rage. The blood roaring in my ears and my labored breathing drowned out the birdsong and rustling leaves.
“Where are you?” Ty echoed in my mind.
“Deep in the woods,” I replied, slowing my pace when I felt his approach.“Just... keep following my scent.”
While I waited for him, I took stock of my surroundings. I’d run so far and so fast, I didn’t recognize this part of the forest anymore. It didn’t matter. All that mattered was that I was away from the house, and away from the betrayal that had broken my heart.
When Ty finally appeared, his massive wolf form materializing from the shadows, relief shuddered through our mating bond. His golden orbs met mine, filled with an unspoken understanding of the pain I was experiencing. He stepped closer and rubbed his head against my shoulder, offering comfort in the only way he knew how.
“Thank you.” I leaned into his touch. It wasn’t enough to erase the hurt, but it was a balm for my battered soul.
We shifted back to our human forms in an unspoken agreement. The forest floor was soggy and cold beneath my feet, but I barely acknowledged it. Ty studied me with concern, his eyes searching mine for some sign of reassurance. I wasn’t sure I’d even be able to give him that, but I knew what I had to do.
“Ty, I want to learn to fight. I can’t let Castro or anyone else hurt our family again, and I need to be able to defend myself.”
He frowned, his mouth twisting into a grimace. “Liza, I’m here to protect you. I don’t want you to put yourself in danger.”
“Exactly,” I argued. “Everyone is putting their lives on the line to protect me, and look where it’s gotten us. Castro is still out there, plotting against us. I need to be able to defend myself and our family.”
“Even if you learn to fight, it doesn’t mean you’ll be able to stop him.”
“No, but it means I’ll have a better chance.” I stared him down. “I’m not weak. If anything, I’m stronger than all of you.”
His gaze never wavered from mine, but I saw the flicker of understanding in his eyes. He didn’t like it, but he knew I was right. I couldn’t just stand by and let others fight my battles for me when the stakes were so high.
“Hey, guys,” Liam's echoed through the forest, drawing our attention. He kept his distance. “Can we talk for a minute?”
“Of course,” I said, catching my breath. “What’s up?”
“Look,” Liam said hesitantly. “I don’t want Liza fighting, either, but she should be able to defend herself should Castro get too close. I fear he will try to activate her.”
“Over my fucking dead body,” I snapped. “I won’t let him manipulate me like that.”
