I force myself to think of my mission. Of Liora. And Oriana, the sister I just met.
I shift, tearing through my clothing and letting it drop in shreds as I race after the women. To my left, further in the trees, there’s one acolyte wolf torn to the ground by enforcer wolves.
Fuck.
A quick glance over my shoulder shows another one captured further back.
I force some speed into my legs, tearing across the forest floor on four paws, following the scent of my mother and sister until I overtake them and one other acolyte.
They’re the only ones who got out.
Fuck. It’s a shit show.
Aster….
I lost Aster.
Forever.
I still don’t even understand what happened. All I know is that my wolf wants to stop and howl until he’s hoarse.
I force myself to keep running, leading the she-wolves off Adalwulf land to the other side of the highway and into the forest. From there, I keep parallel to the highway, running in a little stream to hide our scents.
We race through the water for miles before I deem it safe enough to come out then head another five miles north to the cabin where I first brought Aster.
Fate, no. I can’t even think about her.
She…left me.
She fucking abandoned me just like Liora. Chose remaining with the Moonborn over being my mate.
She betrayed me.
I feel the metal bars of a cage slam down around my chest, locking down all emotion. All capacity for connection. All trust.
I will trust no female again.
Not as long as I live.
I shift and unlock the cabin door with a key I’d hidden, flicking on the lights and ushering the she-wolves into the small space.
I don’t know if it’s safe here, but the women are exhausted, and we need to regroup.
I lead them in and yank on a pair of sweats.
The she-wolf I don’t know lowers her head and tucks her tail in fear.
Come, I sign. You can wear my clothes. I toss pieces of my clothing on the bed then leave them there to shift in privacy.
The image of Aster wearing my flannel shirt crowds into my mind, nearly dropping me to my knees. My eyes and nose burn with the pain of it.
But I’m the alpha wolf here. I have to provide for those weaker than I am. Mechanically, I go through the motions of building a fire and pulling food out of the refrigerator.
Liora emerges from the bedroom. Just we four got out? she signs. Her eyes look haunted. She knows what happens when an acolyte tries to escape.
My anger with her returns in full force. She abandoned me for the Moonborn, the same as Aster.
Aster chose to stay, I sign.
