Page 120 of The Werewolf’s Wrong Mate

“I can walk today. I can run badly in two days.”

“You cannot outrun wolves.”

“That seems like your part of the group project.”

A sound came from Sava that might have been pain and Ronan looked at the ceiling for one second.

I wanted to shake Cassie. I wanted to carry her out of the room. I wanted to kneel in front of her and put my head in her lap because she was terrified and still fighting with the only weapons she had.

I did none of those things. If I made fear into control now, I would prove every cage she thought I carried.

I turned back to the table. “If the hunt is called, she gets time.”

Malrec’s eyes narrowed. “The law says next moonrise.”

“The law says the marked mate must be able to flee.”

“It says released.”

“Released alive,” I said.

The room quieted.

Ronan leaned forward. “Three nights.”

Evelyn’s head turned to him. “Alpha Holloway.”

“Three nights,” he repeated. “Sava determines whether she can stand the course. The hunt is held on neutral ground within our borders. Council witnesses only. No Thorne escort on the field.”

Evelyn’s face hardened for the first time. “My house is party to the dispute.”

“Your house requested the rite that failed. Your attendant is missing. Your name is in Brenner’s mouth. Be grateful I allow you in the room.”

There was the Alpha.

No polish.

No hospitality.

Only power.

Malrec tapped the cane again. “Two nights. At moonrise. If the mark is real, it strengthens with time. If it is false, delay gives it opportunity to root deeper.”

Ronan looked at Sava.

Sava’s face was grim. “Two nights is dangerous.”

“Will she die walking the course?” Malrec asked.

“I cannot promise she will not.”

“Then she is already dying.”

I moved before I meant to but Cassie’s voice stopped me.

“I get two days,” she said.

I turned toward her. Her face had gone almost bloodless, but her voice held.