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It had seemed impossible when Anna said it. The alpha was young enough to lead for several more years, but now I could see what she’d eluded to. A weakened pack was easier to destroy.
“They shot him,” I breathed, swallowing thickly, as my mind pieced the events together. “They shot the alpha.” Dad tensed, the arm supporting me going ridge as I spoke. “That was their plan all along. Start a fight, draw out the alpha and kill him, weakening the pack.”
“If that’s true,” Dad’s voice faltered and then strengthened, “If that’s true, then this has just begun.”
I nodded, my eyes meeting Dominic’s for a heartbeat before my dad was pulling me away from the circle of wolves. I twisted, crying out at the pain that went through me at the motion, but needing to be with them as they mourned.
“No, Bunny. You need medical assistance. Most of them do too.” He fought my struggles, holding me as I collapsed against him. “There are dead bodies littering the parking lot. One of them the damn sheriff. Listen to me, Bunny, you need to be strong for them now.” My head came up at his words and he sighed. “This is why you wanted to stay, isn’t it?”
I nodded and his expression settled into one of resignation. “I don’t understand half of what’s going on here, but I get the gist. These wolves matter to you, which means they matter to me. I’ll help them, but you need to do what I say, Jess. You’re hurt and I’m not okay with that.” I nodded, his protective glare reminding me of Dominic. Dad set me on the bench and turned to survey the parking lot. “Jesus,” he sighed and I tugged on his hand.
“They’ll need clothes when they shift back. Their saliva can heal minor wounds.” My head spun, leaving me feeling woozy, and I leaned it back against the wall. “The sheriff deserved what he got, Dad.”
“Oh, believe me, I know. The bastard had his hands on you. He’s lucky the shot killed him,” Dad rumbled angrily and my lips tilted up in a faint smile.
“Thank you,” I whispered as I cradled my arm protectively.
“For what, Bunny?” Dad smoothed the hair from my face, just like he used to when I was a child falling asleep.
“Saving me,” I replied, blinking back stupid tears.
“Aww, Jess. You never have to thank me for that. It’s my privilege to protect you whether it’s from a sheriff trying to hurt you or an older man…wolf trying to take advantage,” Dad finished with a growl and I gave a pained groan.
“Not letting that one go, are you?”
“Hell no. You have some explaining to do, daughter. Right after I clean the dead bodies out of the parking lot.”
I gave a completely inappropriate chuckle at his grim tone and groaned at the pain that accompanied it. The Hanleys had suffered losses, many of them at the hand of Dominic, while most of the Navarre pack had only injuries, a few severe but they would survive. The greatest blow was the loss of their alpha and it was apparent by their aimless stares they didn’t know what to do next. Caleb was lost to his grief and even Hank Navarre seemed lost without his best friend.
Dad squeezed my shoulder and then went over to them.
“Is anyone trained in first aid here?” He asked and a gray wolf with distinctive black markings padded over, shifting when he reached Dad.
“I do,” Trent replied and Dad nodded.
“Anyone with injuries make your way over to the motel. Trent here will assess and triage.” Several of the wolves and men stared at my dad but didn’t move until a snarl came from Dominic. He snapped at a couple of wolves near him and it was clear he was telling them to do as my dad said. “Please, I know you’re grieving, but many of you need medical attention, like my daughter. I can’t call the police or an ambulance so we need to work together.” Shame crossed some of their faces and they started shuffling back toward me. A few wolves shifted back into their human form and I closed my eyes at the sight.
A gentle nuzzle prompted me to open them again and I smiled at the bright, yellow eyes meeting mine. His tongue curled out to lick my face and I winced at the slight pressure.
“You get an out this time,” I murmured as he continued to gently lick my swollen cheek. “Don’t think this will be a regular occurrence.”
I hope not, he replied, his voice heavy in my head as his nose nudged my broken wrist. I hissed at the pain and a wordless apology brushed my thoughts. I can’t heal this, not completely, he told me as his tongue swiped over my arm, and some of the pain disappeared.
