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I take his hand in mine, careful not to squeeze the blisters. “You’re a good male, Aleks. You deserve to be happy.”
“Nie mam byc szczesliwa.”
“What did you just say?”
His smile is a sad one. “Thank you for coming for me.”
Mm-hmm. This isn’t the first time that I guessed he was feeding me a phony translation. But I don’t call him out on it.
Instead, I return his smile. “You’re my best friend, Aleks. I always will.”
* * *
Even though Aleksleaves immediately so that he can make his report to Roman Zakharov, me and Ryker decide to spend the night in the Wolf District, just in case. For two reasons, too: because we wanted to make sure that my bio-dad stayed away, and because it made sense for us to get a head start in the morning.
Before we turn it, Ryker hand-picks about five or six wolves to form a sentry. It’s not a coincidence that most of them were involved in chasing after Walker. Ryker’s wolf senses that they’re trustworthy and I trust him. If he’s willing to leave the overnight watch to him, I’m okay with it.
I’m also really freaking exhausted. Watching Ryker’s fight had drained me emotionally while my fight with Walker took more out of me than I had to give. I’m halfway to being healed after a hearty steak dinner, but I need a little rest to be a hundred percent in the morning.
I’m not the only one, either. Ryker tracked down Duke and Trish, letting them know that her nightmare was over. We’d be bringing them home with us in the morning, and when Ryker wonders if we’ll need room for the bloodsucker, I just shake my head and leave it at that. I’m too tired to go into details, and Ryker is smart enough not to point out that he can smell Aleks on me. When we have time—and privacy—I plan on sharing with my mate what Aleks told me, but, for the moment, he trusts that I know what I was doing.
And isn’t that a freaking shock?
Before I knock out, he does ask me what I think about inviting some of the Western Pack to join us in Accalia. On a trial basis until they could prove themselves, of course, but it might be a good idea to bolster our ranks. Who better to help us ward off the Wicked Wolf than the wolves he lorded over? If they were willing to trade their loyalty from Walker to Ryker, it would definitely help us. Especially since they would know how he thinks, and how we can prepare for his inevitable next attack.
Because there would be one. Whether it’s on me or not, I don’t know. After my dad beat him, Walker never tried to challenge him again. Would he respect my victory? Or would he use it to fuel his sadistic rage? Good questions, and only time would tell.
So, yeah. Take in more packmates? I was all for it.
In fact, when Ryker asks me what I think, I’m all in—and then I mention I was thinking of doing the same thing myself.
The next morning, when Ryker goes out to make his pitch to some of the former Western Pack members, I go searching for one wolf in particular.
It’s much emptier in the square. Seems like, overnight, more than half of the disbanded pack already abandoned the unclaimed territory. I don’t blame them, either. Shifters, no matter what type, are basically pack animals. We thrive in a community, and tend to go feral more often than not when we’re left on our own. With the Western Pack disbanded, they would be feeling the need to find somewhere else to belong.
I’m not sure if the wolf I’m looking for is still here. If I was her, I would’ve bolted as soon as I learned that Walker was defeated. My tormentor gone? I’d be out like the wind.
And that just proves that Elizabeth is nothing like me. Because while I would’ve taken the first chance to escape, when I walk up to the abandoned platform, I realize that it’s not as abandoned as I thought. She’s sitting cross-legged on the floor, hidden in the shadows of the covering, tucked behind Walker’s stupid throne.
She’s fiddling her fingers in her lap. Her claws are out. I can hear them scraping against each other as she twiddles them.
“Elizabeth?”
Her head jerks up. For a split second, our eyes meet, then she drops her gaze. “If you’ve come to challenge me next, Gemma, I don’t blame you. A bond is sacred. I learned my lesson and I still tried to break yours. I’m sorry about that.”
Me, too. But that definitely isn’t why I’m here.
“It’s water under the bridge. Me and Ryker are fine, and Walker’s gone. All’s well that ends well, right?”
Her dark hair falls like curtains around her face. She hides behind that, too, barely daring another peek up at me. “You mean it?”
“Sure do.”
“Oh. Well, then, thank you.”
I wave her off. “It’s fine.”
“Okay. But… if you’re not here to challenge me, then is everything else all right? I know the pack’s broken up now, but I didn’t think we all had to leave right away.”
