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The fighting sounds continued.
She took a deep breath, still stroking Olcan as he supported her despite his injuries.
I’ve got this. I’ll be all right. Save your strength.
A hiss made Tamaska look up sharply. Another vampire had reached them.
Ash sprang into action, not wasting a moment in taking down the vampire.
She couldn’t help but wonder how many more wolves would lose their lives to the vampires because of her.
It’s our duty.The thought pounded in her mind, and she looked down at Olcan.
How was it even possible for her to connect with him like that? Was it through thebondthe shifters kept referring to, or something else?
Ash dominated the vampire and killed it, ending its attacks. After, she dutifully stayed guard near the door.
As for her? If the only way Tamaska could help was by sitting on the floor next to Olcan, then she would do that with as much devotion as Ash gave to her guard duties.
A movement by the door put her on edge, and her body stiffened. Was another vampire coming to try and take her?
Ash readied herself to spring, then stopped. A wolf limped towards her.
But it wasn’t Kodiak. The wolf’s focus was on Olcan.
Ash whimpered with concern and rushed to the wolf, touching noses with it. Then their heads hung down, tails going limp, mirroring each other’s sorrow.
Tamaska hoped against all odds that the vampires’ attack was over as Olcan’s breathing shallowed and then became short pants. She slid her hand over his coat. Her own breath caught in her throat. His time was near and she couldn’t do a fucking thing to help.
The two wolves gently pushed their noses into Olcan’s fur, as if urging him to get up. When he didn’t move, they crouched beside him, keeping watch as his shallow pants became further and further apart and finally, he released his last breath.
Ash howled.
Tears streaked down Tamaska’s face as she ran her hand along his neck one last time. She might not have known Olcan well, but she’d sensed his wise leadership. He’d given her the chance to stay with the pack and receive their protection even though she was human. He was loyal, and she’d respected him.
The two wolves bowed their heads respectfully.
A movement at the door made her body tense. But Ash and the other wolf didn’t look up. She turned her head and immediately recognized who it was.
“Kodiak.” Relief washed through her bones.
He came over and sniffed Olcan thoroughly before touching noses with Tamaska. Kodiak’s shoulders hung heavily, and his head bowed.
Another wolf entered, then another. Oh, God, they were paying respects to Olcan, and it somehow solidified what had just happened.
They must have defeated the vampires if they could do this now.
But instead of elation, a heavy weight suffocated her. They would blame her for their alpha’s death every time they saw her.
How could the pack ever accept her after this?
And worse, how could she stay knowing she’d caused this death?
All this carnage?
27
Kodiak
