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“Quinny.” He sighs. “It’s not that I don’t trust you.” He clearly thinks I’m talking about our fight. “I’m just worried. I can’t lose you, okay? I know how strong you are, but I almost lost you once this last week. I cannot lose anyone I love ever again, so know I trust you, but I needed to handle this to keep you safe.”
I swallow my guilt and pain and let him wrap me in his arms as purple and red splash across the sky, the setting sun lighting us up. “I know, and I love you for protecting me,” I admit beforeI pull away. “But I don’t need you to anymore. We need to keep this pack safe, and I will do anything to make that happen.”
“I know.” He smiles warmly, gripping my cheeks. “You are every inch your father’s daughter.” I smile. “I mean your real father. I like to think there is some of me in there too, but you look so much like him today. You’re going to be an incredible alpha, Quinny, just don’t be in a rush to take it. The responsibility it comes with . . . I don’t want to see you shoulder that burden just yet. I want you to be happy.”
“I don’t think we get that choice anymore, do we? The hunters have decided to come for us. Like it or not, I must grow up. I have to keep our people safe, and I won’t lose anyone else,” I say. “We underestimated them once and they killed my family. I won’t make the same mistake again.”
I look back at the water, feeling his concern as his big palm lands on my shoulder comfortingly. “Enough seriousness for tonight. Go have fun. Drink and dance. Be young. Tomorrow is a new day, and we will figure out this thing with the hunters. The world isn’t ending, Quinny.”
Mine is because I’m about to betray everyone I love.
I don’t tell him that though. Instead, I smile and nod, and he leads me away from my solitude and towards the pack. The music is in full swing as food and booze is rolled out and the day turns into night.
The pack will use any excuse for a party—a party that will be the distraction I need.
The party is in full swing. I sip a beer and make my rounds, waiting until everyone is too drunk to notice. Couples slip away to fuck, and people dance and sing. Even Jang and Marie arecuddled up together, drinking near the fire, and for a moment, I spare them a look, hoping that when this is done, they understand and forgive me.
Either way, I can’t back out. I turn and sneak away while nobody notices. I know the border patrol schedule well, such as the times and who’s there, and I need to make sure I time it perfectly if this is to work.
It has to work.
It’s our only way out.
I force myself into the cells and stop before Jai. He’s on his feet, having heard me approach, and something in my eyes makes him frown. “What’s happening?”
“If I let you go, if I get you back to Vale and Lucien, will you convince them to turn away from the pack?”
He blinks, and I step closer. “If you don’t, Jai, both of our families will die and you know it. This is our chance, our only chance, to stop a bloodbath on either side. You said you don’t hate wolves anymore, so prove it. I’m trusting you.”
“Why are you trusting me of all people?” he asks.
“Because we are both stuck here—a man who only ever wanted his parents’ love and a woman who only ever wanted them alive. We lost everyone to each other’s kind, yet here we are, being friendly. If it comes from you, then they will trust it, and we know that. If we don’t do this, you will die, and when they attack, so will Vale and Lucien. Yes, we’ll both suffer losses, and we need to stop that from happening.”
“They won’t give up the hunt so easily,” he murmurs.
“Make them,” I demand. “Or everything we did to survive will be for nothing.”
That makes him flinch. I unlock the cell and step back. “Go west. The patrols change in two hours, so you have until then to get through and onto the road. Pass the abandoned mine, then go around the creek and the old church. That’s the safest path.Move silently and softly. You won’t change, so your hunters are not in danger, but remember you will be stronger and faster now.”
“Quinn.” He steps out. “They’ll kill you for letting me go.”
“Maybe,” I admit, “but it will be worth it to save my family. I couldn’t save them then, but I can now. I’m counting on you, Jai, not just for me but for your brothers. You were willing to die for them, so I’m taking a bet you’re willing to live for them too.”
For a moment, he just stares at me, and I step back.
“Go now, before it’s too late. The guards have gone to grab a drink. You don’t have much time.”
He gives me another long, searching look before hurrying past me to the door. My shoulders slump, heavy with guilt and hate, until I’m suddenly spun around. Lips crush onto mine hard and fast.
My hands come up of their own accord, gripping Jai’s shoulders as he demolishes my mouth before stepping back. Panting, I peer at him. “Why did you do that?”
Walking backwards, he grins. “I needed to be sure. Besides, we’ll never see each other again, so why the fuck not?” At the door, he sends me one last look. “I’ll try, Quinn. Stay alive.” He darts out, and I watch him go.
I let a hunter escape.
I betrayed our pack. No matter my reasons, I’m a traitor.
I just hope it was worth it. I hope I put my trust in the right person.
