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Save the world they said, but can we do it?
What will be left of us if we do?
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
Iknow they will come to check on the prisoner soon, and they will find me.
Tugging my knees closer to my chest, I wrap my arms around myself. They could even demand my death because I have betrayed them in their eyes. They will never understand why; it isn’t our way. The man and woman who took me in, who made me their daughter, will think I betrayed them.
It hurts, and I wish I could get on my knees and beg them to understand, but I’m not owed that chance. I knew the moment I let Jai free that I would die here. Ironic, isn’t it?
My alpha owes me nothing. I am just another lost wolf, and I will meet my biological family sooner than I thought. I will be reunited with my sister, my mother, and my father.
I just hope it’s enough to save them, and if that’s my last act, then I can accept that.
I can die happily knowing they are safe and have a future.
Live or die, I did it for them.
As a wolf born of the moon, I will be absorbed into its rays, and there, I will find forgiveness.
I know the party is still in full swing, one I organised to distract them. Their love fills the air, the moon and earthrejoicing with them, and even as I sit here, breaking and hurting, I still smile. This is why I did this—to protect them from the hurt coming their way.
For a moment, my fingers rub my lips as I remember the warmth of Jai’s mouth pressing to mine, the desperation and hatred morphing to want. Shaking those foolish thoughts away, I bang my head back against the wall, my body stiffening when I hear footsteps.
Here we go.
Sucking up every ounce of courage I have left, I climb to my feet. I won’t do this on my knees. I widen my stance, hanging my hands at my sides in a peaceful position just as the door opens. The wolf there is a guard named Flint. He’s a young man, but he’s quickly rising through the ranks. When he glances from me to the cell, he frowns, a sad look in his eyes.
“What happened?” is all he asks as he steps closer. I expected panic, anger, and shouts for the betas and alpha, but he surprises me.
“I let him go.” I tilt my chin back.
He nods slowly, his eyes roving over me. “Did he hurt you?”
“No.” I blink. “I’m fine.”
“Good, that’s good.” He shoves his hands into his pockets, looking exhausted.
“Aren’t you going to ask why? Or sound the alarm?” My voice conveys my confusion.
“No, you must have your reasons.” He smiles. “I can’t say I understand them, but I trust you, Alpha.”
“I’m not alpha,” I say.
“No, but you will be one day. Everything you do is for this pack, Quinn. I’ve seen that a million times, so if you did this, then you had your reasons. I’m not saying everyone else will understand, but I do.” He nods. “I’ll still have to take you to Jang, you understand. I can’t lose my position.”
“I understand.” I walk closer, and his hand presses to my lower back as he escorts me out. It’s a comfort as well as a guiding hand. Touch is important for wolves, and for a moment, I allow myself to lean into it.
“Don’t let them see you look defeated. Don’t you ever drop your eyes,” he murmurs as we move closer to the pack house. “You will be alpha, never forget that. Don’t let them see you as weak.”
I don’t know when Flint became this smart, but in this moment, I’m grateful for the reminder, and I’m very aware of why he has progressed so quickly within the pack hierarchy. He’s kind, smart, and obviously very capable, and someone I need to keep my eye on, but that’s for a later date. Right now, I need to face the alpha and what may come of it.
Lifting my chin, I boldly meet everyone’s eyes as they glance our way. They are still partying, oblivious to what’s happening and the impending war. I wish it could always stay that way.
Once inside the pack house, Flint knocks on Jang’s door and waits until we hear his rumble, and then we enter. I don’t sit, not this time. I stand as Flint shuts the door.
“What’s wrong?” Jang immediately asks, climbing to his feet and looking exhausted. “Quinny, is everything okay?”
