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Once we’re out of earshot, she exhales a shaky breath. “That was too close.”
“No arguments here,” I mutter, lengthening my stride.
We hike in tense silence for what feels like an eternity, constantly scanning our surroundings for any sign of pursuit. At last, the trees begin to thin, and I catch a glimpse of open road ahead.
The relief is overwhelming. We’ve made it out. I slow to a halt, turning to face Cedara with a grin. We’re not out of danger yet, but right now, all I feel is the bone-deep satisfaction of having kept her safe.
My mate.
“We’re still a way off from Steel Lakes,” I tell her. “But, I think that was the worst of it.”
“Thank you.” She smiles at me, and fuck, I could gaze at her forever.
“Thank me when we get there.” I stay pragmatic, but my mood has lightened. Once we get back to Steel Lakes, everything is going to be okay.
Chapter 10
Cedara
I eye the large settlement warily as we crest the hill. It’s an imposing sight – the towering boundary wall surrounding what looks like an old industrial complex, with the hulking steel mill at its center. The structure is immense, all sharp angles and rust-stained metal.
“That’s Steel Lakes,” Barrett says from beside me. “It used to be a steel town before the recession hit. The mill closed down, and the humans left. That’s when our pack moved in and took it over.”
My brow furrows as I take in the harsh, unwelcoming facade. “They live in that?”
Barrett nods. “The mill houses our security forces – it’s been converted into barracks and offices. The town itself is where the families live. Don’t worry; it’s a lot more welcoming than this, I promise.” He smiles.
I can’t quite picture this bleak, industrial landscape as anyone’s home, but I suppose beggars can’t be choosers when you’re a pack of wolves. Now, I’m struck by how different it is from our home at Wildview, which was a quiet haven that embraced nature.
I push the memory away, not liking how it makes me feel.
That life is gone now.
As we approach the looming front gate, a young man leans over one of the parapets overhead to greet us. He’s broad-shouldered with a mop of unruly brown curls, looking barely out of his teens. His eyes narrow as he takes us in.
“State your business,” he calls out.
Barrett shakes his head. “Get your head outta your ass, Cody. It’s me – Barrett Chord. I’m back from my scouting mission.”
The young man – Cody – relaxes slightly, but his gaze darts to me with open suspicion. “Who’s the girl?”
“This is Cedara,” Barrett says simply. “She’ll be staying with us for a while.”
Cody eyes me up and down, an unimpressed look on his face. “You know the rules about outsiders, Barrett. I’m gonna need the Alpha’s approval before I can let some rando in.”
His tone is almost petulant, like a child throwing a tantrum. I bristle at his condescending attitude, but Barrett just shakes his head with a resigned sigh.
“Don’t get your panties in a twist, kid. He knows I’m coming in with her. Just radio in and let him know I’m here.”
There’s a pause during which I can hear a voice on the other side. The kid must be doing as Barrett said. A moment later, metal clanks and chain rattles. The huge gate begins to roll up. I hesitate before taking a step forward, but Barrett has my hand again, striding ahead, completely at ease. This is his world, after all. But I take comfort from the warmth of his hand. It’s so odd that this small gesture feels so natural to me. I was never very demonstrative in my…old life. Now, I find that I like it when he touches me.
I follow Barrett through the huge gates of Steel Lakes, my senses assaulted by the harsh industrial landscape surrounding us. The scent of grease and metal hangs thick in the air, mingling with the musk of a lot more wolves than I’ve ever encountered in one place. It’s a far cry from the crisp forest smells I’m used to.
As we make our way deeper into the compound, I can’t help but gawk at our surroundings. What had once been a sprawling steel mill has been converted into a makeshift encampment. Rusted walkways now form narrow streets between blocky buildings clad in weathered sheet metal. Pipes and chains dangle overhead like vines in some bizarre, urban jungle.
Despite the industrial trappings, there’s a sense of orderliness to it all – everything kept neat and tidy in that distinctly military way. Groups of burly men in tactical gear patrol the alleys, their eyes scanning us as we pass. I can’t help shrinking a little closer to Barrett.
“Relax,” he murmurs under his breath. “You’re safe here.”
