Page 57 of Bullied Pregnant Mate

But this is my only choice, isn’t it? Betray my blood relatives or my pack. I’m stuck between those two paths, and there is no escape.

“We went up pretty high, as far into the peaks as we could go without antagonizing Kelta,” Nate says. “There’s no sign of anything going on up there. She’s secluded herself and gone all the way back up to the harshest conditions in the higher peaks.”

“That’s something,” Bae replies. “So, these breaches have to be wolves from Decker’s pack?”

“They must be,” Jack says. “But what do they want? Why are they sneaking in like this? The only thing I can think of is that it’s family members. Maybe Sam?”

“Maybe,” Bae considers, nodding. “Or maybe someone who supports the imprisoned wolves, trying to get help but afraid of being killed on the spot.”

“This is such a fucking mess,” Kyle groans. “Leslie was a loner, but she still misses some people back in her hometown.”

“We didn’t do this!” Bae snaps, anger flooding through him. His eyes shimmer, and he seems to take up more space as his anger rises. “They attacked us,” he thunders in a voice that echoes around the room. “We were completely unaware, and at peace, and they brought war to us. We are innocent in this, and I am still giving them every possible chance to go back and make amends. I understand how difficult it is for those with ties to Silverton, but it is not our fault they are now our enemies!”

Bailey has such presence, I’m actually a bit scared. He’s usually so easygoing, most of us forget that he’s the alpha, and much more powerful than any of us.

Bae looks down at the table, blinking and taking deep breaths until his wolf settles. When he raises his head, his eyes are deep amber again, not shimmering with liquid gold as if he’s about to shift.

“So, what next?” Jack asks, trying to break the mood. “Strengthen patrols?”

“Yes,” Bae answers. “We’ll need to tighten the grid. I don’t want anyone attacking until we are sure they mean us harm, but if it comes to a fight, don’t hold back. Call for help and use any force necessary.”

I swallow hard, pressing my lips together so I don’t shout. I don’t know what I’ll do if I encounter my brother or father again, but I’m pretty sure I can’t attack them.

Even though they attacked Alisa.

I shake my head, trying to clear it of these thoughts. They had no way of knowing she was my wife. I’m sure if they knew she was important to me, they wouldn’t have attacked.

This might even lead to a new era of peace. If they can reconcile their hatred of witches to accept Alisa, it could lead to a truce.

The idea is unlikely, but it gives me hope, and I don’t want to let go of it.

“Okay, so we’ll organize patrol groups,” Bae says. “Tighten up around Jenks’s house in particular. I’ll go through it all on a map, and we’ll set up tonight.”

Terror starts to rise in me again.What if I’m on patrol and see Brad, and the others realize I know him? I’ll be screwed!

“It’s okay, Jenks,” Bae says, apparently noticing my unease. “This assignment is way too heavy for you, and you’re inexperienced. What I want you and Alisa to do is go away for a few days, to a hotel or inn on the other side of town. How does that sound?”

“That sounds great,” I answer, my voice trembling with relief. “Thank you, Bae.”

“I just want to keep you safe,” he replies. “You’ve put yourself in danger and willingly joined in on pack business, but you’ve never been in combat, so it isn’t fair to expect you to run with the others. Also, it’s pretty obvious you’ve missed some signs around your place.”

And that means you’re a liability.

I hear Bae’s last sentence in my head, not with my ears. His eyes shimmer again as he looks at me, and I truly don’t know if he thinks I’m hiding something or if I’m just incompetent.

Jokes on him—it’s both.

Alisa leans against me, rubbing my arm. Comfort floods through me, and I’m relieved that we are going away together for a few days. I can’t wait to get away from the pack, the mountain, even my own house.

This is exactly what we need—time to work this out.

Chapter 19 - Alisa

For the entirety of the meeting, I’ve had my fingers wrapped around Jenks’s hand so tight, my knuckles are white. With the stress I’m experiencing, I can’t imagine what it must be like for him.

When Bae practically orders us to stay somewhere else and leave the house for a few days, I nearly collapse with relief. Getting away from the house, the pack, and the glowering threat of the mountain is exactly what I need.

“So, should we head back now?” Jenks asks Bae. “And pack some stuff? How long do you think we’ll be away?”

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