Page 33 of Freed Wolfsbane

Without the ability to turn into our animal forms, shifters will be basically defenseless. If other species or the Knights want to wipe us out, they’ll easily be able to. I can’t let that happen any more than I could let Annabel get hurt. I found a way to keep her safe, so I have to believe that I can find a way to fix this too.

As the briefing continues, I can’t help but think about how only time will tell if I’m the reason wolf shifters thrive or if I’m why we all die out.

CHAPTER16

BRIAR

By the time the meeting concludes, I can barely keep my eyes open. Who knew sitting and being grilled for almost an hour straight would be so draining?

I’m sure if I asked, Malachi would tell me that he knew it would be. I refuse to admit to him that maybe he was right and I wasn’t ready to help out with the post-mission stuff. But it seems like what little I could share about the facility has been helpful.

The team is focused on tracking down Ryker to stop him before he can do anything to strengthen the curse. I’m not sure how involved the mages are going to be because this doesn’t really affect them, but Rhys and the team from Elemental seem pretty invested in it so far.

As we walk out of the makeshift command center, I’m not paying much attention to where I’m going, trusting the guys to lead the way. I’m startled when something crashes into my legs and nearly takes me out. It’s only Bastian’s arm around my lower back that keeps me from tumbling to the ground.

When I look down, my heart skips a beat in my chest. Annabel’s familiar brown eyes are staring up at me with relief. A genuine grin, something I’ve never seen from her, lights up her face.

I carefully crouch down and wrap my arms around the little girl who’s become so important to me in record time. Usually, my sky-high walls keep people out, but Annabel slipped through the cracks in them no problem. I breathe in her sweet scent as I feel almost lightheaded with relief that she’s here and in one piece. “You’re okay,” I breathe.

She nods against my chest and clutches onto my shirt for a long moment before she steps back. “You’re okay?” she asks as she anxiously twists her hands.

“Yep. I’ve never been better.” I try to infuse enough positivity into my voice that she believes me. I’m currently in kind of rough shape, but it’s nothing life-threatening or that she needs to worry about.

Annabel studies my face for a moment before nodding. She then runs over to Malachi and wraps her small arms around his thigh. “Thank you,” she whispers while gazing up at him with pure gratitude and adoration.

He gives her a small but genuine smile as he gently strokes her hair. Seeing him with Annabel does something funny to my insides. I can picture what he would look like with our child, and it makes my heart feel like it’s swelling to three times its size. I don’t know where this feeling is coming from, because I’m so not ready for kids.

“For what, little one?” Malachi’s voice is as soft as I’ve ever heard it. I’ve never really seen this ultra-gentle side of him, but it only makes me fall harder for him.

“For saving Briar.”

“Anytime. I’d do anything for her.” He glances over at me as he says it, and I can see concern, dedication, and something that looks a lot like love in his swirling navy eyes.

We haven’t had a chance to talk about me telling them that I love them. I know how Saint feels, but I have no idea where Malachi, Xander, and Bastian stand on it. I know it’s a conversation I need to have with them, but I’m honestly too worn out to deal with it right now. Once I get stronger and heal up, I will, though—no matter how awkward and uncomfortable it is.

Annabel gives him a blinding smile that makes her look as young as she is. Her usual grim expression and serious eyes make her seem much older than five. After letting go of Malachi, Annabel skips over to me and grabs my hand. She drags me over to two adults watching the whole thing with soft smiles on their faces.

The man with blond hair a shade darker than Annabel’s offers me his hand to shake. When I hesitantly take it, his slate gray eyes swim with turbulent emotions. “Thank you for looking after our daughter. Annabel has told us about how much you protected her, and we can’t ever thank you enough for all you did.”

A lump forms in my throat as I think about all the ways I put Annabel in danger. It was only because of me she was even on Ryker’s radar. I’m pretty sure I only traumatized the poor girl, but I guess she doesn’t see it that way.

Before I have a chance to respond, a short woman with deep brown eyes pulls me away from the man. She wraps her thin arms around me as she enfolds me in a heartfelt hug. Her long brown hair brushes over my arms as I uncertainly hug her back. “Thank you for keeping our baby safe and bringing her back to us.”

“Of course,” I murmur. “I just wish I could’ve done more.” My voice breaks, and I close my eyes as I try to get ahold of myself.

The woman squeezes me to her tighter and rubs my back soothingly. “Oh, sweetie, you did all you could. Don’t beat yourself up over the actions of others. You’re the reason we all got out of there. You’re the reason my daughter’s still alive. You’re the reason a lot of people are still here. Don’t let what you could’ve done tarnish all that you did.”

I didn’t realize her parents were held by the Knights at the same facility, too. Although, it was easy to miss people when the Knights had us all on different meal rotations. I probably only saw a fraction of the shifters there.

As I absorb her motherly comfort, I can’t help but wish my mom were here. I’d give almost anything for one more hug or one more reassurance that everything will be fine. I wonder if my mom would be proud of me and how hard I’ve tried all these years or if she’d be disappointed that I haven’t accomplished more. I guess I’ll never know.

“Thank you,” I whisper as I shake myself from my thoughts.

She pulls back and smiles at me, her face looking so much like Annabel’s. “You need anything, all you ever have to do is ask, honey. I’m Ivy Hall, and this is Henry Hall, one of my mates. I heard that you had a pretty nasty injury. Annabel just wanted to make sure you were okay, but we’ll go to let you rest.”

Annabel breaks away from her dad to give me another hug. I squat down and wrap my arms around her. She pulls back after a moment to look at me. “I’ll see you again?”

Smiling, I nod. “Of course. You can come see me whenever you want.”

---