Page 135 of Hawke

It was stupid on my part. To run toward any claimed female, but I was desperate to save my mate from any more pain. The sound of her gentle sobs pierced my ears, and I felt my heart breaking as I realized how long we had been apart.

Journey let out a huff in frustration, her eyes darting to the cabin and back to me.

“Grim, stop, he’s desperate for help.” The gentleness in her touch soothed his grip on my arm.

Grim let go reluctantly. His snarl and forceful nudge was enough for me to step back a good three feet. He delicately helped her off the bike like she was a princess, hell, she sort of was to the pack now that she was a priestess. He wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her close.

“Please,” I asked with urgency. “Something is wrong with her. She won’t shift.”

Journey’s eyes softened. She grabbed her bag and pulled it over her shoulder, only for Grim to take it away from her and shake his head.

“Then let’s go check on my new best friend, huh?” She tilted her head in amusement, her feet crunching the fallen leaves as she took gentle strides to the cabin.

The first few nights that Journey came to the Iron Fang, Delilah knew Journey had it rough. My mate made her feel welcome while the other girls stayed away; only because Grim made it known Journey was off limits to all. Delilah was never afraid of any male at the Iron Fang and ignored him. Delilah knew Grim wouldn’t hurt any female.

And now, Journey wanted to return that kindness.

Locke slapped his hand on my shoulder and pulled me away from Grim, who was stewing for even looking at his mate with pleading eyes. “He’s still pretty territorial. I don’t think it goes away.” Locke frowned, squeezing my shoulder and took me further away from Grim.

Locke stopped when a body stood in our path. More bodies were sprinkled around us, a total of maybe five or six spread around the area.

Locke looked at the forest, taking in a large breath. “Now, I know my nose isn’t what it used to be, but it really stinks around here.”

“There’s forty more out there,” I muttered, rubbing my neck.

Locke nodded, stepping over the body.

“And we missed it all?” He nodded his head to the bodies on the ground and rummaged through his pocket to pull out a cigarette.

“Yup.”

“Well, shit. The boys will be upset. I promised them a fight.” He put the neatly self-wrapped cigarette in his mouth and rolled it along his lips. “Damn. You did all of that, huh?”

I chuckled, nodding. “Her ex is in there.” I jerked my head toward the cabin. “It’s a long story, but we can put his heart back in his body and play with him a little.”

Locke looked at me, then returned his attention to the open door. He nodded and puffed out a thick cloud of smoke.

“How the hell did you find us through this bubble shit?” I looked over our heads for emphasis.

Locke threw his cigarette on the ground and put it out. “Journey. Don’t think we will get many more of those letters. She’s the direct line to the goddess now, I guess. She said we were needed, so we hopped on our bikes.” He slumped his shoulders. “And like good little mutts, we took her lead.”

A squeal came from the open door of the cabin. Anaki pranced like a dragon hatchling and screamed, “My Sunshine! Oh, how I’ve missed my Sunshine!”

I growled.

“Ah, let him have his fun. He isn’t doing so well.” Locke tapped my shoulder, leading us up the steps. “None of us are doing well.”

Once we entered, Journey was already sitting on her knees next to Delilah. She was brushing the wet strands of hair away from Delilah’s forehead, whispering encouragement in her ear.

My heart constricted in my chest, seeing my mate in such pain. I never wanted my mate to feel this. She shouldn’t have to. I always wanted to see her smile, watch her prance around the bar she had come to know and love.

I stepped forward, adjusting the towel and headed toward Journey until Grim stepped in front of me.

“Let my mate work.” He crossed his arms, staring down at me.

“My mate needs help,” I snapped back. “I will touch mine.”

Grim and I were different heights. He may be taller and bulkier, but I had more combat training. I could kick his ass if I wanted.

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