Page 117 of Midnight Moon
Adjusting my bag higher on my shoulder, I lifted my chin and stepped outside.
A massive, black pickup truck was parked on the grass outside the cabin. Chase and Asher stood next to the passenger door with crossed arms.
My steps faltered.
A fresh wave of emotion threatened to consume me. This couldn’t be real.
I couldn’t be joining another pack.
I wasn’t part-sorceress, and I had none of my mother’s magic within me.
This all had to be a sick joke—a game to test my loyalty to my pack.
I was two seconds away from spinning around and running back into the cabin when my father placed his hands on my shoulder and turned me towards him.
“You must do this, Blair.” His stare bore into me, easily reading my tumultuous emotions. “Stay with the Wilds Pack, and you will be safe. The Wilds’ alpha is rumored to be the most powerful their pack has ever seen. Mating with him will make you untouchable. The sorcerers wouldn’t dare cross him.”
I didn’t know if that was true or simply the wishes of a worried father, but it didn’t matter. One day, I might forgive him for deciding my fate without my input, but that day wasn’t today.
“I’ll honor the agreement,” I said tonelessly, “for the sake of the Summit Pack.”
Regret flickered across his gaze. “Until we see each other again, Blair. Stay safe. I love you.”
I love you, too.
My anger would not let me return the sentiment. “Goodbye, Dad.”
I approached Asher and Chase, keeping my gaze cast down.
“I’ll take that.” Chase relieved me of my duffle bag.
I didn’t resist.
He walked to the back of the truck and opened the tailgate, sliding my possessions into the covered truck bed.
I wasn’t sure if I imagined the uneasy note I heard in Asher’s voice when he asked, “Got everything you need?”
I swallowed.No!
“Yes.”
Asher nodded, then opened the passenger door.
Willing myself not to show weakness, I got into the vehicle without hesitation. He closed the door behind me and walked around the front of the truck to the driver’s side.
I stared out the passenger window, allowing myself one last look at my pack.
Beta Nathan’s arm was wrapped around Stephanie’s shoulder as she clutched her stepmom’s waist. Hunter stood beside his father, alternating his loathing glare from one Wilds shifter to another.
When my eyes finally landed on my father, I watched a tear leak out the corner of his eye.
Fury ignited.
How dare he cry!
He was the one responsible for this.
He didn’t get to be sad… not in front of me.
