Page 70 of Mated By the Pack
We leave the cart and the bodies for The Tangle to claim. Brenna walks away with a backpack full of stuff. I don’t question it. I’m sure there were a few valuables and things she can sell in the Lower District. It’s not like the slavers need them anymore.
“So, youcancontrol the bracelet,” Knox comments, walking beside me.
“Not exactly,” I answer truthfully. “But I’m beginning to understand it better. I’ll explain more once we get everyone home. Although Vance may be the only one who believes me.”
“I’m open-minded,” Knox says, some wisdom in his tone. “I believe what I can see, and I’ve seen that bracelet do some interesting things, even if I didn’t get to see you rip apart a treant.”
“Yeah, but that wiped me out,” I sigh. “It’s not much use if I sleep all day after I use it. Thankfully, it wasn’t as bad this time. I only asked for alittlehelp.”
“It was enough. Those fucking Gen-Lynxes didn’t stand a chance,” Knox chuckles. “Hell, I bet we could easily take down a Gen-Lion with tricks like that. But I’d much rather you stay safely behind us and out of danger.”
“If you try to spank me for helping you, I’m going to make my bracelet stop you,” I tease. “Rather than asking for it to chime in.”
“Mm, you could try,” Knox says, giving me a nudge. “I’m not scared of a few vines.”
Abigail stops so I can catch up, so Knox falls back. Her fear seems to have passed, but she’s a little groggy from the sedatives. I know that feeling.
“Everyone is going to be so happy you’re back,” she says. “Director Regina looked so disappointed. I tried to tell her you’d never leave like that, but I don’t think she believed me.”
“I can’t say that I blame her,” I sigh. “Especially if Clyde forged a letter. I need to tell you something, though. Something I haven’t shared with the others who were kidnapped with me. You can’t say anything until we get to Haven North.”
“O-okay,” Abigail says apprehensively, glancing over at me. “What’s going on?”
“I made a deal to get everyone home,” I explain, taking a deep breath. “But I’m not staying. I’m going back with… them.” I gesture to the men.
“What? Calla, no!” Abigail grabs my wrist, her eyes wide and desperate. “You can’t just disappear again. If Clyde’s behind this, we need to expose him. Together! They won’t believe me if you’re not there! He’ll… keep doing this. And I already lost you once. I can’t lose you again!”
“Keep your voice down. Please,” I urge. “It was the only way to get everyone else home. And if I hadn’t, we wouldn’t have been able to save you, either.”
“If they’re holding you hostage, we can call the peace officers as soon as we get to Haven North,” Abigail says in a hushed whisper. “You don’t have to go anywhere with them.”
“It’s my choice,” I say firmly. “I’m not a hostage.”
“Were they the ones who gave you that?” Abigail asks, gesturing to my bracelet. “Is it some kind of magic? Did you use it to call the wolves to help you?”
“No, but they’re connected to it. Everything is,” I answer, but don’t elaborate further. “It’s too much to explain. I’m just happy to see you again.”
“Me too,” Abigail says. “But what should we do about Clyde?”
“I’m not sure yet,” I mutter. “He won’t get away with this.”
Haven North may no longer be my home.
But I have to find a way to make sure the slavers don’t kidnap any more innocent women.
I just hope mymateswill understand.
CHAPTER 20
Gideon
We’re fresh from battle.
Blood still on our breath. Meat still lingering in our teeth. Specks of crimson on our clothes and other places, if anyone looks closely enough. We cleaned up the best we could, so wouldn’t frighten Calla’s friends and our new traveling companions, but we weren’t thorough.
Another of Calla’s friends has joined the group. Abigail. Someone Calla knew before she was kidnapped and dragged into The Tangle. The women who were in the cage with Abigail seem dazed and confused. It’s understandable. They fell victim to something horrific, then witnessed something worse. I’m sure they’ll have nightmares and get pumped full of supplements when they get back to Haven North.
But they are not my concern. The only one I care about is Calla. My mate. Our mate. The one who will save our pack and give us a future. If it works the way it did with the other hybrids, andwith us, our children will be better than we are. Fierce warriors. Mighty wolves. Our grandchildren will be even stronger and faster. They won’t fear anything in The Tangle.
