Page 61 of Rejected Mate

"We've got this if you want to stay here," Husk said in a voice that sounded more like a command than a suggestion.

I shook my head. "No. No way."

Husk leaned over and squeezed my shoulder. "We'll be fine, Fagua."

Warmth spread from his hand into me.

"I know," I squeaked.

I centered myself with a deep breath.

Winter lightly squeezed my hand. "We're with you, Fagua."

"I know," I said, staring at the forest ahead. I wouldn't let fear control me. Fear never did any good. I could do this.

I just had to have faith in myself and my magic. After I murmured a spell of protection and for our clothes to manifest on us if we switched back from wolf to human, I checked my phone.

"Mayia, Rebecca, and the others are almost here," I announced.

"Good." Winter scanned the road. "Remember, stay in your wolf form until you need to use your magic. You'll be a distraction and they won't know you're even here until it's too late."

I shivered and fought against the nerves twisting inside me. Part of me didn't want to hurt my dad, and certainly not my mom or any of the people in this town. Sure, there were bad people and bullies, but there were so many more great wolves here. People I'd grown up with and saw everyday for years until I left SmallHeath. Could I fight them?

"Okay," I said as I typed the text. "They're pulling onto the road now." The plan was for them to head directly down the main drag of town and meet us at the center. "It's time."

I sucked in a deep breath, attempting to calm the anxiety in my gut and tensing muscles, but it didn't really work.

"Hey." Sky tugged on my hair and tilted my chin so my gaze met his. He gave me a small smile. "If we can't get him to listen and if he tries to hurt you, then don't hesitate. Use your magic and protect yourself. You're strong and we'll be right here."

I nodded. After one last look at my men, I took a deep breath and closed my eyes. I imagined my body transforming and how I wanted to look. I drew on my magic and focused on being a vibrantly colored wolf.

When my magic filled me, I let out a breath as my body shifted. Soon, I was on all fours, my furred back pressed to Sky's. I tilted my head so I could see him. He winked in his wolf form.

Winter rubbed his nose to mine.

I took another deep breath and tried to feel confident, but I knew I was still shaking.

There was no going back now.

The four of us snuck through the forest, getting closer and closer to town.

The ground felt weird beneath my paws. The forest was too still and quiet. But the damp smell of pine and decomposing leaves was the same. The air was freezing, and I was glad as a wolf I had a thicker coat than my human clothes of black pants and a T-shirt.

A smell tickled my senses.

I lifted my nose and inhaled.

Smoke.

I glanced at the sky. There were no clouds in sight, but the smell of burning wood was unmistakable.

It couldn't be a forest fire, or there would be animals heading away from the flames. I couldn't sense any magic either.

I let out a whine, lifting my nose to the sky for the others. Husk growled and Sky let out a yip, letting me know that they understood me.

We were going into a war zone. We had to be ready for anything. I swallowed a lump in my throat and tried to force myself to calm down.

I looked at Sky, Winter, and Husk as we raced through the forest. My heart, my magic, and all the feelings they inspired in me overpowered my fear.

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