“The only message that—”
A door opened. People started getting out of vehicles. Fear and trepidation pooled in my stomach. Anything else I wanted to feel, I kept hidden.
Frank moved to stand beside me. The Others converged upon the newcomers, giving me my first glimpse of the other Judgements and the werewolves protecting them. No one spoke. It gave me a moment to study the group of thirteen. Based on shapes and sizes, there seemed to be six women and seven men.
“My name is Olivia,” I said, taking a step forward and stopping. “I’ve been sent with a message. Which of you is Emmitt?”
“I am.” The owner of the smooth voice stepped forward.
“You’re the one who stole my sister, the provider, from Blake.” I turned my head slightly to the right toward Frank. “I’m sure you remember Frank.”
“What’s your message?” Emmitt asked crisply.
“Who leads you?” I asked. “Is it Winifred? Sam? Grey?”
“We lead our people together,” a woman said.
“Yet you spoke. So, it’s you I need to talk to.”
I turned to Frank. “What kind of ground is this?” I asked softly.
“What are you doing?” he demanded.
“What I was told to do.”
“You stay here.” His fingers wrapped around my wrist.
I sighed. “This will never end, then.”
He growled, shoved my hand away and told me to hurry up. Without knowing what kind of terrain I needed to cross, I started forward slowly, testing each step.
“It’s gravel and grass with a few divots,” Winifred said, moving to meet me halfway.
I lifted a hand, palm out and fingers raised. When she was close enough, I set my fingers on her face. She held still as my fingertips slid over her features. Worry pulled at her brow but couldn’t disguise the laugh lines around her eyes or mouth. She had kindness and strength. I hoped it would be enough to keep me alive for another day. I let my relief free.
“He needs to die,” I said, clearly.
The words had barely left my mouth when Emmitt, still a step in front of the rest, flew at a snarling Frank. Their growls and the sound of ripping fabric, along with a few soft female gasps, filled the air.
Frank’s end came swiftly, and silence once again claimed the clearing as the Others played with his body for a few moments.
“Are you all right?” Winifred asked.
I couldn’t remember the last time someone had asked me that and needed a moment to consider the question. The temperature stole my body heat with each passing second, my pulse throbbed in my face despite the frigid air, and my bruised throat ached with every swallow. Yet, I knew this wouldn’t be the end of our suffering.
“No,” I said honestly. “But it doesn’t matter. We need to leave.”
“And go where?” a new voice asked.
“I’m not sure. Hopefully somewhere warmer, though.”
“I second that,” another female voice said.
“I apologize if this sounds rude, but can you all say your names for me so I know who’s talking?” I asked. A lifetime of listening left me with a very good memory for voices.
“I’m Bethi.”
“I’m Luke, Bethi’s Mate.”
