“We’ll keep everyone safe,” Grey said.“It’s what we do for our family.”
Avi nodded.
Crew put his phone on the table with Colton’s number on the screen.His finger hovered over the button.“Everyone ready?”
The herd nodded.
The call was answered on the second ring, and Colton kicked off the call by screaming at them for his brother’s death.
Crew cut in through the rant.“Weston died because you wouldn’t let things go.Our herd is not going to be taken down by you or anyone else.I’m giving you a chance to walk away clean, Colton.No more blood.No one else has to die.Find a new place to settle down and start over again in safety.”
“You killed my brother!I will see you dead and dance on your graves.Especially you, cousin.”
Avi ground his teeth together.“You’re being unrealistic.We outnumber you, we’ve consistently beaten you when you’ve come for us.There are three of you.Take your people and go.It’s the only choice that allows you to stay alive.”
There was a beat of silence, then Colton spoke in a low, cold tone.“I’m not walking away.You took my brother, I’m going to take someone from you.”
The line disconnected.
Avi’s jaw clenched as he stared at the black screen.
So much for hoping Colton would do the right thing.
Crew tapped his fingers on the table until Avi looked at him.
“If he wants to keep this war going, we’ll be ready.I swear.”
Fallon woke Thursday morning in the spare bedroom next to the one she shared with Avi, after talking to her mom late into the night.They talked about everything as they reconnected—Fallon’s escape, the safari park, her life on the farm, and how good it felt to be free of the prowl.
She hadn’t even really realized how oppressive the prowl had been until she’d been around alphas who treated their people like equals.
After promising to see her mom in the kitchen for coffee, she hustled into the shower and got dressed, then went to find Avi, who was nearly done with his overnight patrol.
He was walking toward the chicken coop when she stepped outside and called for him.
Running to him, she jumped into his arms and kissed him.“Morning!”
“Hey, sweetheart.You’re a sight for sore eyes.”
“I missed you so much.I don’t like the overnights without you, even though I really liked spending time talking to my mom.”
“I’m glad you got to hang out with her one-on-one, but I missed you a hell of a lot too.”
“Why are you walking toward the chicken coop?”
“Chores.I told Grey I’d help with the animals today.”
“You just patrolled overnight.You should go rest.”
“Nah.”He set her gently on her feet and smiled down at her.She could see how exhausted he was, but she knew it wasn’t just being up all night that gave him fine lines and dark circles—it was what was going on with his cousin.
“No, I insist.I’ll handle your chores.I’m sure my mom would help.”
“You don’t have to do that.”
She tugged on his arm, leading him toward the farmhouse.“You stayed up all night patrolling to keep the herd safe.The least I can do is collect eggs, feed the animals, and tend to the gardens, okay?”She gave him a long look as she tugged on his arm.“I’m not going to let this go, Avi.I want you to rest.You deserve it and need it.You can help with anything I don’t get done after you wake up.”
“Are you sure?”he asked, then yawned.
