“He’s gone.” I was staring at the floor.
“I’m…what?” Rick leaned over the table to look at my face.
“Thane and Clarke got into an argument about me. Thane said he wasn’t going to catch us or hand us over to Vince. But Vince was there, and he hopped out. He snapped Thane’s neck, and the others snapped to attention.” I swallowed, my mouth suddenly dry. “Vince had said the brotherhood doesn’t keep traitors alive. Told the others to go help them look closer to the school for us, and then Vince killed Thane.” My mom slapped a hand over her mouth, but Rick slammed a hand on the table.
“It’s not your fault.” I reeled back from the words to find Toya staring at me.
“What?”
“It’s not your fault Thane was killed.” She kept staring into my eyes. “I know you. If you attacked six men, you would have been killed.” Her words hit closer than I was willing to say. “You are strong, but not immortal. You would have died.”
My mom’s fingers trailed over my clenched fist. “Amy, she’s right.”
I shook my head. “I know, but it doesn’t change that it was my fault.” I knocked on the table again. “Anyway. The brotherhood…whoever they are, are closing ranks. That means something is going to be happening soon.” I wiped at my face and then focused on everyone. “That means we have to be quicker. We have days to strengthen our position in this war before they finally make their move towards the King.”
My mom stared at me for an extra second before she turned to look around the table. “Okay, then. Rick, get started on thatlaptop. Why don’t we go strip the bedrooms upstairs and make sure everyone is settled into their rooms by tonight??” My mom pressed out from the table. Then she turned to me. “If it’s possible, I need you to ensure the houses are locked down, and that there is no way someone can get through the closet before you leave.”
I nodded. “Yeah.”
My mom turned to Lynn. “Let’s go for a walk before you leave.” She held out her hand and waited for Lynn to join her. “Let’s go.” The two turned and walked out the kitchen door. It all switched so fast, I think everyone was confused.
“What was that?” Alannah asked.
I smiled. “My mom doesn’t like feeling out of control. She has to stay here to protect you, and me leaving to go to war is making her antsy.”
“She can go.” Rick looked up from the laptop screen that he had cracked open when my mom said to. “I can take care of everyone with Wendy.”
I nodded. “I know. But I have a feeling that she is going to be needed here.” I reached over and patted his arm. “She does too. She is okay with staying. She’s just worried, is all.” I pushed up from my chair. “Toya, make sure you are ready in fifteen minutes. I’m going to check the closet.”
Chapter Fifteen
Idouble checked the house at Vince’s pack to make sure it was still secure. There were boot prints on the front door, and cracks in the glass door, indicating that someone had been trying to get in. Thank you for werewolf proof glass. I used a little magic to fix the glass door and then the house before I sealed my bedroom and closet doors.
I grabbed my second phone, the only one I could contact my dad with, and left the other. There was really no reason to bring it around any longer. I sent a quick message to my dad, letting him know I was about to head to his old pack house. Then I headed downstairs.
Toya was waiting near the front door. My mother and Lynn were still walking around outside, but it was Carly’s patient face that had my steps slowing. She looked up when she heard meand smiled, but I could see the sadness in her eyes. “You’re leaving again?”
I nodded. “I have to.” She nodded. “You understand, right?” I walked over and sat next to her, pulling her to my side.
She nodded but picked at her little fingers. “I know.” She sounded so small. “I just miss you.”
“Oh sweetheart, I miss you, too. Once all of this is over, I promise you will have me every day. We will spend our days here, in the pack, and traveling. You’ll get to go to school and make friends.”
She perked up at that. “I can go to school?”
“Of course!” I ruffled her hair. “Once all of this mess is cleared up, we’ll be able to do whatever you want.”
She smiled, but I watched it slip away. “You promise you will be careful? Even when it’s all done?”
“Of course, baby.” I leaned over and kissed her temple. Then I stood up. “Give me a hug before I leave.” She jumped into my arms and I squeezed. “Be good for Wendy and Grandma Ainsley, okay?”
“Okay.” She pulled back. “When you come back, can we visit my daddy?”
“Of course.” I put her down on the couch. “I’ll see if I can get him here to sit down with you and catch up…how does that sound?”
She nodded. “Good.” She paused, and I watched her eyes glaze over, turning white. Toya walked over as she noticed the shift, too. “Be careful, tri-spirit.” Her voice was deeper than normal. “The end is near, and if you aren’t vigilant enough, you will lose your life. The Shaman has seen the different paths that can unfold. Keep her words close to you. All it takes is one misstep, and all is lost.”
I looked at Toya, and I could see her mind spinning. But I just raised my shoulder. “I will.” Carly’s eyes cleared, and she smiled at me.
