“That’s not true.” I whispered to her. “And I think deep down you know that.”
Lynn sighed. “In my heart, I know you are right. Our pack is amazing, but in my mind.” She shook her head. “In my mind, in my wolf's mind, we are trapped. Cornered. And she is willing to kill anyone that comes too close.” She met my eyes.
“You are afraid of yourself.” My words surprised even me, but Lynn nodded.
“I don’t want to hurt anyone just because they patted my back. Or walked too close at night.” She stepped closer, and I watched a tear trail down her face. “You can remove the command after everything is done, and I swear I will go into seclusion until I am healthy enough to be around the pack safely. But right now, we don’t have an option.”
I looked between Lynn, Toya, and finally my mother. “Mom?”
She looked at Lynn. “While I have raised you to not command a wolf unless necessary. There are always exclusions to the rule.” She lifted a hand and I watched Lynn tense. “Her fear is doing her more harm than good.” She turned to me, waiting for my answer.
I swallowed past a lump. “Lynn, I command you to not be afraid.” The words felt like tar, but then her back straightened. The fear in her eyes vanished. And for the first time in a long time…Lynn smiled.
Lynn turned to my mom and hugged her. “Thank you…for everything.”
My mom squeezed her back. “No, thanks needed. I’m going to be your Luna.”
Lynn shook her head. “You already are my Luna.” Then she stepped back and looked to me. “I’m ready.”
“Good.” I turned and hugged my mom. “Keep an eye out for the trackers.”
“Stay safe.” She pulled away and cupped my face. “Tell your father I love him.”
I nodded once, and then I turned to Toya and Lynn. “Follow me.” I headed towards the cliff. Toya trailed after me, but Lynn hesitated for a second.
“Aren’t we going back to Vince’s pack to get to the plane?” There was no fear, just confusion.
I shook my head. “No. There is a faster way.” I went to the edge and found the ledge. I stepped down and started down the path to the cave. The waves below had dampened the steep steps, but Toya and Lynn followed closely. Once we reached the cave, I slipped inside and waited for the two to squeeze in behind me.
“How the hell did you find this?” Toya shook her head in disbelief.
“I came from the other side last time.” I squeezed through the crack and started down the stairs. I walked slowly until Toya and Lynn were both through the crack.
“Holy goddess…” Lynn looked around. “This is under the cabin?” I nodded.
“Crazy right?” I laughed as the two nodded. “Let’s go.” I started running.
“Where are we running to?” Toya called out to me, and I just laughed.
“You will see.” We ran for a long time, but I felt the shift as we crossed the magic barrier.
“What was that?” Toya and Lynn called out as they crossed.
I laughed again. “Magic.” We ran for a little longer before the terrain inclined. We made it to the hatch, and I pushed up.
“Did this lead away from Vince’s pack so we could get closer to the airport?” Lynn followed me up and then Toya joined us,hunched over. “Where the fuck is this?” Lynn sounded genuinely confused.
I shut the hatch, and I felt the magic lock it in place. No one was crossing this way. I turned and went to the side of the gazebo. I pulled the wall out and slipped outside, and took a deep, clean breath. The familiar trees comforted me.
Lynn slipped out first and froze. “No.”
Toya nudged Lynn forward so she could slip out. She looked around. “Where are we?”
“My dad’s pack lands.” I smiled as the back door of the pack house opened. I saw a familiar face lean out, and I started running. I heard Lynn and Toya follow, but I was focused purely on the face that had slipped back inside the dark house. I pushed the door open and jumped.
“Baby girl.” My dad caught me, and I started to cry.
“Daddy.” I sobbed into his shoulder as I heard a gasp.
