She thought about it for a second and then nodded.Yes, that’s exactly what I thought this would be like.
He loves you too; you fool.Nix called back as she turned and ran after Erubus.I’ll stay up front for a while. I have the better nose.
That’s fine, but if we need to use magic, I’ll join you.I called back and settled next to Megan.You are foolish Megan.
She settled next to me.No one has ever wanted me for me. Even my mate wanted Nix over me.She looked at me.How was I supposed to know he actually liked me?
I laughed as I ruffled her fur.Love is weird. But we will work through it all together. I mean, we have already been through the worst possible scenario when it comes to a mate. This should be a cakewalk.
My words echoed through my mind, and I felt my stomach clench. A weird feeling settling like a pit. I shook it off as Erubusran back to our side. “I caught a scent. Come see if it is your friend.”
We ran together until we made it to a small clearing. A few splatters of blood were around, and it looked like there was a battle. Broken branches, debris and trampled bushes were found all over. But it was Cass’s and Aurora’s scent that filled the area. “It’s them.”
“Follow me.” Erubus turned and ran across the clearing and through a gap in the trees, and Nix followed.
The blood scent was everywhere we ran across. And something else.
Fear.
Cass was terrified as she ran from this clearing. Not for herself, but for the pup that was growing in her belly. I could hardly scent it. Maybe a month or so along, so new, but she knew, and she was trying to save her pup’s life.
“Erubus.” Nix called as she realized at the same time I did what we were smelling. He caught something in my tone because he glanced back with a knowing look.
He nodded once, but turned away and kept running. “I smelled the pup. We have to hurry.”
We pushed harder as we followed the two scents. Every puddle, every fresh scent, was a punch to my stomach. My mind was starting to lose the level headedness I needed in this scenario, and I was starting to spiral. I couldn’t lose my best friend.
Not like this.
Megan pressed closer, trying to calm me down, but the next clearing had me rolling. My paw caught on a root I missed when I saw the carnage. “No!” I screamed as I pushed forward, shifting from Nix into my own body, stumbling over to one of the blonde-haired bodies. This one curled around her stomach. “Cass.” Ireached for her, but I stopped myself. I could smell death on her skin. “Cass.” I whispered as I picked her up.
Her eyes fluttered open for a second. “My pup…” Her eyes were full of hope, but I could see the devastation hiding behind it.
I just shook my head and she released a horrible howl before she passed out. My heart broke as I turned to my mate. He was standing over Aurora’s body. I growled, but he just shook his head. “She’s already dead.” His voice cut through my anger instantly.
“Are you sure?”
He nodded. “No heartbeat. Just a broken necklace.” I nodded once before I walked over to him and climbed on to his back.
“Bring us home. She is weak, and I don’t want her to die.”
My father already had the pack doctor waiting for us as we ran into her room. “Give her to me.” He held out his arms, and I handed her to him. He placed her down onto her bed and cut away her clothes.
“What happened?” My father leaned against the wall by the door. I turned with a growl, and I lunged for him.
“You did this.” I screamed. I saw in his eyes, as his gaze met my own, that he agreed with me. “She shouldn’t have been out there all alone and you know it.”
“This was her job.” He tried to say, but I interrupted him again.
“That’s bullshit!” I screamed again. “This is Cass, for Goddess’ sake. Don’t tell me whatever bullshit you fucking spout when another pack member is fighting for their life.”
My dad pushed up from the wall. “I-” But the door pushed open and Greyson walked straight to the bed.
“Stop it.” His voice was level as he dropped to his knees next to the bed.
“See, even Greyson doesn’t want to hear your bullshit.” I tossed out, but Greyson looked up at me.
“I was talking to you.” The words were like a slap.
