“Thank you both,”Isaid.
Just then, another familiar face strode down the street to join the group. Niko smiled at me. He looked absolutely radiant. He had obviously recovered from his sickly state at Scarlet Ridge. He was also sporting a bit of baby weight - I assumed his birth had happened justrecently.
Then I noticed the little bundle in his arms. He was carrying his baby -Raven.
“Hello, Virgil,” Niko saidtome.
“Hello. This must be Raven,” I said, peering down at her. She was only a few months old, but she looked strong. She reached out with a chubby hand and gently slapped my arm. “She’sfeisty.”
Niko smiled. “David messaged me you were here, and I overheard what’s going on. I would love to join, but I can’t leave Raven like this when she’s so young. I’msorry.”
“Do not be,” I said, smiling back. “I don’t expect you to return theresosoon.”
“Charlie and I can babysit for everyone else,” Niko offered, and Charlie nodded in agreement. “So you guys go and kick Gunner’s assforus.”
“Will do,” Ipromised.
“So you said this is happening tonight?” Flint askedseriously.
“Yes,” I said. “I know the timing is not great. It was a last minute decision to come ask you allforhelp.”
“What’s done is done. We’ll be there as soon aspossible.”
“Thank you. All of you.” I turned to the omegas who were joining the fight. “Do you know where Gunner’s homebuildingis?”
“Yeah,” Mason said. Wesleynodded.
“That is where we’re meeting for the attack. You should recognize us immediately. I’ll let the others know about your presence so they’re not tooconfused.”
“Gotit.”
I turned to leave. “I must return to my camp now. There is still much to be done. I look forward to seeing you all in theevening.”
The Indigo Mountain shifters waved me off as I changed into my raven form and took to the skies once more. My return journey was not as anxious as the first. Now I was full of hope. Knowing I would have their help, I feltuplifted.
We coulddothis.
We were goingtowin.
* * *
By the timeI returned to camp, something hadchanged.
I noticed it before landing and changing back to human form. The atmosphere was heavy and dark. Nobody smiled. A sense of unease permeated in the air likepollution.
Anxious now, I strode into the center of the camp. People were milling about, looking dejected. I found Shane sulking with his arms crossed over his knees and put a hand on hisshoulder.
“What’s going on?” Iasked.
Shane didn’t look up as he replied, “It’s over,Virgil.”
“What?”
He shrugged off my hand, irritated, and stood up. “I said it’s over! The mission, the plans, whatever. It’s done. Don’t fucking bother anymore.” Suddenly, he became angry and grabbed the front of my shirt. “And where the hell have you been, anyway? We’ve been looking for you forfuckinghours!”
Woodrow and Darrel appeared, peeling Shane offofme.
“Cool it,” Darrel snapped, but he looked just as upset and angry asShanedid.
