Arlo makes a disgusted face. “I couldn’t. But I had my suspicions about her since our meeting in the park. She ranted for almost an hour about you and Lyall.”
“Really? What did she say?”
He waves a hand. “Nothing worth repeating. That was bad enough, but she’s been hiring witches to shadow the pair of you.”
My blood run colds. “Really?” The TTA has been spying on us for days. Talk about creepy.
“It’s why they showed up at the park so quickly when Lyall’s brother went berserk. I had no part in it, I promise.” He grimaces. “I just happened to be nearby on a job atthe time. I felt her use her magic just now, and I knew something was up.”
“Come to my bar sometime. You’ll have drinks on the house for the rest of your life.”
Arlo oohs excitedly as he crosses to the massive hole he blew into the wall by the door. I blow on my fingers, trying to warm them while Arlo motions some witches into the room. Ms. Cartwright groans as they put her in cuffs but appears too dazed to fight as two witches march her out of the room.
An unsettling thought strikes me. “They won’t think I attacked her, will they?”
Arlo scoffs. “No offense, darling, but no. She’ll be interrogated. You will too, I expect.”
I swallow through a dry throat. “Then what?”
Arlo grins. “Then I think a little justice is finally in the cards for you and your wolf.”
Chapter 23
Lyall
The sun has risenand set. I have not been allowed to leave my home once since the TTA detained me and brought me back to the past. Left with my own thoughts, all I can do is torment myself with worst-case scenarios all night. No one has come to visit me.
There’s been no word of what’s become of Gunnar. He violated the Council’s most sacred rule when he shifted to his berserker form in front of countless witnesses.
There’s no telling what will become of him. The Council could rule to strip Gunnar’s wolf. He could lose the ability to shift forever. But what if he hasn’t shifted back? What if seeing me with Soren tipped him over the edge?
The Council would have to put him down. Once a wolf goes berserk, there’s no bringing them back. If by some miracle Gunnar is still sane, then he could agree to be stripped of his wolf. Only, I cannot imagine him agreeing to have such a vital part of his identity ripped from him. And if he refuses to let his wolf be taken, then the Council could rule to execute him.
My brother could die because of me.
Fury and anguish tear into me. I grab a plate off my table and hurl it across the room with a roar that shakes the windows. Another plate shatters against the wall, and another as I drown in a red haze.
I was so close to having everything I’ve ever wanted, and instead I’ve destroyed my family and endangered Soren.
Father, I’m so sorry. I tried to keep my promise to you.
Tears flood my eyes, turning the surrounding room into a blur. My knees buckle and I fold in on myself, trying to make myself small, invisible. I sob like I haven’t since the days after losing my father and Soren. Time blurs as I lie there on the floor. My head aches, and my throat is hoarse. It feels like I’ll never be able to stand again.
Someone pounds on my door, making me jump. “Are you quite done being sorry for yourself?”
I choke on a gasp. Wiping my eyes, I bolt to my feet. “A-Anders?”
Thank the gods! Someone’s come.Please let him bring good news…
“I’m coming in.”
“Yes, hurry!”
The lock rattles, and Anders steps into the room. His shoulders are slumped, eyelids heavy like he’s been up all night. “Before you ask, I don’t know where Soren is or what’s become of his memories.”
Not knowing what’s become of my mate makes me feel sick. “And Gunnar? Brother, please tell me he’s all right.”
Anders raises both hands. “The Council sent a representative to speak with Wulfric and Kieran. They’re in talks now. They only told us that Gunnar’s been detained. They’ll need the Alpha’s approval before they do anything.”
