“Over the last couple of weeks, the pack has come to accept you, even though they thought you were human. All you have to do is keep proving that you’re here to help and you’re still the same woman you were before.”
“Is that going to work?” she asks, in a small voice.
“I want to protect you,” I say, squeezing her hands. “And I’ll do what I can. But it’s you who needs to prove you aren’t dangerous to them. If you can make a difference and help people, then I can work on changing the council’s mind.”
“I don’t see Darla or Thorne backing down,” she says.
“And that still leaves Neville, Faye, Sylvie, and Rafe,” I say. “As well as the alphas. Owen and Shane are still on my side, and so long as your powers don’t get out of control again, they will stay with us.”
“Okay,” she says, nodding. “I can do that. But I have to ask… what are we going to do if this doesn’t work?”
“I’ll think of something,” I say reassuringly, but inside, my guts are churning.
There will be no escape for her if the council decides on execution. And if that happens, Cassie might not be safe, either.
Chapter 22 - Sadie
The next day, there is a pack event at the nearby park. It’s a Sunday tradition that has been upheld even as the packs began to sicken, and it’s been on these occasions that I was able to really connect with people.
I arrive early with Rhys and Cassie to help set up, bringing cookies and cakes that were my mother’s recipe. I try to keep magic out of it, but since I really don’t know the scope of my powers, I can’t be sure I didn’t lace the food with spells.
Just so long as it’s not poison.
While I cover the picnic tables with cloths and set out cutlery, I try to talk to the girls, only to find them avoiding me.
“Word’s gotten around,” Rachel says, elbowing me. “You’re no one’s favorite person right now.”
“So I gathered,” I say, trying not to sound too defeated. “Is it really that bad?”
“Worse,” she says. “The actual events of the trial by the council have been blown out of proportion, and it doesn’t help that Aaron is on death row for his actions that night.”
“No,” I gasp. “They wouldn’t execute him, would they?”
“They definitely would,” Rachel replies. “And from what I hear, they are. In a couple of days’ time, they’ll decide for sure, and Rhys will probably do it himself.”
I feel sick to my stomach, but part of me is glad I’ll never have to worry about him coming after me again.
“What about his gang?”
“Let off with community service. Their behavior is frowned upon but not criminal. They convinced the council they were just acting under Aaron’s orders.”
“Okay. Well, that’s something.”
“It doesn’t mean much good fortune for you,” Rachel says. “Like I said, the rumors are worse than the facts, and the old hatreds run deep. Just don’t do anything…uh…witchy, I guess.”
“I’ll try,” I whisper, not even really knowing how to stop myself. “Are you scared of me, too?”
“Only a little,” Rachel says, poking me in the ribs. “I still think I could take your skinny ass any day.”
We both laugh, and Rachel gives me a brief hug.
“Don’t let it get you down, okay?” she says. “You’re still here, and that’s an amazing triumph in this place. You’re working against generations of prejudice.”
“Lucky me,” I mutter.
“The luckiest,” Rachel says, waving as she turns away. “I’ve got to go help out in the parking lot. Stay out of trouble.”
I finish setting the tables and start bringing out trays of food. No one talks to me, but I keep greeting everyone and trying to start a conversation. Finally, Helen cuts through the crowd and comes over to me.
