Evan moves closer, but I simply nod. “I don’t want to hurt anyone other than Foxx and his coven.”
Finally, Bronson sighs and looks to Forest. “I need to talk to my pack. Have you told the others about your… visitor?”
“You were the first I called,” Forest says.
He nods. “I wouldn’t hesitate. You know we patrol these woods on a regular basis now. Merebeth won’t be happy.”
“I know. I plan to give Jericho a tour of our boundary lines before the day is through. Does he have permission to hunt animals on your land?”
I hadn’t even thought about that until he mentioned it. It’s kind of a relief to have so much wildlife nearby to feed from. It’s not the same as human blood, not even close. But without access to a blood bag, it’ll have to do.
Bronson nods. “Fine.” He turns to the others. “Come on. Let’s go.”
“I want to stay,” Justice says.
Bronson shakes his head. “No.”
The teen doesn’t back down. “Please, Dad. I haven’t been able to see Ro or Ivy in nearly two months! Please, let me stay for the afternoon. I’ll be home by dinner.”
Bronson hesitates for a long time, and Forest clears his throat. “We can walk him home, if you’d like. But we certainly wouldn’t mind his company. It has been a while.”
Finally, Bronson nods, pointing a finger at his son. “Fine. But donotleave their house while you’re here, do you hear me?”
“Yes, Dad. Thank you!”
The alpha throws one more warning in my direction before shifting and walking away, the other wolves right behind him.
I tip my head at Forest in gratitude. “Thank you for stepping in,” I say. I don’t know what would have happened if he hadn’t spoken up.
He nods. “If you’re free now, I want to show you the property. Bronson’s right. There are always wolves and bears in the forest these days, and I imagine after his howl on the way over, several of them will be out scouting. We should introduce you.”
I nearly groan, but he’s right. We need to get this over with. Besides, I could use some distance from the tension after Evan and I’s last conversation.
Evan’s phone buzzes in his pocket and the entire group turns to look at him. He gives a sheepish expression as he pulls it out, then frowns at me. “It’s my mom.”
“Take it,“ I say quickly.
“But you—”
“I’ll be fine, Ev.” I need air after what he said.I’d trust you...
“It’ll be better if you stay behind,” Forest says to Evan. “At least until things are cleared with the other packs.”
He narrows his eyes at Forest, but when his phone buzzes again, he hits answer and walks away, climbing into the van to take the call.
I stare after him, hating that we need to separate so soon after promising to stay together, but Forest is right. It’s simply too dangerous for Evan to join us, especially if this is how shifters react every time they see a vampire.
Guilt smolders within my chest and threatens to choke me. I never should have dragged him into this, but it’s too late now. We’re here, which means from here on out, I’m going to do anything I can to keep Evan O’Connor safe.
Even if it’s the last thing I do.
9
EVAN
Ihate leaving Jericho with the shifters, but what else am I supposed to do? He all but told me to walk away.
Maybe it’s a good thing. I need to catch my breath and fill Mom in on where I am. She knows how stressed I’ve been trying to find Jericho. She even came down to visit me a month ago when I stopped calling her.
