I don’t speak the words, but as they rise in my mind, a change seems to move through the air. Trina nods and lets go of the door, stepping back to go and sit on the bed.
Relieved, I follow her to the bed. We shuffle around a bit, getting comfortable. When she curls against my chest and leans her forehead against me, her scent engulfs me, and the relief and comfort I feel then is so intense that it gives me goosebumps.
“I’m okay,” she says, stroking my chest.
“We need to talk about everything,” I say, running my fingers through her hair. “So much happened tonight.”
“Yes,” she answers. “I know. But it’s not like I can explain it all, you know.”
“I know. But your powers manifesting—that’s pretty awesome.”
“I’m not entirely sure that’s what happened,” she sighs. “That’s what I mean by not being able to explain. I really don’t understand it.”
“Well, all I know is that you helped my pack and me,” I say. “I would have slaughtered those guys.”
“I know. They didn’t deserve it. They’re just scared.”
“I understand that, but they hurt you.”
“I don’t think they meant to.”
I stroke her hair a little more, enjoying the silky feel of it against my fingertips.
“You healed someone,” I remind her gently.
“Yes, I think so,” she murmurs. “I definitely felt something then. I have to get better at it. I have to do more…”
Trina’s voice winds down, falling into a low whisper as sleep creeps up on her. I cradle her in my arms as gently as I can, feeling my heart beating against hers.
Right here, with Trina wrapped safely in my arms, I can finally let myself contemplate what would have happened if I hadn’t gotten there in time—and if Trina hadn’t had powers to protect herself.
They would have torn her to shreds. No question. It doesn’t matter if they came to my house intending to hurt her or not. Once blood was in the air, they wouldn’t have stopped.
I curl myself around Trina a bit more tightly, my emotions swelling inside me, a wave of chaos that threatens to overwhelm me. I don’t want to name any of these feelings—not yet, anyway—but there is one thing so incredibly clear I can’t deny it.
Losing Trina scares me more than anything else in this world.
Chapter 18 - Trina
The next morning, Owen leaves early for the infirmary, and I take my time getting up. My arm still hurts, and I’m rattled from the night before, so I’m debating whether or not I should go to work.
Angela might hang me. But if I show up unwell and screw things up, she might do worse.
While I make some coffee, I allow myself to wallow in depression a little. The job at the museum has always been a haven for me, and I considered myself very lucky to have a job I loved that didn’t ask too much of me. Since Angela came back, the job has turned into the exact opposite.
I’m still on the fence about going when there is a sharp knock on the door. I hurry to answer it, feeling flutters of nervousness rising in my belly. When I open it, a tall, stern man with very pale blond hair is waiting for me.
“Trina? I apologize for being here so early, but there is an urgent matter to discuss. My name is Rafe, and I’m from the Council of Elders.”
“The… wolf council?” I ask fearfully.
“Correct. I need you to come with me.”
“I should wait for Owen,” I reply, hearing my voice trembling.
“He’s been notified. It’s up to him if he wishes to attend. For now, we need you to come to an official hearing.”
I stand and stare at him for a moment, wondering what will happen if I refuse.
