I’ve heard of this before. He’s mindlinking someone. When you’re born in a pack, a ceremony is held—similar to baptizing humans—to open the connection to a newborn. Abandoned in a forest young, essentially forced to become a rogue, I was never baptized and never experienced one.
It’s not just a way for our Goddess to recognize us, but it’s how packs perceive each other.
Grabby’s eyes return to normal.
Facing me, he says, “It’s your lucky day. Seems we won’t be executing you today.”
Executing?
I practically pee myself on the spot. As a great fighter, I still struggle with the cardio from earlier so taking them out wouldn’t have been easy.
“We’ve executed all the others, why not this one, too?” Punchy asks, disappointed.
Grabby sighs. “Luna’s orders were clear. With her son’s mate still out there, any unmated females we find outside have to be run by her first. If they meet the description, we’re to notify Caleb to identify her.”
“And if it’s not her?”
“Thenwe kill her.”
At the mention of Caleb’s name, my wolf’s tail wags. A ray of hope washes over me. It must be the same Caleb.
I might have a real chance at surviving this.
Colin’s protection prevented him from being turned into dog food during the attack. We were told to retaliate if needed, but his life was to be spared. Caleb was important to Alaina, and Colin didn’t want to make the same mistake the werewolf king made.
Maybe he would remember who Colin was and spare me.
It was a long shot, considering he didn’t owe me anything. All I had left to lose was my life, and I guess today is one of those days that I care about what happens to it.
How inconvenient for me.
Prior to our mission, we were briefed on what Caleb looked like and instructed to intervene if anyone tried to kill him. To Olivia, he was...important, for a reason that was none of my business—according to Olivia. Fortunately for her, I didn’t need convincing not to kill. Punchy’s and Grabby’s eyes glaze over, opening up their mindlink.
I’m shoved to the ground and face planted into the dirt.
Whoever they were speaking to, I can’t imagine it was their luna who ordered her son’s potential mate to be thrown to the ground. If it was, then Goddess help the poor bastard.
If this is how they treat someone they think could be their future luna, what would they do if they found out their potential luna also killed their current luna’s mate?
My chest tightens.
I rationalize the luna’s son’s matecan’tbe all they are searching for. They’re looking for their late alpha’s killer. And now they have me.
I take deep breaths to calm my racing thoughts. I’m not sure they know it’s me. Maybe they think I’m just another rogue.Unless, by some miracle, I’ve become the goddess’s favorite, and I am in fact their future luna. Either way, they’re going to kill me.
At least if they don’t know I’m responsible for their alpha’s death, they may be merciful and make my death quick.
While part of me is uneasy, another senses this is a long time coming. Watching my back has been exhausting. Secretly, I hoped they would end my misery. The guilt has been difficult to carry, and I’m a glutton for punishment. Yet there hasn’t been one fitting enough to make up for what I did. That’s probably why I didn’t fight them harder. Subconsciously, I had already decided I would go with them willingly and accept my fate.
“Did you see which way the other one went?” Punchy asks.
Are they talking about Casey?
“Yeah. I saw someone go that way.” Grabby points in the direction Casey ran. “I’ll get her.”
No. Not her.
My heart races, and red clouds my vision.
