Mama smiled sadly and tucked a piece ofhair behind my ear. “You won’t.”
The shock of her words ripped through meand I sat there dumbfounded. “But–”
“Baby girl, it’s not your destiny,” was allshe said.
I sighed, suddenly feeling tired. Thisconversation with Mama had taken a lot out of me. Gazing out across the lawnoutside, I looked at my mate. If I didn’t kill Mukesh, I feared I would loseGavin.
Mama found my hands again and claspedthem in hers. Suddenly I was filled with more energy and an overwhelming peacewithin my soul. All would be well. No matter what. All would be well.
“Never underestimate the power of TrueMates,” she told me and stood, pulling me up with her.
“Thank you,” I breathed, wishing I hadsomething better to say, some other way to thank her for what she had given me.
Mama smiled. “You’re welcome, child. Stayhere tonight and just before first light, make your way to Damascus. The campis more heavily guarded at night because that’s when they suspect attacks.”
I nodded, still slightly uncomfortablewith not leaving right this second, but I trusted Mama and I trusted this plan.I was going to save my pack and I was never letting anything happen to my mate.But most of all, I didn’t care what she said my destiny was, I was going tokill that Skin Walker.
Chapter Six
AFTER LEAVING MAMA in her office, I tooka moment in the hallway to compose myself before making my way out to the back yardto meet up with my friends. Now that I wasn’t in Mama’s close proximity, thepeaceful feeling I once had was fading and fear was creeping in. I was standingin the kitchen and something delicious was cooking in a huge pot on the stove.The scents were making my mouth water and I picked up the smell of tomatoes,sage, and something spicy. Just as I reached out my hand to grasp the door tothe outside, my father’s alpha bond surged through me, bringing me to my knees.Looking through the glass, I saw Gavin was grabbing his head, Jaxon was on hisknees, and Avery and Mason were clutched over in pain. Rage poured through myfather into us all.
‘The mountain has been taken by force.All of the wolves were rounded up like cattle. Blindfolded, electrocuted, andsome killed. Be careful and stay safe.’
I knew he had sent that message out toall of us. Once his message was through, the pain and rage lifted and I could stand.Holy crap. Mama was right and I knew exactly what to do.
‘Dad, I know exactly where they aretaking you and I know how to get you guys out.’
‘No! Go to San Juan Island,’came his reply, and I could tell he wasin pain and weakening. The bond was flickering.
‘I will. Tomorrow, with you and the restof the pack.’
He must have passed out because I didn’tget a reply. I wasted no time in throwing open the door and crossing the yard.Gavin ran toward me and pulled me into a hug.
“You okay?” He smoothed my hair.
I nodded. Jaxon, Avery, and Mason werearound me now, concern lined their features.
“I know how to free the pack. We leavefirst thing in the morning,” I told them.
Jaxon stepped forward. “If you know whereDad and Mom are, then we should go now.”
I shook my head. “No, it has to betomorrow. You need to trust me.”
I felt him pull on the twin bond readingme, looking deeper into the situation. After a long pause, he nodded. “Okay,rest tonight and first thing tomorrow we bring hell to the humans,” Jaxon saidthrough gritted teeth.
If only it were that simple. An eye foran eye. I knew better now, I knew there had to be a solution in which we allwon. It was the only way.
I felt a presence at myback and turned to see Mama, looking glorious in the setting sun. She wasn’tlooking at me though, she was looking at my mate. She crossed the yard with allthe grace and ease of a feline. “Gavin, dear child. Would you walk with me tosay goodnight to my horses?”
She had her arm outstretched to my mateand he gave me a look as if to say, who the hell is this? But my mate wasnothing if not polite.
“Sure, ma’am.” He laced his arm throughhers and I saw the tension leave his face the moment their skin touched. Hisanxieties were gone for the time being. I knew how nice that felt. Like Mamawas some natural anti-anxiety medication.
I ached to know what Mama would tellhim, why she wanted to talk to him. But I knew it was out of my control.
“Are y’all hungry? Mama’s been cooking amean gumbo all day,” one of the twin girls called out from behind the animalpen.
I smiled at her as she and her sistercame to join us.
