“I know, Max. And you know I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t life-or-death. But we’re running out of time.”
“That’s why we’re going to try and find Mal,”I say.“If she can convince the rogues to unite ... It could turn the tides, right?”
“It could mean everything,”he says, then after another long pause, adds,“I’m sorry I keep repeating myself. I need you to know, I couldn’t be more proud of you. If anyone can get us through this, it’s you.”
I sit back a little on Olivia and Mia’s bed, digging my hand into their linen sheets. There’s a strange tremor in Jasper’s voice that’s piqued my curiosity.
“Are you okay?”
“It’s my dad, he’s not doing well. The healers are starting to think ...”
“What is it?”
“He might not wake up.”
Those words hit me like a ton of bricks. Here I am getting excited about a queer commune and Jasper might lose his father, cementing him as the alpha forever.
“Jasper, I’m so sorry, I ...”
All I want in that moment is to run back to him and hold him so freaking tight.
He sniffs, sucking his emotions back inside.
“It’s okay,”he says, obviously lying.“I just—I need to get us through this and then ... Let’s hope for the best.”
“I’m going to do everything I can and then get back to you as fast as lightning.”
“Hey, listen, I’ve got to go. I’ll tell Salazar to come home. If you can get Mia to do the same it could move the world, Max.”
I take a big breath and release it with a sigh.“No pressure, though, right?”
“I love you, Max.”
Jasper is gone before I can reciprocate that sentiment.
In the past I would have been annoyed with him for asking me to pressure our friends into going someplace they’re not welcome—at least, not as their truest selves. But I also know the intense strain Jasper is facing. The fate of the world is on his back, now more than ever. And as I stand it hits me all at once.
Jasper’s dad isn’t improving.
The approaching war is one thing, but if Jericho doesn’t make it, Jasper will become alpha, for good. And that would make me the luna. And while I’m so not ready to be tethered to the pack like that—that’s a whole lot of responsibility—I also know I have to do my best to help us come out of this unscathed. Maybe solving one problem will help solve another.
Maybe winning the war means we can focus more attention on helping Jericho survive?
Which means I need to do everything I can to stop Walter.
But as I cast my gaze around the tent, at the books piled on a stool, the blankets spilling out of a wicker basket, the empty coffee cup left on a side table, the candles burned almost all the way down, I can tell how much of a home this place has become for Mia and Olivia.
Can I ask them to leave all this?
Sure they want to help defeat Walter as well, but at what cost?
As I move the door of the tent aside and step out onto the soft forest floor, I spot Mia gathering some firewood from a pile.
“Need a hand?” I ask as I approach.
“I’ve got it,” she says. “We’re setting up a spot for you in the woods. You want to walk with me?”
“Sure.”
