Back at the packhouse, my mother takes one look at my sisters before I get an earful. "By the Moon Goddess, couldn't you have been more careful?"

"It's nothing." Kenna swings herself onto the barstool and finagles a large piece of rabbit that's already set out for dinner.

"Manners, Kenna. You didn't even wash your hands." A big wrinkle cuts across my mother's forehead. "And what do you mean by nothing? Your whole face is torn up."

"It'll heal." My sister's grin can't hide her pride. "I made the kill, Mom."

Mother's gaze flicks to me. "You let her do that?"

"It was time. Kenna is turning into a fine hunter."

"She could've gotten killed," she mutters under her breath just loud enough for me to hear.

I give her a not-gonna-happen-on-my-watch stare.

That settles it. Mother takes Kenna into her arms for a tight hug. "Congratulations. I'm very proud."

Kenna's beaming smile lights up her entire face. Praise doesn't come easy to our mother, but when it does, it's heartfelt.

When my sister tries to snatch another piece of rabbit, her hand is nevertheless swatted away.

"Will you wait for dinner, pup?"

"But I'm starving."

"Get cleaned up. We'll eat in half an hour." Mother's attention shifts to me. "And before I forget, Arabella was looking for you earlier. Something is wrong with that female and she wanted you to stop by the healer's cabin when you get a chance."

My heart drops to my kneecaps. "What's wrong with her?"

"No idea. I was busy with Allo, so Arabella didn't go into specifics."

"Okay, heading there now."

The wrinkle is back on my mother's forehead. "Doesn't that have time until after dinner?"

By the time she finishes the question, I'm already out the door and don't bother with a reply. Duty first. Jogging up the path in the woods, unrest spreads through my body. I should've checked on Raelyn more often. Ever since Cassum returned, I've been neglecting her. Not my best Alpha moment.

A cold wind blows in from the east and I shiver without a jacket. As I cross the threshold of the healer's cabin, stifling heat hits me like a wall. The open fire is blasting and meditation music plays softly in the background. It only adds to my agitation.

Arabella looks up from her laptop. "Evening, Alpha."

"The Luna said that Raelyn isn't doing well."

"Physically, she's fine, but she's been crying almost non-stop. She refuses to communicate with me, so I can't figure out what's wrong. I was hoping she might open up to you."

"I can try."

She takes out an iPad and an Apple pen from her desk drawer. "Here, this might help."

Accepting the items, I walk over to Raelyn's bed and lower myself onto the visitor's chair. She has her back turned to me, but her shoulders shake from silent sobs. Reaching out, I brush over her hair. She goes rigid. Deadly fear emits from every pore of her body; she smells like small prey that knows the kill bite is imminent.

"Raelyn, it's Kendrick. Please turn around, so I can help you."

She whimpers.

"I can sense you're afraid, but I swear there's nothing here that'll hurt you."

Her missing tongue distorts a terrible wail that sends a shiver down my spine. She's hurting badly, and once again, I'm powerless to make the pain stop. When it comes to these emotional battles, all my strength is for nothing. Worst part is—I'm not even good at this.

"Please, Raelyn, just talk to me." As soon as the words are out, I kick myself.

What's wrong with me?

This will only upset her further.

To my surprise, she turns around. I suck in a sharp breath. Her whole face is flushed and swollen from her tears; the white in her eyes is tinged red. Tears cling stubbornly to her eyelashes. Like a peace offering, I stretch out the iPad and the pen for her to take.

"Write down what's bothering you?"

More tears fall, her hand shaking as she scribbles the words.

He's here.

My forehead wrinkles. "Who?"

Dante.

Fuck. I puff my cheeks, uncertain what to do. For a second, I totally forgot that he is her mate.

She turns away from me. Once again, I want to rub her shoulder in comfort, but when she curls into a ball, my hand shies back.

"Raelyn, I swear he isn't going to hurt you. He won't even come near you."

She rapidly shakes her head. When she looks at me again, anger distorts her pretty face. The words are written fast and are barely legible.

He was here. Right outside my wall. I could sense him.

Fuck. How could Nicollo let Dante wander off without supervision? I'll have his ass for that.

"He won't come around again. I promise."

The desperation contorting her face tears at my heartstrings. Fear—pain—doubt—all reflected in another terrible wail bursting from her throat. She doesn't believe I'll protect her from the little prick.

"Raelyn, I swear, nothing bad will happen to you. Not on my watch."

When she sits up to reposition the iPad, the blanket slips. Her neck is scratched and bleeding; it's as if she tried to tear the mate mark from her skin.

Why is he here?

Even through the written words, I can hear the accusation.

"He came with Cassum for my mother's claiming ceremony tomorrow night."

Cassum is here, too?

"Yes. Mom really wanted her here."

I click my tongue. Why do I even feel the need to justify myself? Last time I checked, I'm the Alpha who makes the decisions. It still feels as if I did something wrong.

I'm scared he'll kill me.

Man, I wish he'd try. If he ever shows his teeth at this female again, not even Cassum and her grandiose plan could stop me from tearing out his throat. Raelyn suffered enough cruelty to last her a lifetime.

"I'll station a few fighter wolves around the cabin, if that makes you feel better."

For the first time, she smiles.

Why are you so nice?

I didn't know I was being nice. "I'm the Alpha and you are now part of my pack. It's my job to protect you."

The smile suits her. Even though her eyes are still red and puffy, it makes her pretty face even softer.

I rest my hand on her forearm. "I have to go now, but I promise I'll check on you later tonight."

Before I can get up, she reaches for me. Her fingers run along the rippled muscles of my lower arm. I shudder; her touch is like an electric humming on my skin. When she withdraws her hand, coldness is left in its place.

The whole way back to the packhouse, I can't get her out of my head. Why does she have this effect on me? Pity for one—but there's something else. An energy that captures me. What was she like before they tore out her tongue? Strong, without a doubt, or they wouldn't have resorted to this type of punishment. I should ask Cassum.

Everyone has gathered around the dining table, but no one has touched their food. Waiting for the Alpha is a rule every pack honors. My gaze roams over my family and friends, briefly halting on Dante. Claws cut through my skin and fur ripples along my spine. It takes all my effort not to leap at him and put him in his place.

"Sorry I'm late." I fold into my chair at the head of the table and grab a dish of meat. After I leave a large pile on my plate, I offer the food to my mother. Kenna is next to reward her for the kill she made today. Wolves who feed the pack have certain privileges.

I tear into the rabbit, chewing to give my fangs something to do besides ripping into Dante. "Just to be clear, the healer's cabin is off limits. Don't go up there again."

He feigns innocence. "And why is that?"

A low growl rumbles from my chest. "Don't play ignorant, pup."

He smiles with teeth. "Raelyn will always be my mate. It's only natural for me to check on her since you are keeping me from her."

My snarl has everyone turn their heads my way. Bones crack as I try to control the shift. How dare he accuses me of keeping them apart. Anger seething in my chest, I fight the urge to kill him. About to get to my feet, Cassum's hand on my forearm keeps me in my seat. Her eyes plead with me not to ruin her plan.

I exhale through gritted teeth, forcing my wolf to keep his cool. The bite I take from the rabbit almost chokes me, but the warm blood stills some of the killer lust that's pounding in my veins.

C'mon, Kendrick. Just a few more days and he's gone.

I can't wait for Cassum to slaughter him. He's such a nuisance.

The rest of the meal is spent in silence. A few times, my mother glances at me, confusion edged on her forehead. She probably wonders why I let this prick get away with this. She'll have her answer soon.

"If you don't mind, I'd like to go back to the office. More work to do tonight." My brother Falcon heaves himself off his chair and grabs his crutches. His deformed legs hang limp as he pulls his body toward the backdoor. I smile; he's such a hard worker.

Dante snorts. "Why do you keep the cripple around? Most packs would've killed him at birth. He's an abomination of nature."

Before I can even react, Kenna has shifted and is at Dante's throat. He retaliates by turning he-wolf, throwing her off and leaping for her vein of life. A wall of snarling wolves meets him. Cedar, Cassum, Everest, and I are shielding our youngest sister from his teeth. He'll have to go through every single one of us to get to her.

I growl and snap at Dante. Locking his gaze, my Alpha dominance brings him to his knees. The strong scent of testosterone hangs in the air. Whimpering, the little prick crouches low to the ground. He knows damn well he's no match for me. Even though this usually strokes my ego, I feel nothing but disgust for this wolf. Not only is he a total wimp but also a coward. No competition for Cassum by a long stretch.

I stare him down until he curls his tail between his legs. At least he doesn't have a death wish. One by one, my siblings stretch back into their skins until only Dante and I are left. Flashing my teeth in warning, I force him to break eye contact. My glare compels him to stay down as I return into my skins,.

"Apologize to my brother." The tremble in my voice leaves no room for doubt that I'll end his life if he doesn't comply.

His gaze is directed at the floor. I sense his struggle. A rumble warns him not to test me.

"I'm sorry."

The words are low. I'm tempted to make him repeat them until he chokes on them, but Cassum's stare urges me to settle down. Ultimately, he isn't even worth the effort.

"You are a guest in this house, and in respect to my sister, I won't kill the father of her pup." I expose my fangs so there are no misunderstandings. "But a word of warning. If you keep this up, you won't leave this territory in one piece. Have I made myself clear?"

His gaze meets mine and he succumbs again to my angry glare. "Yes, Alpha."

I turn to Cassum. "Do yourself a favor and keep him out of my sight."

She grimaces but knows that this is no longer up for negotiation. I'm about to go to my room to take a shower when the front door opens. One of the fighter wolves I stationed with Raelyn pants on the threshold. Blood seeps from a gash on his forehead.

"Alpha, come quickly. There's trouble at the healer's cabin."

~~~~

© Sally Mason 2018

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