“Most of us consider you a prophecy, and it’s true. We were cursed just like the wolves by the original witch, and you’re here to save us and make us whole.” Amethyst placed her hands on her lap. “But how can we truly trust each other when our original mother turned her back on us?”
“She couldn’t know this would happen …” Beth glanced around the room. “Surely.”
“She had the eye of foresight,” Coral said. “She was the original witch and had all powers: foresight, magic, and heart. Since the bloodline is now diluted, only a handful of witches have even one type of strong magic beyond the spells each one of us can cast.” She sat next to Amethyst and placed a hand on her arm. “She knew how her relationship with the alpha would end, but she foolishly thought she could change the outcome. In her anger, she damned us all. Now, it’s up to you to put us all back together.”
Her words made my stomach churn. I wasn’t made for this. I’d thought the witches would have it together enough to help us, but it sounded like we were on our own.
A wolf howled close by, and something snapped inside me.
Chapter Eight
Aidan linked with me as he turned toward the window. Emma, what’s wrong? Get away from the window. It could be the Guild.
I … I don’t know. I rushed to the window and was so thankful that this house was next to the woods. As I searched the area, a pair of glowing sky-blue eyes met mine. But I feel something… a tug toward the wolf outside. I don’t think she’s the Guild.
Amethyst ran over. Her breathing was rapid as if she sensed my concern and confusion. “What’s out there?”
“A wolf.” It might be one of the wolves the witches had mentioned. “I need to go outside.”
“Dammit, no.” Aidan took my arm. “That could be a Hallowed Guild member.”
“It could be.” He was right, but I couldn’t ignore the tug. “But what if it isn’t?” If that wolf was the girl we were looking for, we needed to help her before the other wolf found her.
“She’s right.” Beth nodded at me and headed over. “The wolf is trying to hide, for God’s sake.”
“Don’t you think The Hallowed Guild would hide too?” Aidan lifted a hand. “They could be scouting the area, waiting on her.”
“I’ve got to agree with Aidan on this.” Samuel came over and started. “Those are some creepy, bright blue eyes.”
“If it was the society, would they be staring us down while alone out there?” Coral hurried to the door. “If no one else is going to check it out, I will.”
“Yes, they would if they knew who she was.” Aidan frowned as he watched her touch the doorknob.
“We can’t let her go out there alone.” If he thought I would be okay with that, he’d lost his damn mind.
“I’ll go with her.” Beth sounded annoyed.
“Me too.” Samuel headed to the door with her.
Aidan, we have to go with them. I tried not to be angry, but this was ridiculous. I got that he was trying to protect me, but we couldn’t let others put themselves at risk without proper backup. If what you said is true, others could be waiting to attack.
His shoulders sagged as he gave in. Fine, but you stay close to me. We stay back until we see how it all plays out.
“We’re going with you,” I said and walked over to the others right when Coral opened the door.
“Well, I’m not the only one staying behind.” Amethyst stood from the couch, and within seconds, the six of us were outside.
A low growl came from the trees the wolf hid behind.
“She’s scared,” Amethyst said quietly, but not quietly enough so the wolf couldn’t hear.
A more threatening growl followed.
“Shh.” I placed my finger to my lips. “She can hear you.” At least we knew it was a girl now.
If she’s scared, it isn’t the Society. Out here, I felt a stronger pull toward her. I stepped toward the woods.
Emma, dammit. Aidan hurried next to me. I said don’t leave my side.
I think she’s the girl we’re looking for. There was no other reason I’d feel drawn to her. I lifted my hands in front of me and took another slow and steady step. Stay here.
One wrong move, and I’m next to you in a flash. Aidan consented, even though unhappiness rang through our bond. His eyes glowed, but he reined his wolf back in.
That’s fair. My focus was solely on her. I could only imagine what it would feel like to be alone in the woods after your magic had been uncovered. I was freaked out enough with Aidan, Beth, and the rest of the coven behind me.
She whimpered as if she was scared but couldn’t leave.
I feel you. With each step, the tug got stronger and stronger.
I had to think about her and not my goal. Right now, I needed to connect with her. If I couldn’t do that, there was no way in hell she’d leave with us.
Not sure what to say, I winged it. “I’m not here to hurt you.” I made my voice soft but clear so she’d know I was talking to her.
Another whimper was her response.
This was inconvenient. She was in wolf form, and we weren’t pack members. I could talk, but she couldn’t respond, and if she was scared, she wouldn’t shift back to human form.
“Look, nothing bad is going to happen.” I stopped moving, not wanting to push my luck and cause her to run away. “I was hoping we could talk.”
She responded with a low growl, which I’d expected.
Aidan and Beth hurried to my side. The wolf stepped away from us and farther back into the woods.
I glanced over my shoulder and held up my hand. It’s fine. Give me a few more minutes.
Beth looked at Aidan, waiting for his reaction. “I’m assuming she’s talking to you.”
“Yeah, let’s stay here.” Aidan’s golden eyes turned dark. If she gets more aggressive, it’s over.
Okay. I scanned the woods and almost missed her. Her fur was as black as the night. Her eyes were my saving grace. “If we were going to hurt you, we would’ve tried by now.”
Another howl came from close by. The girl froze and glimpsed behind her. Her gaze turned toward me one last time before she took off running.
“Shit!” I wanted to run after her, but that would likely scare her off for good. Whoever this second wolf was could not be her friend or pack member, not considering the way she’d reacted.
Emma, we need to get inside. Aidan linked with me as he ran over to me and grabbed my arm. He tugged me back to the house, making me stumble as I continued to search for her.
Branches cracked as the other wolf ran toward us. It wasn’t easy to get my head on straight when she was gone and another wolf headed straight for us.
I spun around to face the house and motioned for the others to head inside. “Everyone hurry.”
Whatever I did must have snapped Samuel, Coral, and Amethyst out of whatever fog they’d been in. Beth reached them, and the four of them got to the door in seconds.
Aidan and I were several feet behind. Even though we were wolves, we couldn’t run as fast in human form.
Right when we were about to climb the stairs, the wolf ran out of the woods and charged directly at us.