“I’m not sure. They’re purposely keeping their run random.” Remus frowned. “That’s how they work. It’s so no one can pin their next move.”
“So we make a break for it and hope for the best?” I’d been foolish to think we could just retrace our steps.
“No, we leave the same way we came here.” Aidan formed his hands into a steeple. “Let’s leave farther to the west than where we came in and use our noses from there.”
“We can lower the perimeter in sections until you find a safe spot.” Tabatha hurried to Ivory and gave her a large hug. “It was nice to have you as part of our family for a week. Your mother would be so proud of the woman you’ve become.”
“Thank you.” Ivory hugged the witch back with such fierceness. “I hope I can come back someday. Seeing those pictures and her drawings meant more to me than you’ll ever know.”
“We really need to go.” Remus surveyed us. “The longer we take, the likelier they’ll come across us.”
“Then, there’s no time to waste,” Aidan said as he took my hand, and our group headed back to the perimeter line.
I hoped we could get back to our cars without a problem.
Chapter Sixteen
The witches took us farther west along the perimeter.
“This should be safer if they are spreading out,” Tabatha said as she faced Ivory. “My dear sweet niece, you better come back to us soon.”
“I will.” She hugged the priestess hard. “It’s amazing that this is the first place I’ve ever felt truly at home.”
“It’s because both your halves thrive in nature and your witchy side finally felt accepted.” Salem glared at the wolves and witches. “Just remember that no one can come between family.”
That sounded like a threat. “You do realize we’re not trying to take her from you?” She reminded me of Finn—brimming with anger.
“That’s not what it looks like from here,” she snarled. “Our coven grows smaller each year, and you’re taking away one of the few family members we have left.”
Amethyst grimaced. “Why does it keep growing smaller?”
“Because we’ve been hiding here for the last fifty years since The Hallowed Guild found our campgrounds and we had to stay protected. There aren’t many men to choose from if you know what I mean. Reproduction has stalled since we can’t find partners outside of the coven.” Tabatha sighed as she pulled back from Ivory. “Say goodbye to your cousin. If we want to survive, she has to go, and they need to succeed.”
“Fine, but if something happens to her …” Salem scowled; unhappiness radiating off her. “… I know who to take my anger out on.”
“And you mean every single one of us, right?” Aidan stood in front of me and faced off with the witch. “We’re a package deal, including your cousin, Ivory.”
“Now listen here …” Salem’s face turned red.
“No, he’s right.” Ivory squeezed her cousin before pulling back and standing next to me. “This is what I need to do.”
“And nothing is going to happen to her.” Remus took his mate’s hand. “We already promised ourselves to each other before the earthquake, and nothing will change that, even leaving my father and pack behind.”
“Even though you’re the alpha’s son, they won’t hesitate to kill you.” Ivory’s eyes filled with concern. “Maybe you should go back before it’s too late.”
“There’s no way in hell.” Remus planted his feet shoulder length apart, ready to argue. “I’m in this with you like a mate should be.”
“He won’t change his mind.” Amethyst patted Ivory on the arm. “He’s resolved.”
“Fine.” Ivory stood on her tiptoes and kissed him.
“We’re killing too much time.” Logan’s body stiffened, and I wasn’t sure he could breathe despite talking. “The longer we’re here, the harder it’ll be to get back to the Suburbans.”
“He’s right.” Aidan took my hand and tugged me to the perimeter. “Emma and I will take the lead.”
“Then, Amethyst can follow behind you, and I’ll go next.” Beth lifted her hand, volunteering.
“Okay, I’ll be behind Beth.” Coral turned to the remaining wolves. “Who’s going to be between me and Samuel?”
“I’m thinking those two.” Remus pointed at Logan and Gabby. “Ivory and I will take up the rear. We know the woods better and can watch your backs.”
That didn’t sit well with me. Do you think they’ll try to sneak off?
Not sure. Aidan frowned. “Is that wise?”
“They’re both committed to the cause.” Amethyst squinted as she read their true intent. “If something changes, I’ll let you know.”
“But—” Logan growled, but Coral lifted her hand, cutting him off.
“Amethyst will feel the change before they’ve even processed it.” Coral crossed her arms as if daring the wolf. “So, it’s fine.”
“It’ll be okay.” Gabby touched his arm.
Logan rolled his shoulders and took a deep breath. “Fine, but if they double-cross us, there’s no one to blame but yourself.”
“This sounds like another common mantra.” Beth exhaled with annoyance. “At some point, when the same threat is repeated over and over, it loses its meaning.”
She had an excellent point. “We need to focus on the goal. It’s not like we can find one of the chosen again if something does happen.”
Salem’s forehead wrinkled. “What do you mean?”
Don’t tell her anything. Aidan’s face was unreadable despite the anxiety coursing through our bond.
I hoped I could hide my real feelings like him. Otherwise, everyone would know I wasn’t confident. “It means we need to get moving before the Guild catches us.”
Salem narrowed her eyes at me but kept her mouth shut.
“We’ll take the perimeter down.” Tabatha walked over to the invisible wall and began murmuring words.
Vlad hurried to stand next to her, stepping right into the chant alongside her.
“It’s down.” Tabatha motioned to the forest. “But you need to move so we can put it back up. They’ll be on us within seconds otherwise.”
Aidan took off first into the woods. He sniffed the air for enemy scents. Come on. It’s clear for now.
I motioned for the others to follow, and they lined up in the order we’d discussed.
Our whole group was moving through the trees.
Is everything okay? I was being stupid. He would’ve told me if it wasn’t, but I needed to check. It somehow made me feel more in control.
So far so good. Aidan replied as we continued our steady pace.
The fact that we couldn’t run stressed me out, but there wasn’t much we could do about it. The witches couldn’t move as fast as the wolves, and we had to be slow enough so they could remain silent. If we pushed them, our chances of getting caught would increase tenfold.