Page 74

I nod and sniffle, taking a huge gulp of my coffee and burning my tongue.

I wince as the scalding liquid makes its way down my throat. Elizabeth gives me a sympathetic look as I set my mug down.

"I'm sure Cleo is in excellent hands with Aurelia," she says gently. "Cleo has a strength in her that reminds me so much of Callie. She will come into her own, in time."

I nod, hoping Elizabeth is right. My nerves over Cleo and her emerging abilities have been wearing on me.

A low, mournful howl suddenly echoes through the woods outside. Elizabeth and I exchange a glance.

"The boundary alarm," she murmurs. "There must be trespassers nearby."

I frown, standing up from the table. More howls sound, signaling our wolves to be on alert.

I know I’m supposed to stay inside, but I can’t, not when the two people I love most are out there. My wolf urges me forward. I can’t shake the feeling that I need to see Cleo. Immediately.

“I’m going to run out and check on Austin really fast,” I tell Elizabeth, already heading toward the door.

“They will come here when it’s safe,” she says, looking uneasy. “It’s probably a false alarm.”

I ignore her and step outside, making my way to the workshop along the side of the house.

The crisp autumn air hits my face as I jog down the leaf-strewn trail toward the workshop where Austin and Malakai are working.I need everything to be okay.

The howls are growing more urgent, putting me and my wolf on edge.

What if it's not a trespasser, but something worse? What about Cleo in the woods?

I walk faster, my breath coming out in little white puffs in the chilly air.

Moon Goddess, hear my plea. Protect my family,I pray.

The familiar sight of the workshop takes shape. Austin and Malakai are standing outside, both looking to the woods and talking quietly amongst themselves.

That feeling of unease creeps up my spine again.

Something is very wrong.

They both whirl around when I approach, Austin’s face immediately pinched with worry.

“Baby, why are you out here?” he asks, hurrying to my side. “The alarm has sounded. You need to be inside.”

Another howl rends the air, putting all of us on edge. It’s the signal for an attack.

“They’re assembling the guard to depend for a potential attack,” he says grimly. “I have to go.”

"Let me come with you this time," I beg, anxiety rising.

But he's already shaking his head. "I can't put you in danger, Yelena. Stay here."

“Father? Watch over her,” he asks.

“You have my word, son,” Malakai says solemnly.

Austin drops a swift kiss on my head and shifts in a flash, leaving me standing helpless in the yard of the workshop.

I watch helplessly as Austin bounds away, his massive black wolf already blending in with the shadows from the trees.

My heart hammers in my chest. I can’t just stand here while my mate and daughter are in danger. I can’t.