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"Are you sure about that?" She leaned forward. "From what I've heard, life outside of the strongholds is very hard. And if we compensate them with things they really do need … it could be enough to overcome their fears." She looked away from me, expression hardening. "I know ifIwere going to die soon, I wouldn't hesitate to take up a dangerous job. Not if it helped my aunt or the others."

Of course she would do that. Wasn't it what she was doing now? Always the sacrifice …

I shook my head. "Not many people are as naïve and selfless as you, though, Witch."

She frowned. "But that's where you're wrong … there are alotof people in the world who would do that. And it's not even always about survival. I think most people are good deep down. Think of Alpha, Jaiel, Liam … even Japhire and his son, for gods sakes. All of them would sacrifice everything to keep their families safe."

I gritted my teeth. She was wrong. The world was full of people who were scared and selfish, people who were liars and tried to control you, and those who were too blind to see the truth.

But that wasn't the real problem.

The issue was that I'd be stuck with her … alone … for those days while we searched. And if we were out in the field, I wouldn't be able to get more tattoos.

I was skittering on the edge of losing to the wolf already. And being alone for so long …

No. What she asked for simply wasn't an option …

The wolf howled and lunged for control, making my tattoos burn, desperate to be alone with his mate.

"I'm sorry." I forced the words out. "But —"

"Wait. I just need a few days." Her voice shook. "That's all I'm asking. With Holden and Korym out for me, I can't trust anyone else to do this with me. You're an asshole, but I do trust you … mostly." She lifted those hazel eyes to meet mine — so full of resolve. "Please, Tye."

Our mate needs us, the wolf howled.

I strained against it, but I could feel the tattoos failing again, breaking like glass in a storm.

Gritting my teeth against the onslaught, the wooden spoon in my hand shattered.

Kaiya jumped back, and I growled, looking from the shattered spoon up to her — pulling a large sharp splinter of wood from her hair.

Fuck!! If I lost control and hurt her —

I dug my fingertips into my palms, nails almost threatening to punch through the skin, and the pain pushed back the tide just slightly.

Japhire had been right. Even if going feral was just a legend, I was fucking losing control.

How much time did I have left?

"Are you okay?" Kaiya asked, reaching a hand to my shoulder.

I leaped to my feet before she could touch me. I didn't need her sensing what I was feeling right now.

"The answer is no," I snarled. "I'm giving Frexin the list."

Turning on my heel, I stormed out of the tent — forcing myself to ignore the pain and concern pulsing through the bond.

Forsaken hells!

Chapter 38

Liam

Istepped out of the laundry building, adjusting the guard uniform I'd managed to swipe while no one was looking.

Looking up at the clear night sky, I took a long, deep breath.Freedom.

I reached out with my korra to sense the creatures nearby and froze at the blanket covering my senses.