Page 31

31

Kaylee

Deciding the best place to go is out of the packlands and to the nearest coffee shop, Ash and I drive the back roads out of Ivory Fangs. Since agreeing to the drive, Ash has silently sat beside me, staring aimlessly out the window. My heart aches for my friend, but I know that right now, he needs someone to be patient with him. It’s not every day you find out your soulmate is considered a criminal in your pack.

The pack border comes into view as Like a Prayer by Madonna comes on the radio. I nod to the wolves on duty, telling them we’ll be back within two hours before driving off down the gravel road that had led us to Ivory Fangs over three months ago. The gravel crunching under the tires mixes with the music on the radio until I turn onto the highway, heading toward the nearest town.

“What did he do?” Ash’s voice is quiet, but I’m relieved he’s finally talking.

“He was a Spy for Ramos,” I answer honestly. Ash stiffens beside me, hurt and anger crossing his face. I then decide to tell him what Devon told us, explaining that Ramos made a Blood Pact with Devon, ensuring he couldn’t turn traitor until Ramos got what he wanted. After my explanation, the truck cabin grows quiet once more.

I continue driving while Ash mulls over what he just learned. Yes, Devon spied on us and gave Ramos information about Amelia being the alpha and me being her beta, but it sounds like he didn’t have much choice. The truck’s only sounds are the wind coming through the open window and the music on the radio.

“Do you think Amelia will execute him?”

I sigh at Ash’s question, slowly stopping at a red light as we enter the town.

“I’m not sure. It depends on two things,” I answer, giving Ash a small, sympathetic smile. “The first is if what he said is the truth. The second depends on you,” I continue, the car behind us honking.

I jump, ready to curse out the driver, when I realize the red light is now green. Grimacing, I drive forward and navigate the streets to the first coffee shop I see—a Tim Hortons.

“Why would it depend on me?” Ash whispers, his voice filled with confusion, while I join the drive-through line.

“You’re his mate. If you choose to accept the bond, Amelia will put Devon on house arrest while we dive deeper into the truth of what he said. David is already working on the cell phone that Devon had to see if we can use it to spy on Ramos, but you, as Devon’s mate, could get the truth for us faster as well,” I explain.

The line moves forward, and it’s our turn to order. I let Ash mull over my explanation again while I place our order through the speaker, happily moving forward when done. Neither of us speaks, not wanting the humans to hear our conversation while I pay for our drinks—a large triple-triple for Ash and a large mango-starfruit quencher for me—before driving away.

“So if I give him a chance, I would need to spy on my own mate?” Ash growls once we are out of earshot of the humans. I sigh, not knowing how to answer this question without upsetting my friend more.

“No.” I finally decided to answer. “You wouldn’t have to spy on Devon. I’d just need you to be there when Lucas and I talk to him and link me if he lies,” I add before sipping my drink.

“I could do that,” Ash says with a sigh of relief. I catch him smiling from the corner of my eye and smile, too. It seems my friend is accepting this shitty reality of ours.

“If we tell Amelia I want to accept the mate bond with Devon, what do you think she will do?”

This time, I mull over Ash’s question, letting silence settle. After coming to another red light, I decide to answer.

“I’m not one hundred percent sure this will happen, but if I were alpha, I would have Devon confined to the pack house as an omega for a while,” I begin, watching the light turn green and pressing on the gas.

“He’d have to wear a silver collar lined with leather to keep him from shifting and linking anyone for the time being and wouldn’t be initiated into the pack until he proves himself trustworthy. After that, I would ask your opinion, decide whether Devon has repented for spying on us, and hold an initiation ceremony for him.”

I decided against driving back to the pack and instead headed towards a small lake just east of the small town, a popular tourist destination for humans.

Ash is quiet again, his hands fiddling with his coffee cup, and he takes small sips occasionally. After arriving at the lake, I find a quiet spot to park and turn the car off. The sounds of the lake lapping against the shore surround us.

[Hey, I was told you left the packlands,] Lucas’ voice pops into my head, and I smile. He sounds concerned but also trusting of me. I feel the bond hum happily and think how so much has changed between him and me. I know that if he earned a second chance after everything he and I have been through, then Devon deserves a chance, too.

[Yeah. I figured Ash needed some time away from the pack after learning Devon is his mate,] I answer, turning my head to find Ash silently watching the water.

[Okay. Be safe, and let me know when you are on your way home,] Lucas replies, ending the link soon after.

Had this been the Lucas of a few months back, he would have demanded I return immediately. He would have acted like his father—a narcissist who controls his mate. Now, he treats me as his equal, and I couldn’t be happier.

“I’m not ready to face Devon today, but do you think you and Lucas can take me to him tomorrow?” Ash finally asks, turning to face me with a stoic expression.

For a moment I wonder if he has decided to reject his mate, but the strong resolve burning in his eyes tells me otherwise. Ash is willing to give Devon a chance, and I think he’s making the right choice.

“Yeah, we can see Devon after breakfast tomorrow morning if you like,” I agree, and Ash relaxes with relief.

“That works for me.”

With a smile, Ash and I agree to enjoy the peace and quiet of sitting by the lake before returning to the pack. The two of us take a moment to pause and breathe without duties and the threat of war looming above us.