Page 119 of Ruthless Alpha Beast

“Jasper is your Alpha, but he’s also my husband. He carries everything on his shoulders, every burden, every risk. He never likes to ask for help.”

My gaze sweeps over them. I recognize fear in their eyes, but also loyalty. They’re actually listening to what I’m saying.

“I’m proposing that we go out together, the group of shifters and witches who hunted before, and that follow the same path to find him. I’m proposing that I come with. I know that I’m just human, but I hold unique knowledge about what we’re looking for. I won’t be a liability, I promise.”

There’s silence.

Everyone’s contemplating.

Then, Dylan steps forward. His expression is unreadable; his light eyes sweep across me and then over the pack.

“She’s right,” he finally says. “It’s typical of Jasper not to ask for our help. But with something like this, he shouldn’t have to ask. He needs it.”

I take in a deep breath.

“All in favor,” Dylan calls, facing the crowd. “Of us joining the hunt, raise your hand.”

The pack shuffles a little, and then slowly but surely all their hands begin to rise up.

For a second, there’s a drop in my chest. He must have forgotten about me, or ignored my request to join—thought it was too ridiculous to even consider.

But then he speaks again.

“All in favor of Tara joining.”

I look around cautiously. Dylan’s eyes lock on mine—steady and firm.

All the shifters' hands are still up.

“You’re an asset to this pack,” Dylan says. “Don’t forget it.”

***

The group of witches and shifters disperse quickly, everyone assuming their formations instinctively. The witches cluster together, murmuring quietly as they move along with small orbs of light.

They’re keeping their magic to a minimum this time so as not to get caught. We know where we’re going and we’re determined to get there with minimal interruptions.

Half of the shifters have transformed into their wolf forms, and to keep things quick, I’m on one of their backs.

It’s a strange feeling, to be both terrified and empowered.

This is the most responsibility I’ve had since I’ve been in the pack, and I’m putting whatever power I have to good use—I’m giving Jasper support.

But still, trailing through the forest at night, knowing what evil lurks around every corner ishorrifying.

There are shadows everywhere, and it’s hard to distinguish the leaves reflecting off the witches’ orbs from the silent creatures of the forest.

Either way, we move quick.

No time to waste.

The shifters lead us forward, following the same path we took before.

As we edge further, deeper into the mouth of the forest that feels as though it’s swallowing us with its darkness, I hold my breath.

I don’t want to be heard.

Even through the darkness, I can tell that the forest is changing. The ground beneath us has blackened, trees are wrapped around in grotesque shapes.