Page 46 of Witch’s Wolf (Bound by the Howl #2)

46

ERICA

I pass Monica, the ambient noise of those gathered swelling behind me. Their reaction makes sense. Their savior stared death in the face and came out on top. And somehow, this incredible woman wants to see me first. I could tell myself that a dozen times, and each time, I’d still wonder if it were true.

Helena is lying on Monica’s couch. The top part of her cloak is gone, and no fabric covers her shoulders. A long line of stitches stretch across her chest below the collar bone. Lacerations and bruises mar her face, and her left eye is swollen nearly shut.

“I can’t find the words to thank you for what you did,” I murmur, sinking to my knees beside her.

“It couldn’t have been easy for you. How are you holding up? Are you okay?” Her voice, is soft as a breath, washes over me like a miracle. A stunned laugh catches in my throat.

“You people are unbelievable,” I say, shaking my head. “Sam wanted me to give her a decent burial. You just survived what I can only assume was the toughest fight of your life, and you’re asking if I’m okay?”

“She was your mother, Erica.” Helena’s words are gentle, but they still land like a weight on my chest. “You were part of her.”

“I was. Once,” I admit. “Right up until the moment she faked her death. That’s what you and Sam don’t understand. I buried my mother twenty-two years ago. The woman who tried to carve you to pieces wasn’t my mother. She was pure evil.”

“What’s all that noise? What’s happening outside?” Helena asks, shifting and craning her neck to peer past me.

“Monica told everyone you’re going to be alright. They loved the news. You’re their hero.”

“I happened to be the only one around here who could fight Roberta,” she says, her voice rough but certain. “Only a witch can fight a witch. It would’ve been unfair to ask you to do it. I couldn’t overlook the bond between you and her… not to mention that your powers haven’t peaked yet.”

“Badass and modest,” I tease, laughing. “That’s a rare combination.”

Her lips twitch into a small, knowing smile.

“It’s not modesty. It was never about that. It’s realism. Those shifters could bring this cabin down with their fists, but against Roberta? They wouldn’t have stood a chance.”

“Get some rest, Ms. Badass,” I murmur, giving her wrist a light pat. “God knows you’ve earned it.”

I lean in and press a soft kiss to her forehead. When I pull back, we share a quiet moment. One full of understanding and of gratitude. If I admired her before, I practically worship her now. From day one, Helena has been there for me, offering help that she never owed me. And after what she did tonight? She has my trust, my loyalty, and my absolute respect.

Maybe she was the only one who could face Roberta, but that’s not what matters. What matters is that she did. She stepped up when no one else could.

She may not want the title, but in the eyes of everyone here, she is the hero of the valley.