Page 36 of Wolf Obsessed

Twelve

Sloane

The trees whirled by in a blur as we sped down the back country roads.

I pushed on my stomach as I laid my head against the window and let my eyes slide shut. It didn’t stop the butterflies from scurrying through my belly.

I wasn’t sure if the nausea had to do with my trip or what my father had asked of me. Maybe a little of both.

Lincoln reached across the backseat, took my hand, and gave it a squeeze.

I glanced over at him and forced a smile.

His brows drew together in a frown. We hadn’t had a chance to talk about what happened earlier. I knew he and Sawyer would both support me, regardless of what I chose.

Brandon turned around in the passenger seat and peered back at us. “About how much longer do you think it’ll be?”

Lincoln raked his hand through his hair and looked out his window. “Not too much longer. The road we need to turn on is just up ahead.”

Mark shook his head and moved his right arm from the steering wheel to point at the GPS in the middle of the center console. “You’d know that if you looked at the car.”

Brandon rolled his eyes as he turned back around in the front seat. “Too quiet in here. It’s making me antsy.”

Mark made a noise in the back of his throat. “You know you didn’t have to come, right?”

Brandon drummed his hands on the dashboard. “I know I didn’t have to come. I wanted to. Besides, the more people, the better, right? Safety in numbers. That’s what Dad is always saying.”

Mark made a face as he shook his head. “Not if you drive everyone else in the car crazy first.”

I sighed and scooted forward between the front seats. “Stop. Both of you. We’re all nervous and showing it in our own ways. Picking fights with each other isn’t going to help the matter.”

My brothers both mumbled an apology. I slid back into the seat and crossed my arms over my chest. Sometimes my brothers could be like children. Their fighting was only driving me closer to the edge. I felt like I was barely holding on. If I couldn’t handle the pressure of being on a mission with Lincoln and my brothers, how could I manage the pack?

I could feel Lincoln’s eyes on me, and I turned to look at him. He had a small half smile on his face.

Lincoln reached out to me through our link to speak in my head. I think your dad is right. You’re a natural-born leader.

I grabbed my biceps as I hugged myself tighter. I don’t know, Lincoln. It was supposed to be Darrin’s job. I’ve never really thought much about it.

My big brother was supposed to be the alpha. Not me. He would’ve been great, and not just because Dad had been training him his whole life. Darrin had a way with people. He always knew what to say to make them feel better. My brother could light up a room just by walking in.

I mashed my lips together and squeezed my eyes shut as tears threatened to fall.

God, I missed him.

Lincoln scooted across the backseat, pulling me into his arms and holding me. It’s a big responsibility. And I’ll support you regardless of what you choose. Sawyer will, too.

I let my hands fall limp and rested my head on his shoulder. I know you will. I just don’t think I’m ready for it, and I hate that I don’t feel like I have a choice.

Lincoln kissed the top of my head and stayed in that position. There is always a choice. You’ve had lots of choices in the past few weeks alone. Your dad is right about that. Every choice that you’ve made has been to keep your pack safe.

Tears blurred my vision. You really think that I have what it takes to be an alpha?

Most people don’t know what they’re capable of until they’re thrown into a situation that’s out of their hands. You’ve been dealt several of those recently. All of them you’ve handled brilliantly. You’re stronger than you know.

Lincoln skimmed his arm up and down mine. No alpha is perfect. But with the right group of people to help you and guide you, I think you could be an excellent leader.

His words made my heart swell, and I smiled.

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