Page 46 of Wolf Sacrificed

Willa looked at me and gave me a small smile as she nodded.

I smiled back before returning my glare to the alpha. I was pretty sure his name was James.

He had the decency to meet my gaze.

I sighed, letting the tension release from my shoulders. “Do you really want to do this?”

James ran a hand over his mouth. “No. Miss Willa brings up some excellent points. I think sometimes we forget in the heat of everything what all is happening. The burden you carry is not an easy one.”

“It’s not. But I promise you, if you stay with me, if we all work together, we can beat Alpha Dane. What we are fighting for is important. We all want the same thing. We can either stay out here and go against each other every step of the way, or we can unite and bring down our common enemy. Right now, he’s waiting for us to tear each other apart. We are stronger together.”

Alpha James bowed his head. “You’re right. We are. My apologies, Alpha Sloane, for stepping out of line. I beg for your forgiveness.”

I reached out and took his hand. “We all want the same thing. I understand that you want what is best for your pack. So do I. Let me lead. Together, we will defeat Alpha Dane.”

He put his other hand on top of mine. “Of course.”

He fell to one knee. “My Alpha.”

Everyone else dropped to their knees too, and a resounding sense of finality loosened some of the weight from my chest. The other night had been chaotic, but today we were moving forward in the right direction. I still had to prove myself, but I’d finally earned respect and the chance to lead.

I gave Alpha James’s hand a squeeze before letting it go and turned to address the pack. “We need to continue building. I want our lodging secure so that everyone has a warm bed and four walls. We’re going to begin training every day. I want everyone to learn to fight, even if it’s not something you usually would do. Alpha Dane shows no discretion between men, women, or children. It’s imperative that we all are able to defend ourselves.”

I rubbed my hands together. “We are going to continue to reach out for help from other packs. It’s true Alpha Charles chose not to come, and I do wish him and his men the best of luck. I wish those who choose not to join us well, and I will never force anyone to join our cause. We must be better than our oppressor. We will do everything in our power to continue to grow our numbers and increase our strength.”

I wriggled one foot into the gravel. “My advisors tell me that Alpha Dane has backed off from us for the moment. We will use this to our advantage for as long as we can. My goal is to prepare another strike. There are still women and children held captive there. I want to liberate anyone who does not wish to be there. The sooner, the better.”

The crowd murmured, excitement in their voices, and they grew louder by the second.

Sawyer gripped me again from behind. I think you just rallied the troops.

I hope so. We need to be working together instead of against each other.

He kissed my cheek. I agree. If I hear about any survivors from the Dennings, I’ll try to send them your way, if at all possible.

I shook my head. I tried to help him.

All those men would die because their alpha didn’t want to follow a girl.

Sawyer kissed my cheek again. I know. But you can’t help someone who doesn’t want it. It’s unfortunate. He’ll have to figure it out the hard way that you were right.

I put my hand on his arm. Be careful.

Sadness surrounded him, which hadn’t been there previously, and I wanted to ask him about it. But before I could, he spoke up again.

I have to go. I’ll see you soon.

With that, he was gone.

I turned my attention back to the crowd. “We have work to do. Let’s keep moving forward.”

The crowd dissipated as a roaring sensation enveloped me. My leg throbbed, and my head pulsated. My vision started to double.

I’d finally overworked myself. I’d finally gained the pack’s loyalty too. I couldn’t afford to pass out in front of them now. I might not have a choice though.

Darkness bloomed behind my eyes. I swayed on my feet, stumbling.

I could hear Lincoln’s voice, far away, so, so far away, urging me to keep walking. I wasn’t sure if I was actually walking or maybe floating. I had to stay awake. I’d look weak if I passed out.

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