Page 65 of Wolf Sacrificed

Eric fought back and thrashed, but his movements grew weaker and slower by the second. He panted, and then his eyes slid shut, his breathing slowing before finally stopping altogether.

We got to our feet, ready to fend off more.

For the first time in a long while, I was pleasantly surprised. The majority of the pack had already taken out everyone else. Nine wolves of my father’s sat up on the hill.

Sloane narrowed her eyes. What are they doing?

I cocked my head to the side. I’m honestly not sure.

I could feel Sloane’s indecision.

They didn’t attack us. That’s weird, right?

Very, I answered her.

They just sat there and hadn’t done anything. It was the most bizarre thing I’d seen.

Sloane bubbled with hope. Maybe they’re defectors. And they were just waiting for the right moment. It wouldn’t be the first time.

I considered it for a long moment. She was right. It wouldn’t be the first time. The guys who had tried to abduct her just a week ago hadn’t been loyal to my father. They were only doing it because they were terrified. Maybe these wolves were in the same boat. There was only one way to find out.

Sloane must have come to the same conclusion. We need to question them.

I dug my feet into the ground to keep her from going up there. I don’t want you anywhere near them until we know what’s happening.

I could feel her roll her eyes.

I’m the alpha, she reminded me. It’s my job to question them. And if they are defecting, they need to swear their allegiance to me.

She wasn’t wrong, and I hated it. I guessed I was getting a taste of my own medicine. Sloane and Lincoln had to constantly stand by while I was in danger. My heart pinched at the thought. Was this what I put them through on a daily basis?

Sloane whined and jerked her head toward the wolves. Then she took off at a slow trot. I couldn’t see the other wolves following her, but I knew instinctually that they were.

Sweetheart, I don’t like you being up front. One wrong move, and they could all pounce on you.

She pushed forward, picking up the pace despite my warning. I don’t think that’s going to happen.

I squinted, watching the wolves for any signs that they planned to move. The one in front bowed his head and then dropped his belly to the ground. The others followed suit.

About twenty feet away from them, Sloane slowed. Her enforcers filed in, forming a circle around the other wolves. She closed the distance, moving far closer than I was comfortable with, but she’d stopped taking my advice.

Lincoln had been oddly quiet. I knew he wasn’t hurt because I could feel him a few feet behind me.

Sloane rocked forward and triggered her shift. She knelt on the ground in all her beautiful glory on her hands and knees. Slowly, she stood up. The shift pushed our minds apart and left me standing next to her with no choice but to watch if any of the wolves decided to attack.

I sneered at them even though they couldn’t see me. I would move heaven and earth to keep my mates safe.

One by one, the wolves started to shift back to humans. Someone from behind us handed Sloane an oversized T-shirt and pajama bottoms that she slipped on. She fluffed out her hair and then crossed her arms over her chest as she waited.

I moved close enough that our shoulders touched. You need to find out what they want.

I could feel her excitement but also her fear of the unknown. The mixed emotions made me feel nauseous.

Sawyer, they might be about to defect. This could be huge. Not only will we rescue the Dennings, but we will be bringing nine new members into the pack.

I shook my head. Sloane, you can’t trust all nine of them. What if this is a trap?

She paused, tilting her head to the side as she studied them. I’m not saying I’ll let them go unguarded, Sawyer. But we’ve seen it before. Not everyone who serves your father is there of their own free will. Sometimes they’re just trying to protect the people they care about. You can’t blame them for that.

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