Page 48 of Wolf Crowned

Lincoln grasped my hands curling his fingers with mine. “It’s going to be okay. You’ll see, it’s all going to work out. Sawyer is one of the strongest people I know.”

I hoped so. We had everything to lose, but also everything to gain. The only thing we could do was hope.

My cell phone vibrated in my pocket and then rang. I jerked back from Lincoln and fumbled for it. It slipped through my fingers twice before I managed to get hold of it.

I swiped to answer. “Hello.”

I held my breath. It was Ian, the team lead of the first group.

Ian’s voice boomed through the speaker. “I think we made it, Alpha Sloane.”

I let out a laugh and clapped my freehand against my chest. We needed this. “Are you sure?”

There was a brief pause. “Pretty sure. I have the guys doing another scout of the area. It’ll be our third check so far we look clean.”

I rubbed my chest, but it did nothing to take the ache away. “That’s great news, Ian. Stay put, keep an eye on things, and let me know if anything changes. I’ll send off the next group now.

The phone crackled. Cutting him off for a second. “Sounds good, Alpha. See you in a few days.”

I clutched the phone tighter. “Be careful, Ian.”

“Will do, you too.“ The phone clicked as he hung up.

Lincoln gave me a small smile that didn’t meet his eyes. “See things are looking up already.”

I pushed my phone into my back pocket. “You’re right. We can’t let this set us back. It won’t help us or Sawyer.”

I tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear and marched toward the door. “I’m going to let Mark know his group is good to go.”

Lincoln motioned to the door with his hand. “I’ll come with you.”

The door creaked as I opened it and the floorboards thumped beneath our feet as we made for the front room.

Mark shot to his feet when he saw me. His eyes widened as he stared at me expectantly.

I couldn’t stop the smile from spreading over my face. “I heard from Ian. They’ve made it out and so far no one is following them.”

Willa clapped her hands together as my mom said a silent prayer.

Mark beamed. “This is good news.”

I put my hand on Mark’s shoulder. “Excellent news. We’re ready for your group to head out to the rendezvous point. Be sure to check periodically and make sure no one is following you. Let me know when you get there.”

Mark’s grin widened. “I will.”

“And be careful.” I tilted my head to the side and gave him a stern look.

I turned to the enforcers, lacing my fingers together in front of me. “Be safe out there. These next few days are going to be trying at best, probably some of the hardest of our entire lives. I appreciate every single one of you. More than I can ever convey. May Luna watch over all of you.”

There was a chorus of jumbled words, a mash up of thank you’s, well wishes, and be safe too. The group collectively got to their feet and filed out the front door one by one until it was just Mark.

I pulled him into a hug, squeezing him tight. “I love you.”

He hugged me tighter. “I love you too, sis. We’re going to do this.” He gave me a shake and pulled away.

Mom got up from her chair and walked on wobbly legs. She didn’t even try to hide the fact she was crying as she threw her arms around my brother. She smoothed a hand over his hair. “Be safe, my boy. I love you so much.”

She gave him a kiss on the cheek and then cupped his face. She blinked a few times and then stepped back, covering her mouth with her hand, but it didn’t stifle her sob.

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