Page 49 of Wolf Crowned

I wrapped an arm around my mom’s shoulders. We watched together as Mark walked backwards, spun on his heel at the door, and then closed it behind him. She flinched as it clicked shut.

Mom shook as she sobbed.

I pulled her into a full hug and Willa came up behind us, hugging her as well. I held her tight and made shushing noises like she always did for me. “Are you okay, Mom?”

It was a dumb question. All her kids were going to war and she might not see any of us again. I couldn’t imagine what she was going through. But if we were successful, then maybe I’d consider having a few kids.

One thing at a time, Sloane.

She sniffled and grabbed some tissues from one of the end tables, rubbing her puffy eyes. “I know this has to be done, my love. But one day when you’re a mother you’ll understand how hard it is to see your babies leave and know that they may never return.”

She blew her nose and crumpled up the tissues, tossing them in a wastebasket. “I love you all so much. It’s hard for me, but I know you’re doing the right thing, my love.”

Her confirmation again made my heart swell. “Thanks, Mom.”

She patted my cheek and then grabbed some more tissues. “I’ve had enough excitement for tonight. I don’t think I’ll be able to sleep, but I’m going to lie down. Let me know when your brother checks in.”

I let my hand slip off her shoulder. “I will. Promise.”

Her footsteps were soft as she padded down the hallway. A door creaked open and then clicked shut.

Willa put her arm around me. “Sloane, are you okay? You look upset.”

I mashed my lips together to keep from crying. My breath hitched. “It’s Sawyer. Alpha Dane knows he’s working with us. He’s in trouble.”

Willa held me tighter and reached out for Lincoln, rubbing his arm with her free hand. “Oh no. I’m so sorry.”

I ran my hand underneath my nose. “Thanks, Willa. We think he got away, but he’s unconscious on the property. Hopefully, he stays undetected.”

Until he regained consciousness and could talk to him, we could only hope.

Willa rested her head on my shoulder. “He’s strong, Sloane. I’m sure he’s going to be fine.”

I hoped she was right. But I didn’t think I could keep talking about this. The worry was already making my stomach sour.

I pulled away and grab some tissues. “Ian sounded good when I talked to him.”

Willa smiled and her eyes lit up. “Good. I know it meant a lot to him that you made him a team leader. Jacob and his group are leaving tomorrow night.”

I crumpled the tissues in my hand and then unrolled them. “Your brother and Jacob have done a lot for us and they’ve always supported me, for which I’m extremely grateful.”

Willa looked at the floor, her brows knitting together. “I’ve been doing some thinking, Sloane. I want to go with your group.”

I frowned and shook my head. Was she serious? “To Pack Wolf Blood? It’s not safe. You can’t shift. It’s going to be a full on battle. Not everyone is going to make it out.” My voice hitched. It was a harsh reality.

Willa picked up a wisp of her hair and wrapped it around her fingers. “I know what I’m asking.” She squeezed her eyes shut and her jaw worked. “I know I can’t shift right now because of the baby. But this is it, the final fight, right?”

I didn’t have words, so I bowed my head instead.

Willa’s eyes widened. “I know I can’t fight, but you’ll need people there to help with the injured. I can help with that. My brother and Jacob are the only family I have left.”

Her face crumpled, and tears misted her eyes. “If this fails, Alpha Dane is going to come here, and I can’t run.” Her bottom lip trembled. “Let me be with my family.”

I pursed my lips. I wanted to say no, but if I were in her shoes, I’d be asking the same thing. “Did you talk to your brother or Jacob about this?”

I chanced a glance at Lincoln. He’d been unusually silent. His gaze was on the couch where he was picking at a loose thread. I focused back on Willa.

Red painted her cheeks. “They’re against the idea. They want to keep me safe. I understand that, but you and I, we made a pact. Even if I can’t help you, I want to be there when we stop him. For my mom and dad and everyone else that he’s hurt.”

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