Page 60 of Wolf Crowned

Sloane’s mom had lost enough in this conflict. I didn’t want to see her lose anyone else. Sloane too. I was being naïve to think we wouldn’t lose anyone. War always came at a price.

Brandon closed his laptop and picked it up, holding it to his chest. “Me either. I have a few things to talk to you about.”

Damon waved him off. “Go on. We got this.”

Alex and Damon turned back to the pile of wolfsbane and began picking at it again.

I rolled my shoulders back, fighting the urge to scratch my skin off. I really hated that stuff.

I left the door open as Brandon and I walked back out into the crisp morning air. A few birds lingered in the trees singing softly. Our feet squeaked across the wet ground as we headed for the house.

I broke the silence. “Is everything okay?”

Brandon clutched his laptop to his chest tighter, like it was his lifeline. “There are a few things.” He cleared his throat. “I was hoping you could look at the documents I’ve created to make sure they look authentic for your dad’s business.”

“Of course. I used to do the books for him. I’ll give them one last look before you print them off.”

Brandon opened his mouth and shut it. He huffed out a heavy sigh, but didn’t say anything.

My insides twisted, causing my stomach to gurgle. “What else?”

He gripped his laptop so tight, his knuckles turned white. “I know about Sawyer. I’m sorry.” He stopped and gave me a sympathetic look that had his lips turning down into a frown. “But how will we know if we still have reinforcements to help? Or that they’ll be ready?”

My heart sank into my stomach. That was a great question. We wouldn’t. We had to have hope. The hair on the back of my neck prickled. We were hoping for a lot of things.

My mother’s words rang in my ears. Hope is the only thing stronger than fear.

Followed by my father’s voice. You are weak, insignificant, and will never best me.

Twenty-One

Sloane

I tapped my cell phone against my leg. The team should have checked in an hour ago. Something happened.

I paced from one side of the office to the other, skimming my fingers over the dusty bookcase as I went. I wiped my dirty hand on my pants and started another lap.

A knock on the door gave me pause. I raced to finish my lap and plopped in my chair. “Come in.”

The door squeaked open and Willa poked her head in first then Jacob. I motioned them forward.

They each took a seat in the two chairs opposite me. Willa crossed one leg over the other and rested her hand on her belly. Jacob sat ramrod straight and put a hand on Willa’s arm.

I clasped the phone between my palms as I darted my gaze between the two of them. “Everything okay?”

Willa and Jacob shared a look. Jacob closed his eyes for a moment and shook his head. “Willa and I have been talking. I would like her to join my group tonight when we leave.”

I blinked a few times, processing his words. “Are you both sure?”

I was glad she had talked to him.

Jacob pressed his lips together and looked away. So he wasn’t. I turned my attention to Willa and arched my brow.

She patted her stomach. “I don’t want to be separated from Jacob. I know it’s more dangerous. But everywhere is. I’m sure I want to go.”

Jacob’s nostrils flared as he exhaled. “I don’t want her near the fighting. That’s what we agreed on.” He gave Willa an appraising look. “We both know I’ll be on the offensive team and will be separated during the fighting.”

I pulled out one of the makeshift maps we’d been using and rolled it out across the desk. “I have something she can do that will keep her close to the cars.”

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