Page 76 of The Wolf's Mate

The rogues’ bites expedited the curse. Lucielle had theories, and Michael all but confirmed it. None of us realized just how strong the rogues were getting. And with the Nephilim fighting alongside them…we don’t stand a chance.

“Agree to be mine, and I’ll make sure your friend lives,” Michael continues.

“How can I trust you? All you’ve done is lie.”

“No, all you’ve done is misunderstand,” Michael growls. “So I’m putting it plainly, Red. Agree to be mine, and your friend lives. Don’t, and she dies. And so will you and everyone you love.”

It’s not a choice at all. I’m backed into a corner, and he knows it. But what did I think would happen? At least this way, I can help save my pack. And, eventually, I can bring down Michael—maybe. I won’t stop. If he thinks I’ll cooperate, he has another thing coming.

“Fine. You keep her and my pack alive, and I will join you.”

“That’s what I hoped you’d say.” Michael picks himself up and disappears behind the tree. My restraints loosen and finally fall free. I let out a sigh of relief.

That is until he ties the rope to my bound hands and drags me up.

“Let’s go, Red. There are people waiting to meet you.” I don’t have time to respond before Michael pulls on my restraints and tugs me forward. He grabs Grass’s makeshift leash and pulls us deeper into the forest.

Farther away from Rip.

I hope he knows just how sorry I am.

Chapter 36

Hettie

Idon’t know how far we walk. There were several times I swore Michael led us around in circles just to throw me off in case I tried to escape. Admittedly, I thought about it a few times, but there is no way I can navigate my way back. Even if I could somehow magically find my way home, Michael and his rogues would attack.

More blood on my hands.

I’m not willing to risk that.

Eventually, our wandering brings us to a campsite. A few dozen makeshift tents are sporadically placed throughout the area, and a huge bonfire blazes in the middle of the shelters. A few men sit around the fire, laughing and drinking a pale liquid.

A hush falls over the men when they notice Michael. Something akin to fear sparks in their eyes. They might follow Michael, but it’s clear they are uneasy in his presence.

“Morning, men,” Michael all but purrs. He reaches behind himself to grab my arm and pull me forward, placing me on display. “Look who decided to join our cause.”

The fear they hold for Michael is replaced with smirks and delighted hollers. “About damn time,” a brown-haired wolf says. He is on the smaller side with scars coloring part of his face. It only adds to his rogue persona.

Grass lets out a warning growl, moving to stand in front of me. He stares down the five men, but Grass isn’t built to intimidate. He doesn’t fill the rogues with fear.

One rogue reaches for Grass, and, on instinct, I kick my leg out, catching him in his knee. “Don’t touch him,” I sneer.

“Or what, human?” The man’s eyes narrow. “You’re going to hurt me?”

“Yes.”

My response is greeted by laughter. My face flames red because they know I can’t stop them from doing anything to Grass if they really wanted to.

“Enough. No one touches Red or her dog,” Michael speaks up, catching me off guard. But he ruins it when he adds, “Unless Red acts out. Then we may need to encourage her to do as we ask.”

Michael reaches down to scratch Grass behind his ears, but Grass barks at him, snapping at his hand. “Your dog could stand to learn some manners.” He frowns.

I don’t respond, only move closer to Grass.

Michael quickly loses interest in us and turns back to his men. “Where are they?” he asks no one in particular. I wonder if they are the Nephilim.

“Last we heard, they were about two miles from us, heading in our direction,” the scar-faced man says. “We got our boys following them.”

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