Page 64 of The Wolf I Sworn To Hate

“I’m right behind you, brother.”

Dinner was a very quiet affair. Darren’s and Tristan’s absence was obvious and the reason for it seemed to hang over everyone’s head like a heavy, wet, wool blanket. The two men had helped dig people out of the cabins and helped work around the resort. How could they be so evil?

Xyla wanted to talk to Sean alone after dinner, but Edward was glued to her side. He waited outside the door when she used the restroom.

“How about someUno?” Sean asked Edward.

He looked at his sister. “Do you want to play?”

She nodded. “Sounds like fun. I will dominate and you all will bow down to my greatness.”

Xyla was relieved when Edward finally smiled and joked back. “Bring it, evil queen.”

Esme, Blake, Marcie, and Ellie decided to play Monopoly while Franny, Howard, Sara, William, and Ginny played trivia. Xyla was happy that everyone finally seemed to relax.

Edward won the first game and Sawyer won the second. The day’s events took their toll on Xyla. Despite her earlier nap, her eyelids were heavy and she could barely focus on the cards.

“Gentlemen, it’s been fun, but I’m exhausted. I’ve got to go to bed.”

Edward grabbed her arm. “Can I sleep in your room?”

Marcie overheard him. “I promise that Ellie and I will keep your sister safe. You need to watch over Sean and Sawyer and protect them. They had a rough day today.”

Edward looked at her for a minute and then nodded. “Okay.”

Xyla’s heart broke and she almost suggested that they sleep in the living room together, but she knew she would sleep better in her cot.

I will spend a lot more time with him from now on. I let life make me forget what’s important.

Everyone hugged each other and said goodnight.

Sean wrapped his arms around her and whispered in her ear, “We need to talk tomorrow.”

“Yes, we do.” She kissed him and they headed for their bedrooms, although she wanted more than anything in the world to sleep in his arms.

As exhausted as she was, Xyla couldn’t fall asleep. She loved Sean so much – more than she ever thought she could love another human being. Xyla was certain that Sean loved her back.

What if he asks me to marry him or go through the mating ceremony with him? How can I say yes? How can I say no?

25

Sean

The next morning, William pulled Sean aside. “What happened, Son?”

Sean hesitated for a minute and then decided to tell him the truth. “Darren, Tristan, and their buddies were bear shifters. They didn’t survive. If anything is left of their bodies after the scavengers get them, it will look like they were attacked by wolves.”

“I hate that for you. I know that you and Sawyer are good men, but I realize that you did what you had to do.”

“Thank you. Sometimes the bad guys don’t give us a choice, but I suspect that you’ve experienced enough in your lifetime to know that.”

William rubbed the back of his neck and gave a rueful smile. “I don’t know how I didn’t see it. I’m normally an excellent judge of character.”

“Some people are good at hiding their true identity. Neither Sawyer nor I picked up on the fact that they were shifters. They purposely didn’t shower so we couldn’t sense them.”

William nodded and grinned. “I’m going to have to buy a case of Lysol to clear the air.”

“Good luck with that.”

---