Page 29 of Season of the Wolf

I braced both fists at my sides. It felt like my heart would come through my chest, throbbing against my ribcage as I struggled to breathe normally.

“Andyouthought this was a good idea?” I asked, directing the question at Hilda. “Judging by the fight she’s putting up, I’m guessing she’s a fugitive, one with a hefty bounty on her head. Yet, it still seemed smart to endanger your niece’s life bringing her here?”

Hilda glared for a long moment before making an admission. “This wasmyidea.”

I’d begun to pace, but those words made me pause. She was usually more level-headed than the rest of us, so this news was definitely a surprise.

“And to answer your question,” she went on, “no, I didnotthink it was a good idea, but I can’t help but to think it would be an evenworseidea to do nothing, to pretend we don’t need the boys back.” She hesitated a moment, and then said more. “We’re not as strong as we used to be as a unit, and it’s foolish to pretend our numbers haven’t decreased.”

Even without her being direct, saying my name, I knew that remark was meant for me. No, not a petty jab, but Hilda’s way of explaining why I was in no position to fight this decision.

“Hilda, please,” Elise cut in, interpreting the comment just as I had.

“We’re not in the business of coddling one another or sparing each other’s feelings!” Hilda’s voice boomed above that of the outsider. “Not with all that’s at stake.”

“No, but wearesupposed to behave like a family.” Hilda and Elise’s attention shifted toward Evangeline when she spoke up. Dallas’, too, from his position against the far wall. I hadn’t noticed him standing there before now, but the look on his face made it apparent he wasn’t a part of this. Helookedalmost as angry as Ifelt.

Evangeline stepped forward and, instinctively, I stretched an arm in front of her, blocking her from getting too close to the witch.

“Liam’s more than just a‘number’,” Evangeline said in defense of me, rendering her aunt speechless with her tone. “Weallare. Or at least weshouldbe.”

Typically, Hilda had been revered in this home, allowed to speak her mind freely because her years and knowledge surpassed us all, but today … she’d been challenged.

To my surprise, she had no rebuttal.

“Listen, we’re all a bit … emotionally charged at the moment,” Elise intervened, pushing a hand through her hair as tension marked her expression. “Guards, please escort Maisy to the designated area.”

The way she spoke, it was clear this was a well-thought-out operation, one Evangeline and I had conveniently been left out of.

With the witch gone, I could actually hear myself think, but no longer wanted to discuss the matter. The more time that passed since awakening, the more I realized I was powerless, the more I realized the others saw me in the same light.

Evangeline followed as I took the steps by two, and I let her in before slamming my bedroom door shut behind me.

My chest heaved as I paced, and I became lightheaded.

“You can’t stay here. In this house. Not while thatthingis here,” I seethed, finding it hard to focus.

What on Earth would possess them to do something so stupid?

“Liam … I think you should calm down.”

I ignored the plea and continued to pace. My own heavy breaths rushing from my nostrils was all I focused on—the sound of my rage peaking with nowhere to go but outward, like an explosion.

“Check with Beth to see if you can stay there for a while,” I ordered. “I’ll help you pack.”

“No,” she rebutted, crossing her arms over her chest.

If I’d been in my right mind, I would’ve known demanding that she do something would result in her direct refusal, but now wasn’t the time for treading lightly.Shemight not understand how dangerous it was to be here, but I did.

“And what about you?”

Her question made me halt. “Whataboutme?”

The concern in her eyes bled through her expression—another reminder of my vulnerability and her awareness of it. I walked away, going to stand near the window instead. Seeing the concern that riddled her face had become a struggle.

She rested against the door, letting out a heavy sigh.

“I’ll be fine here,” she reasoned. “Her magic can’t hurt me, remember?”

---