Page 45 of Wolf Roulette

Uh…“I was going to ask what you’d do if the pack won Grids.”

As soon as the words were out, I half regretted them. The lighter mood we’d managed to grip onto disappeared.

Sascha regarded me. “We’d gain the businesses and the entire Deception Valley territory. My pack would have a permanent home. I’d enjoy not having the threat of death lingering over our heads. I’d have more time to spend with you. Greyson struggles with the demands of pack life, and he’d enjoy more time to ourselves.”

In Sascha’s mind, I was with him if the pack won.

In that future, did I feel like this? Were we constantly trying to re-establish a strong connection with each other?

“What would happen to the tribe if the pack won?” I asked before I could wuss out.

He took longer to answer. “Our peoples have attempted peace many times, Andie. It has never worked. The stewards will be devastated to leave their ancestors and burial grounds behind, but theycanleave, and so I believe they must if my people are to finally live without violence and hate.”

That’s what I’d expected.

The thought of the stewards being torn from their valley was horrifying. To imagine watching their desolation as they drove away filled me with dread.

I wasn’t sure I could watch that happen.

Sascha clearly believed I’d stay behind.

And maybe I would if the pack won.

But who would I be? And what would I become in time?

Because time sure as fuck wasn’t helping me now.

“You don’t like my answer.” Sascha’s tone belied the sudden horror he felt too.

Could he smell my complete adversity to what he’d outlined?

There was something I had to know. Something that could change everything. “Would you ever consider another ending?”

Sascha’s impassive mask swept into place. “My pack are beyond accepting another ending. Fifty years ago, they agreed that only the victor would remain in the valley after Victratum. They are willing todieif they lose rather than go on in this way. Good or bad, they want it done.”

There wasn’t a hint of hesitation in his answer.

And no wriggle room.

Hopelessness filled me completely—a mere hint of what lay ahead.

I couldn’t be what Sascha wanted me to be.

Forcing back the crushing sorrow, I broke the tense quiet. “Do we walk from here?”

“Andie—”

“No. It’s good for me to know that now. It’s…”Shaking my head, I shuffled back to the passenger side and opened the door. Pausing outside, I released a shaking breath as quietly as possible.

Sascha hadn’t budged and I could smell his anguish.

Why did we keep doing this to each other? And when would it stop?

What happens now?Booker asked softly, likely sensing I was on the verge of tears.

My throat tightened.

Something had to change. And fast.

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