Page 40 of Empowering the Wolf's Heart

I set my hands on her shoulders, forcing her to stop and look at me. “Mom? I need to you listen to me right now, alright?” Her fevered eyes darted around, but then landed back on me. She nodded. “Good. I need more information. Tell me what’s wrong with Anna.”

“She collapsed. The healer doesn’t know what to do for her. She’s unconscious, barely breathing.”

When this occurs, she needs… I drew in a sharp breath. I’d given my last mage stone to the nymph. I thought I would have time to get another. Most times these episodes happened every two new moons at most; this was the second time within a single moon cycle.

As bad as I hated it, I needed help. From the last place I thought I’d ever ask. But they were my only hope. My black-market supplier told me in no unclear words I’d have to find someone else to buy from.

Ran.

I feel you, Two-Legs. What’s wrong?

Anna. She’s collapsed again. I need another mage stone.

A burst of concern passed through the bond.What can I do?

Go to the doc’s house. You remember what I taught you about spelling?

Of course, Two-Legs. You were an idiot trying to reach a club-footed creature—Wait. You don’t mean for me to?—

Exactly. Spell it out to him. Please.

Blasted two legs. Fine. I’ll be back when I can.

“Mom, I’ve got Anna. But you need to take deep breaths before you pass out. I can’t leave until you’re able to take care of Fina and Jess, alright?”

Mom took a moment, her eyes hazy as if far away, but then they snapped back to me. She gave a sharp nod, determination burning in her eyes.

“Good job, Mom. You’ve got this. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

“You’re needed more there, hon. Take your time. We trust you.”

I nodded, hoping against hope Doc would part with a mage stone. If not… my sister...

No, I wouldn’t go there. Ran would come through. She had to.

CHAPTER 13

A Battle for Life

SHEN

“Are you certain you wish to forfeit your right?”

“I am,” I said.

Fen met my gaze head on, his blue eyes searching mine. Not quite a challenge, but too close for Lycus. He edged forward, taking a hint of control over this form, and we grabbed Fen by the neck.

Fen lowered his gaze as protocol demanded when dealing with a stronger pack member, but his scent was neither repentant nor submissive.

“The human girl?—”

My hand spasmed and choked off his voice before I released him. “Do not speak of her.”

Fen rubbed his neck, eyeing me. “Sure. Don’t speak of the one human who made you smile. Don’t speak of the person who?—”

I glared. He raised his hands and his smile returned, but the expression behind his eyes said he saw more than I wished. “Sheesh, you’re extra touchy today. Need a spar?”

“I would likely kill you.”

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