Page 50 of Wolf's Whisper

I scratched the back of my neck. "I guess? I mean, we have a special altar for it and everything."

"If it only works in your village, why would someone steal it?"

I shrugged. "Maybe just to mess with us?"

"I always thought the Relic worked everywhere," Ashleigh chimed in.

That did make sense. If the Stone was useless outside of our village, why would the Coyotes want it is so badly? I mean, sure, they hated us, but still, that seemed like a lot of effort just to piss us off. But what did it matter? I would never get the Stone back home in time anyway. I had already wasted too much time, caring for Aspen, getting trapped in a cave by a storm, almost getting killed, you know, all those time-consuming things.

Maybe I should just turn around and go back home. There were almost no young wolves left in our tribe, so the Winter Stone would be useless to us in a couple of years anyway. My whole family already thought I was a disappointment, they wouldn't be surprised to see me crawling back.

"You're not turning back," Ashleigh suddenly spoke as she rested her hand on my arm.

"How...?"

"I know a doubtful person when I see them. You're going to get your Stone."

A lump appeared in my throat. Why was she so kind? What had I done to deserve such kindness?

With a crack in my voice, I said: "I'll just have to hurry..."

I sighed, my head sinking into my chest. If I stopped stalling and just got on with my quest, I might make it on time. And even if I was too late, I could at least bring the Stone back. Or I could get killed by a Coyote and never see my family again. Either option was good.

At this point, all I could do was pray that somehow I'd make it on time or redeem myself by returning our sacred Stone.

"I can't afford to stall..." I muttered softly, the words cutting through me like a sharp knife. The dreaded moment had finally come. I needed to say farewell to Ashleigh and Aspen, leave the comfort of their pack, and go my own way.

"True, it'll be a long road ahead. No time to waste," Darren spoke, the group casually nodding in agreement. Danny was braiding her red hair while Regan was scribbling down notes on his map. Aspen was still brooding in his corner, while JP seemed to be playing a game with sticks by himself. And Ashleigh, Ashleigh just nodded and smiled.

So that was it? Woah, talk about cold... I mean, I know I hadn't been part of their little group for long, but I thought at least they'd be kind of sad to see me leave. I thought I had really clicked with JP and Danny. I felt like I had even connected with the robust Regan and the playful Darren. But it looked like they weren't too bothered I had to go. That wasn't what I had expected. Not at all. Especially not from Aspen, or Ashleigh.

How could my mates not care I was going away?

"So, what now? Hug goodbye?" I asked, forcing my voice to keep the cries inside. I didn't want them to know how painful it was to part ways. They didn't need to know how quickly I had imprinted on all of them. I'd just keep myself strong and weep like a baby once I was out of sight.

Danny quickly scanned the group. I don't think I was supposed to see her exchange glances with Ashleigh, but it was hard to miss.

"Goodbye? But we've decided to join you."

"What?" My mouth fell open in surprise. A happy feeling bubbled up in my gut, but I pushed it back down. This couldn't be real, could it? When did they even decide to join me?

"Aspen needs you right now and I don't think we'd get Ashleigh away from you either." Danny smiled, pointing at my blushing mate.

A lump appeared in my throat. "So you guys are coming with me to the East?"

A heavy arm was slung over my shoulder. "Of course we are. Can't let you have all the fun, can we?" Darren grinned, his eyes twinkling in excitement.

"And b-besides, who else is g-going to keep the t-twins in check?" JP stuttered, his face beaming happily as he gave me one of his wider smiles.

"You guys..." My voice cracked and tears welled up. A warmth spread from my gut to the rest of my body as I was filled with a foreign sensation. I'd never had anyone stick with me before and just knowing I wouldn't have to make this journey alone, was enough to make me cry like a baby.

I threw a grateful glance at Ashleigh, suspecting she was the one who had convinced the group and was met with a warm smile.

I wouldn't have to split up from my mates. I didn't have to choose between what I wanted to do and what I needed to do.

"So when are we leaving?" Darren grinned, heaving his satchel on his back, his head tilted to the side.

"Ummm..." Were they seriously all joining me? Just like that?

"We're ready to go whenever you’re," Danny added in, buttoning up her jacket.

"Right behind you," Ashleigh grinned, brushing a stray lock of hair from my shoulder.

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