“You heard my mate.” Bodey arched a brow at his sister. “And I agree with everything she said.”
Jasmine crossed her arms and slumped back in her seat.
I hated to upset her, but we had to be smart.
We all fell into silence again until, finally, we pulled up by Trevor’s building.
As I stepped out of the car, a chill ran down my spine like we were being watched. I turned my gaze to the woods and stilled.
CHAPTERTWENTY-THREE
Bodey’s headsnapped in my direction, his gaze following mine. “What’s wrong? Do you sense something?”
I blinked several times, but nothing out of sorts caught my eye. “No.”However, that chill lingered, seeping down my spine and causing goose bumps to sprout all over. I tried to brush off the odd sensation. Sybil was close, and I didn’t need to get distracted.I just hate being here.This was where Kel’s scouts had attacked me after Zeke had forced me to work for Trevor, the father of Charles, a pack member who’d tormented me for my entire life in the pack.
Tugging at the connections that were larger and warmer than the others, I noted at least twenty of Halfway’s pack were out in the woods.
My chest tightened. Only twenty. If Queen Kel attacked, they wouldn’t be able to stand up to her.
Samuel stepped out of the car behind me and placed his hands on my shoulders. “Do you want to stay out here? We can go in—”
I snarled, turning toward him. My wolf was furious that he was treating me like I was weak and couldn’t handle going inside. “I was attacked outside, not in there, and not only that, I’ve survived attacks like that one since I was five. I’m perfectly okay going inside.”
Jack got out of the other car, chuckling. “Put him in his place, Callie.”
“Shut it,” Lucas scowled and then turned forward, watching Samuel and me.
Lifting his hands, Samuel sighed. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to imply you’re weak. I can only imagine the attack that happened here. From what I heard, it was bad.”
The hot tendrils of anger flowed through my connection with Bodey, adding to mine. He growled, “Nothing like that will ever happen to her again. I’ll make sure of it. I’ll kill anyone who tries.”
“See?” Jasmine snorted. “Don’t mess with people Bodey loves.”
We all need to calm down,Michael linked as he and the other three former advisors reached Jack’s Navigator.We’re tired and stressed, but we can’t turn on one another.
I blew out a breath and hung my head. I felt as if I’d been scolded. “You’re right. It’s just that something feels off here, and I can’t put my finger on what.”
I’d count on it being Zeke and his friends,Miles linked. His lips flattened as if he didn’t like being here either.
“Let’s get some answers.” I linked my arm through Samuel’s. I then linked to just him,I’m sorry for snapping. I’m letting my nerves get the best of me, and my wolf took control for a second.
Bodey gave me a nod as he walked in front of us to the door. He was giving me time to talk to Samuel, and I loved him for it.
It’s fine.Samuel patted my arm.If your wolf is likely to feel threatened by anyone, it would be me.
I lifted a brow.Even though we’re family?
He nodded.We weren’t raised together. Even though I didn’t mean to make it sound as if I thought you were weak, your wolf took it that way. She knows that, out of everyone here, my wolf is the only one that can potentially rival yours. But don’t worry.He patted my hand.I know you’re stronger than me.
I wasn’t sure if that was the real reason I’d reacted that way or if my wolf was in agreement with me that she and I shouldn’t be in charge and thought Samuel should be. But none of that mattered right now.
We walked up the concrete steps to the front door of the house that had been converted into an office at the edge of town. They’d chosen this location due to its proximity to downtown while still having woods beyond the backyard, in case they wanted to shift.
I don’t want us to feel like each other’s competition. You mean more to me than that.
He bumped his arm into mine and replied,I know. No offense taken.
We’re here,I linked to Bodey and Zeke as we reached the door. I didn’t want to walk in on them without alerting them, though I suspected Zeke already knew.