Page 86 of Eclipsed Heart

Fine,he capitulated.I’ll back up to give you more room so you can get some oomph behind you. Just…when you do, swerve right, and I’ll swerve left. We can take them down all at once.

The twenty shifters behind Lynerd stepped forward, looking uncomfortable with us sitting in our vehicles. I needed to decide how to proceed, and fast, before they became even more agitated.

I linked with everyone in our group.Stay put.Then I looked for the string of magic that tied to Lynerd and tugged so I could link with him.Why are you preventing us from entering the neighborhood?If I wanted to be a jackass and prove a point, we could get out of the cars and walk in, but I didn’t think that would be wise.

I’m sure there’s a reason that you’re asking from the car,Lynerd shot back, scowling.Don’t want to risk me smelling any of your lies?

My head snapped back.What do you mean? I have nothing to lie about.

Then, please.He gestured to the pavement.Come out and join us if you have nothing to hide.

There was a dare in his words, and I was torn. Part of me didn’t want to step out if he was demanding it, but the other part didn't want another person in Oregon to find me inadequate.

I linked with Samuel and Bodey,Will you two join me?

I’ll follow you anywhere,Bodey replied, pushing his love and pride into me.

Uh, ditto, but not for the same reasons.Samuel chuckled from the back seat.

I smiled at Samuel’s joke. He’d been so serious ever since the coronation, and I’d missed the playful side of him. Hopefully, we could get through this shit and get to know each other…the real versions of ourselves, not the ones who came out under pressure.

I opened my door and climbed out as Bodey and Samuel did the same.

Jasmine’s displeasure wafted through our connection, but to her credit, she remained in the vehicle.

As I lifted my chin, Lynerd sneered.

“What’s the problem?” I asked, making sure my voice was loud and clear.

Lynerd shook his head. “Is that how you’re going to address this?” He laughed bitterly. “I hoped for better from you. When I first met you, you held firm and put Theo in his place. Now you’re pretending to be ignorant.” His nose wrinkled. “I should’ve known better, especially since you were with Theo and now knowing who your parents were.”

“This isn’t an act.” Oh, how I wished I could’ve said anything besides that hard truth. But I needed him to tell me what the problem was. “If you’re upset we didn’t come here sooner after the attack, there were—”

He scoffed. “Please. We’re strong enough to fight Queen Kel’s wolves, and I was fine when I learned that you were going somewhere to get answers. You coming here with no solution would’ve been a waste of time for the both of us. This hasnothingto do with that.”

Then I crossed my arms as Bodey and Samuel flanked me. I held out a hand. “Then whatisthe concern?” I gestured to the twenty strong shifters behind him. “I’m here to find answers now and to check on you all.”

Lynerd bared his teeth. “After the stunt you pulled this morning, we don’t want your help. You’ve made it clear where your priorities lie.”

I stared at him, holding his gaze. Every damn time, he spoke in riddles.

Bodey’s hand clenched. “You will not continue to talk to yourqueenand mymatelike that.”

“She may be the queen, but I don’t respect her.” Lynerd straightened, his gaze mocking me. “Not anymore.”

A lump formed in my throat, but I tried to ignore it. “Please enlighten me as to what I’ve done wrong. All I want to do is talk to you and Sybil.”

He laughed darkly. “That will be hard to do after the shit you pulled this morning.”

I froze, hoping like hell I’d misunderstood him.

Samuel cleared his throat. “What do you mean? We’re going to need you to be clear.”

Eyebrows rising, Lynerd’s gaze flickered between Samuel, Bodey, and me. His tone held disbelief. “You truly don’t know?”

“Unfortunately, we don’t.” Bodey’s jaw clenched. “So please, enlighten us.”

“Zeke left with Sybil two hours ago.” Lynerd crossed his arms. “Saying that you wanted him to protect her.”

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