Page 34 of Chosen Destiny

I spun around, snarling at the red car, ready to attack. Yes, the witches had magic, but I wouldn’t lie down and take a beating. It wasn’t ingrained in me. If it had been, I would’ve given up years ago.

Four more MINI Cooper electric cars followed the first. I blinked. I’d never seen so many electric cars together in one place.

The passenger door of the front car opened, and a young witch close to my age stepped out and threw her hands toward me. “Blast them out of the way,” she chanted.

I dug my paws into the grass, racing toward her. The blast would hit me before I could reach her, but at least I’d be closer to her once I came around, hopefully. I braced myself, waiting for the pain, but a flash of wind breezed past me.

A yelp from beside me caught my attention, and I glanced over to see an enemy wolf slam into the house.

My legs faltered, and I looked back at the witch, who was lowering her hands.

She beamed, her cognac eyes warm. “We got you, Your Majesty.”

I tilted my head, wondering if this was a dream. The witch had lifted me inside a tornado, and now she was vowing to protect me. Her actions were at odds.

Oh, by the way, our witches may get there before us,the older man who had to be the alpha linked again.They decided to drive instead of trying to keep up with us while we’re in animal form.

I almost laughed.That would’ve been good to know five minutes ago. We thought they were Queen Kel’s backup.Some of the tension rolled off me, and I linked with all of our wolf shifters, informing them of what was going on.

With fresh eyes, I turned from the five cars and noted that I no longer saw enemy wolves running past.

Sorry, I didn’t think they’d get there that fast, and I was talking with Lynerd.The alpha sounded regretful.But you’re right. I should’ve notified you immediately. He recommended that I tell you we were on our way.

That was enough to cool my annoyance. I couldn’t fault someone for making a mistake while under pressure—gods knew I’d been making them left and right, and unlike some alphas, he’d apologized without sounding sarcastic.

We’re all under stress, but that’s not a good excuse. Next time, talk to both Lynerd and me.I didn’t want to discount Lynerd right after putting him in power. I needed the Oregon advisor with me, not working against me like Zeke had been.

You got it, Your Majesty.

I didn’t like that title, but I didn’t want to correct him. I was new to the position and needed as much authority as I could muster, which included using the honorific.

Dad’s death came to the forefront of my mind. Mom needed help, especially if Pearl was giving her shit, not wanting to be there.

With the witches here, I didn’t feel right leaving, so I linked with Jack, Lucas, Samuel, Miles, Theo, Jasmine, and the former advisors,Can two of you split off and help my mom bring my dad’s body here? She’s there with Pearl, James, and Bryson, and I don’t trust them.My throat constricted as my vision blurred. Even in wolf form, I couldn’t hide from the loss of the man who’d been the closest thing I’d had to a father.

I’ll go,Jack linked.He’s Stevie’s dad too. It seems right that I should be there.

I’ll join Jack,Theo said.Your father was from my pack, and I should help bring him in and get everything ready for the burial.

Theo stepping up as alpha eased some of my concerns. I was afraid he wouldn’t be assertive enough to lead, and I hoped he continued to prove me wrong.

Jasmine and Lucas, can you two please keep an eye on Zeke? He needs constant supervision. Miles and the former advisors, can you get everyone back here and account for injuries and deaths?I hated to say the last word, but I could feel the cold spots in my chest from the loss of life.And Samuel, could you shift back into human form and join me? There are five cars full of witches here, and I’d like for you to address them with me. I’ll take them to my old house so I can find a change of clothes.

On my way,Samuel said.

Shaking my wolf head, I huffed, trying like hell to communicate with the witch. I nodded toward my old house. I’d taken all my favorite clothes to my new home with Bodey, but I had left some behind.

The witch tossed her long caramel-colored hair over her shoulder. “We’ll follow you.”

Taking off through the neighborhood, I noted Theo’s pack returning to their homes. Several of them were moving slowly, but most didn’t seem injured. Pearl, running across Kel’s wolves and warning our parents, had given the pack time to prepare and bought us time to arrive.

As members of my former pack trotted past me, a few of the stronger members Zeke had favored made a point of looking everywhere but at me. Most of the women in the pack stared at me with what I thought might be hope—hope that I could make a difference?

I wasn’t sure I could. So far, during my week as queen, we’d been attacked, my dad had been killed, and I’d lost my fated mate to my adversary. If that wasn’t the worst first week any new leader had experienced, I felt sorry for them.

The cars followed me as I trotted to my parents’ house. Though my side and shoulder were healing, each time my front paw hit the ground, my body twinged with pain.

Hey,Bodey linked.

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