Page 35 of Chosen Destiny

My heart pounded against my rib cage. How I wished he could be here beside me.Hey, sorry. It’s been crazy here.

I could tell, and I was trying not to distract you, but I was scared there for a while. And I can tell you’re injured.

His unhappiness wafted between us as my parents’ house came into view. I replied,It’s fine. It’s mostly healed.Then I updated him on everything.

Baby, I’m so sorry. I’d give anything to be there with you.

Me too, but for now, this had to be enough. At least he wasn’t being tortured, and we could talk with each other.You’re still aching too.He didn’t get to act like I was the only one hurting.

I’ll be fine,he replied.Don’t worry about me.

I snorted, unable to help it. A few of the wolves trotting past me to get home glanced at me. Everyone had shifted to get out of the neighborhood as fast as possible.

As I reached the house, reality slammed into me. Dad would never walk through this door again. I pawed at the handle, opening the door. With tears in my eyes, I ran through the living room and into the bedroom Stevie and I used to share. I linked with Bodey,I don’t know what I’m supposed to say to Mom, Pearl, and Stevie.

What do you mean?

I shut the door and pulled my wolf from my mind. Within seconds, I was human and walking past the stripped bed that had been mine to the closet.Kel attacked here because of my family. Why else would she have mentioned my parents before knocking you out? It’s my fault Dad died.

Bodey’s heartbreak pushed into me, and the ache inside me doubled. He said with venom,Itisn’tyour fault, baby. Yes, Kel meant to capture them to hold them over you along with me, but that’s no reflection on you.

I slipped on one of Stevie’s black shirts and a pair of jeans that had more holes than cloth, but at least my privates were covered. The deep pain in my chest made breathing hard.That doesn’t make me feel any better. Everyone I love is in danger because of me.

No. Everyone is in danger, not just the people you love, because of Queen Kel. You aren’t the person causing this.

He was right. Part of meknewthat, but something inside me couldn’t grasp it.If I wasn’t queen—

Then everyone Samuel was close to would be in danger. You aren’t the problem. Kel is after whoever the ruler is, and whether it was you or Samuel, she would’ve targeted me.

Bodey’s capture and my dad’s death had me questioning my ability to lead.I feel like my decisions keep giving her the advantage.I blew out a breath. He was the one person I could share anything with, but I hated to lean on him when he was in danger.

Babe, I love you, and you’re doing your best.He paused, and my stomach knotted.

But?

But nothing. You need to trust your gut and realize a lot of this is out of everyone’s control, and I promise I’ll be there for you more when I get out of here.

What do you mean?I looked at Stevie’s unmade bed. Her black comforter was tossed to one side, and I realized it was probably from the morning she’d rushed to reach the coronation site. I shook my head, though Bodey couldn’t see me.You’ve been there for me the entire time.

I know, but being away and seeing the bigger picture, I’m realizing some things. Things I want to talk to you about… if I ever get out of here. You should trust your gut if it screams at you that something’s off, even if Samuel disagrees. You two aren’t the same people, so if he thinks something is right and you disagree, that doesn’t mean your thoughts are wrong.

I hadn’t thought of it that way.I grew up being treated as worthless, and I’ve only ever had to make decisions for myself. Now I’m deciding on behalf of thousands of people, and I need help to gain confidence. I appointed Lynerd to Zeke’s role, and Samuel wasn’t happy with the decision.

Samuel is your brother and loves you no matter what he thinks.Bodey pushed comfort toward me.You’re amazing and strong, and I don’t want you to discredit yourself.

My heart skipped a beat. Even when he was far away and kidnapped by my nemesis, he had a way of making me feel completely loved.I love you.I didn’t know how else to convey everything inside me. He was the lyrics to the perfect song, one I would never tire of listening to.

Samuel linked,Callie? Is everything okay? The witches and I are outside waiting, and we’re starting to worry.

I exhaled, not wanting my time with Bodey to end. But I needed to get out there. I connected with Bodey,I’ve gotta go talk to the witches.

Okay. I’m tired anyway,Bodey replied.I’ll try to get some sleep on this wet, cold floor.

My chest throbbed.I love you, and I will get you out of there.That was one promise I was damn sure going to keep.

Focus on keeping yourself safe. Losing you is the one thing I could never endure.

As I walked through the living room to the front door, the house seemed eerie, like Dad’s essence was lingering. The sense of loss was overwhelming. The reality that I’d never again see him in the kitchen watching Mom cook or sitting on the couch watching hockey slammed into me with its finality.

---