Page 40 of Chosen Destiny

I couldn’t shake the cold that engulfed me. What sort of monster was she? “Fine, then I’d better get going.”

“Take the Horse Meadow trail and stop a mile in where the trees are thick to ensure no one sees us. We’ll be there. I’ll have only ten people with me, so don’t bring more than that yourself. I promise, as long as you don’t do anything foolish, no harm will come to any of you.”

Samuel typed in the location. It was a trail in the park that was recommended to visit between April and October. It was also classified as a day hike, so at this time of year, we should be the only people out there. That was her plan, and it was one I could support. We didn’t need any additional people getting injured. “Fine. See you at four.” Just as I removed the phone from my ear to hang up, Kel called out, “Oh, Caroline.”

I winced but placed the phone back to my ear. “Yes?”

“Don’t do anything rash.” She snorted. “Because I won’t hesitate to kill your mate.” This time, she hung up.

You can’t meet her,Bodey linked desperately.You need to let me go.

I shook my head and pressed my hand over my heart.

“What’s wrong?” Jasmine asked.

“He wants me to let him d-die.” My voice cracked on the last word.

Phil lifted a hand. “We won’t let that happen, but you have to make Bodey believe you’re handing yourself over. Otherwise, Queen Kel will know we have something in the works.”

My heart ached. I didn’t want to lie, but if this was the cost of getting us back together, I’d do it. I nodded and linked back with Bodey,I love you too much. I can’t let it happen.It was the truth; I hadn’t lied. I’d just misled him.

Jack crossed his arms and stared at Russell. “How did you know she’d want to meet close by?”

“I guessed.” He blew out a breath. “She lives near Valyermo, California, and this area is near the California border, close to northern Nevada, with the best forest. I assumed she’d want to meet us within eight or so miles of here. I got lucky.”

Russell, knowing where the queen lived when I didn’t, proved how much I didn’t know.

No, you can’t,Bodey sounded broken.

Before I could respond to my mate, the attacks began on him again. There was not much I could do, so I lay on the couch and took as much of the pain from him as possible.

* * *

After the call,the seriousness of the situation sank in. Lynerd and Russell stopped fighting, and Russell informed us that he’d brought twenty-five men, plus himself and Katelin.

Lynerd had insisted that five of his pack members come down with us. His pack was the closest to this location, so I didn’t fight him, not that I would’ve anyway. The attacks on Bodey were near constant. Kel was making her point, and it was very effective. I’d hand myself over to her now if she’d let me.

The rest of Russell’s guys had been grilling, and they brought up hamburgers, steaks, and hot dogs, but I couldn’t eat much. Everyone was on edge, me worst of all, with Jasmine and Michael right behind me.

We pulled into the parking lot at two a.m. to prepare. Russell and his pack were parking several miles away. We’d researched everything we could about the trail and had a grasp on the area where Kel wanted to meet us. Jasmine had gone with Russell so we could link with her to tell her when to attack.

The attacks on Bodey had stopped, and his link had cooled. I assumed he’d passed out. That was better than the alternative, but I feared the state he was in.

Remember to secure your knives,I linked as I reached down and checked my own around my ankle. After the last meeting with Kel, none of us would risk meeting her unarmed. We’d been foolish last time, and this time, she might hurt one of our own.

As we climbed from our vehicles, no one spoke. The cool breeze brushed past us, and when I reached the pine and aspen trees where the trail began, I could already smell shifters.

And two familiar scents.

Queen Kel was here… and so was Bodey. My heart pounded against my ribs as my gut clenched. Why couldn’t I feel more warmth through our connection?

Something was wrong—and I was going to find out what it was.

CHAPTERTHIRTEEN

My wolf surged forward,forcing my legs to move. She was desperate to get to our mate, but a hand grabbed my arm, tugging me backward.

Kel’s wolves were several miles out, both a blessing and a curse. They wouldn’t know we were here because they couldn’t hear us from that far away.

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