Page 55 of Chosen Destiny

I had to join them. I linked to the two of them to sort out the plan.We should go down the stairs and under the house so we can see through the lattice opening from that spot underneath the porch. Heading out the front door will make us a target.

We needed to surround whoever was here.

I’ll be right back,I linked to Bodey and turned to the back door. I didn’t want to tell him what was going on, fearing he’d try to join us.

His alarm rang through our bond, and my breath caught. I’d hoped he’d be distracted with his injuries, but I should’ve known better. Maybe I shouldn’t have touched him after all. Being unconscious would have prevented him from fighting, although, if he was awake, at least he could protect himself if our enemies made it inside.

He groaned, and the couch squeaked as I reached the back door. He was sitting up, but I didn’t falter, rushing outside.

The two former advisors rushed down the steps to the cutout at the bottom of the house. The house was on stilts in the back to stay level with where the front side met the earth, with a small latticed bottom that would allow us to see the front yard and driveway.

We should’ve gone to a new location, but in our state of recovery, our options had been limited, and none of us could have made a long drive. Besides, we couldn’t leave Russell and his pack behind after everything they’d done for us.

What’s going on?Bodey linked.

My stomach sank hard, but I refused to lie to him.There’s an unknown car outside.

Phil disappeared from sight, and I raced to catch up with Carl.

I felt bad leaving Bodey, but Jasmine, Katelin, and Michael were covering the front, and the former advisors and I were watching the back. As long as we could hold off Kel’s people, he’d be safest inside. I refused to let my mate be taken from me again.

Dammit, Callie,he groaned.I’m coming. I won’t sit here while you’re at risk.His anger flowed into me, along with his determination. He and I could argue later; right now, my goal was to protect him.

I reached the bottom of the steps and hurried across the concrete ground under the house, following the former advisors. The faint smell of smoke from the grill hung in the air, and my stomach rumbled.

Pain pulsed through my bond with Bodey, causing my chest to clench. I linked,Get back on the couch. I’ll let you know if we need you.

Not happening.His suffering pulsed through me more strongly.I need to be there with you.

Carl had a rifle, and he jogged past the grill and the round table to Phil. The area shrank, and the three of us were soon on our hands and knees, crawling across the dirt toward the lattice so that we were at eye level with the front lawn and driveway.

I didn’t hear a vehicle running, just Michael’s, Jasmine’s, and Katelin’s heavy breathing from their spot behind the bushes in front of the house.

So far, there’s only one vehicle. If you come out here injured and I have to protect you, we could both get hurt.I needed him to stay put… needed him to be safe.If more people come or we expect an ambush, I’ll let you know. I promise.

Bodey hesitated, but the pain eased as if he wasn’t moving around like before.Fine, but as soon as it happens, you tell me. I’ll be waiting.

I couldn’t blame him. If our roles had been reversed, I’d be acting the same way—begrudgingly appeasing.Thank you.Wanting to keep him informed, I added Jasmine and Michael to our link.Have you spotted any more vehicles? I don’t smell or hear anything out of the ordinary.One car made me nervous. Normally, Kel used force to get what she wanted, and this didn’t seem like her. What other attack might she have up her sleeve?

Just the one,Michael replied worriedly.Four women are sitting inside.

Phil asked,What are they doing? And I’m surprised Kel sent only women.

Nothing. They’re just sitting there,Michael answered.I’m about to leave my spot and head down to them.

Something wasn’t right.If it’s all women, they could be witches. We know Kel works with witches, and she could have more allies here. If their goal is to make us nervous, they’ve succeeded. Either they’re here to distract us, or they want us to strike first.

Dammit, I’m coming,Bodey connected.I can’t sit in here with you all out there. It’s making me sick.

A sharp wince damn near crumpled me over. Bodey was trying to stand again. I swallowed a growl.Bodey…!I warned.

One of the women just put a phone to her ear,Jasmine linked.They must be ready to make their move.

Shit. This was horrible. I wasn’t sure how we could fight against witches, especially when we didn’t have any here to help us. From everything I’d learned, witches’ magic drained quickly, but they were super powerful until that happened.

My phone rang, startling me.

What’s wrong?Bodey linked.

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