Page 171 of Shadow City: Silver Wolf

Hoping to keep the insults from starting, I turned the page to find different handwriting looped across it with a date a few days later. Red-hot anger filled me. “Apparently, after the silver wolves escaped, Azbogah called a meeting of the angels and declared Ophaniel a traitor. He proclaimed the only acceptable penance was death.”

“For protecting his family?” Killian sounded shocked.

I nodded, needing a moment before I could continue.

Griffin interlocked his fingers behind his head. “Did someone stand up for him?”

“No. The silver wolves weren’t there to help them regain control, so they let the angels proceed.” Cowards. That was what they all were. “Yelahiah says she tried to stop the execution, but it was too late. Azbogah chopped off Ophaniel’s head, and Ophaniel didn’t even try to fight back, wanting them to take their wrath out on him instead of his family.”

“No wonder Azbogah and Yelahiah are at odds.” Griffin sounded disgusted.

And I couldn’t blame him. For Yelahiah to watch her brother die, knowing she’d done nothing to stop it…I imagined that would make her hate not only Azbogah, but herself, too.

A low growl emanated from Griffin’s chest, and he cleared his throat. “I hate to interrupt, but we have a situation.”

That was just a variation of us having a problem, and I’d lost count of how many times I’d heard it today. “What’s wrong?”

“There’s trouble within Shadow City’s gates.” Griffin pinched the skin at his throat. “We’re needed there immediately, along with Killian.”

I shut the book. “Then I guess we need to go.” I turned to Bart. “How do we contact you?”

“Easily.” Bart walked to me and lowered his head, submitting to me. “I am now part of your pack, and you are my alpha, as it should be.”

A warm spot popped into my chest, followed by twenty-four more. My heart swelled until I thought it might burst. I could feel not only a connection to them but also their well-being. I hadn’t expected him to do that. This must be how my dad had felt every day. I sensed anxiety, worry, and love wafting through each connection, identifying each person’s mental state. I couldn’t hear their thoughts, but the general gist of their mental states flowed into me. And my uncle pulsed with pride. “You didn’t have to do that.”

“I know, but I wanted to,” he said and closed the distance between us to hug me. “You’re even stronger than your dad realized, and I’m so lucky I finally got to meet you and Cyrus.” He released me and hugged my brother.

Julius stiffened and patted Bart’s back awkwardly, but then he stilled and looked at me. “I can’t come with you to Shadow City, or people will see me.” He gestured at Bart. “Why don’t I stay with him?”

Ugh, he was right, but I didn’t want to put that burden on Bart. “We can drop—”

“No, it’s fine.” Bart tapped his head. “I’ll link you and tell you where we land. He can stay with us. In fact, if you bless me, I should be able to help him shift and run for the first time.”

“Bless you?” I had no idea what that even meant. “Like sneezing?”

Killian burst out laughing. “I’ve never heard you sound anything less than smart until this moment.”

Nope, I wasnottaking any shade from him. “Then what does it mean, asshole?”

His laughter cut off as his face smoothed. “Um...I’m not sure.”

“So I’m not the only idiot.” I stuck my tongue out at him. It’d been a while since he and I ragged one another. It felt nice, even though this wasn’t the best time.

“But I didn’t—”

Bart pinched his lips together like he was trying not to smile and cut off Killian. “Just push some of your alpha will toward me, allowing me to borrow a little bit of your power until the shift is over.”

That sounded so simple, but I was clueless about how to do it.

“Let your wolf guide you.” Bart encouraged. “She’s mixed with your angel side and knows exactly what to do.”

“Like an angelic wolf?” Killian asked, wide-eyed. “With wings and all?”

Now I couldn’t not give him shit. “AndIsound like an idiot?”

“Hey.” Killian frowned, but there was warmth in his eyes.

Griffin took my hand and chuckled. “She’s got you there, man.”

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