Page 201 of Shadow City: Silver Wolf

I’ll be fine.I couldn’t lie because he could feel the pain through our bond. But if I told him the extent of my wounds, he would be even more upset about me going after Luna, and worse, he’d be distracted.Nothing that won’t heal.In fact, my magic was already kicking in, and the pain was beginning to lessen as the moon rose higher in the sky.

Maybe one of us should go with you.Killian wasn’t thrilled with my actions, either.

No, you’re all engaged in battle as is.If one of them went with me, that would expose another of our guards to additional attack. Right now, looking around, it seemed that we were evenly matched, and I felt bad leaving them. But I had a feeling Luna was the key to figuring out who the hell was behind this mess. Saga must have contacted the person Dick had been working with.Besides, I’m already in the woods.

Damn it, Sterlyn.Griffin growled.Couldn’t you have waited for one of us since you’re hurt? Wait for me, please.

Annoyance flared through me, but I took a deep, calming breath and kept my eyes locked on Luna running ahead. Griffin wasn’t being controlling or possessive; he just hated that I was doing this alone. It had nothing to do with my fighting capabilities.I would, but remember that last time, they had a boat. I don’t want to chance her getting away.If Luna thought we were winning, I could see her zooming off and leaving her allies behind. She was that kind of a narcissistic asshole.Look, Bart is close by. I’ll get him to join me. Does that work?

Fine.Griffin sighed.But the first sign that you might be in trouble, please promise me that you’ll retreat.

Nowthatwas an easy promise to make.I promise. You can’t get rid of me that easily.

Do I need to still be part of this conversation?Killian groaned.I mean, I’m glad that my brother and sister are together—it makes family events so much easier—but I’d rather not hear the mushiness. It’s going to distract me from my fight because if it gets much worse, I’ll have to vomit.

Wow, you have been hanging out with Sierra.Griffin snorted.You’ve grown so dramatic.

You know what? You can kiss my ass,Killian retorted.

Nope, sorry, man.Griffin’s voice grew proud.There’s only one ass I kiss, and yours is definitely not it.

See!Killian’s voice grew higher.I don’t want to hear that shit.

The trees flew past me as I kept my pace, despite their banter.Let me know if you two need me. I’m going to contact Bart like I promised.

I love you.Griffin’s tone grew serious.Call if you get in trouble. I’ll get there as soon as I can.

Be safe, sis,Killian said.

Love you both,I said before shutting down the connection.

Luna cut left, heading in the direction of the water, as I’d feared. That must have been how they’d arrived. Boats putted down the river so regularly, it wouldn’t have alerted the guards. We were going to have to include a river watch in the future. Our enemies must have surveyed us long enough to know the extent of the perimeter we kept an eye on.

One of the key strategies Dad had pounded into me and driven into the other pack members' heads was to be unpredictable. If you had a set schedule, your enemy could easily identify holes in your defenses, leading to attacks that could take out a chunk of your manpower. That was likely what had happened here, and even though Killian and the guards were amazing, it showed that they didn’t have the training that the silver wolves did. It was time to break down the divide and for all wolves to work together, because at the end of the day, we were on the same team.

To ensure that I didn’t close the distance between Luna and me, I had to constantly adjust my pace. I didn’t want to gain on her but rather to play up my injury and make her overconfident. The water’s trickling grew louder. Time to link with Bart.Hey, where are you?

About a half a mile away from Griffin’s backyard,Bart answered immediately, including all the other silver wolf pack members into our connection.What’s the status? It sounds like the battle is still going strong.

I hadn’t been part of a group pack link like this in a month. My heart warmed as the connections flared inside me—which gave me an idea. Why were we still operating in silos? All three of our packs could talk and strategize at once. I linked Killian and Griffin into the conversation so we could all hear one another.I was there a few minutes ago, and it seemed like we were on equal footing. I’m thinking it wouldn’t hurt to have afew of the silver wolves help fight by the house and a few join me.

But right now, the focus needs to be on backing up Sterlyn,Griffin jumped in, ready to lead alongside me.She’s running after Dick’s daughter, and we should assume she’s being led into a trap.

Where are you?Bart asked, concern wafting through the bond.

Heading to the river.We were slowly approaching the area of our first large battle, only weeks ago. Blood from both sides had coated the ground already. We didn’t need more blood spilled, and yet, here we were.There’s a small cutout where a boat can anchor and have easy access to the woods while keeping passengers relatively dry when they disembark. We’re about a quarter-mile from it.

The closer I got, the more scents I smelled. There had to be at least eleven other people there, one of whom was Saga.Dick’s mate is here, too. I smell her.

I picked up your scent, Julius linked.On my way.

That’s not comforting,Griffin growled, not thrilled with my brother being the one to come help me.

The truth was, I didn’t like it, either. Dick was the person who’d worked with him, but being around people who might remind Julius of that didn’t sit well with me. For all I knew, he could decide to switch sides again.

You come here and help the guards near the house,Killian said, siding with Griffin.Griffin and I will go after Sterlyn. We just can’t leave, or our people will be slaughtered.

No, that will take more time. Let the silver wolves join me.I appreciated how loyal Killian and Griffin were to me, but we couldn’t afford to toss strategy aside and let our emotions get in the way.They’re closer, so stand your ground. This is the best way to end it all.

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