Page 9 of Betrayed Mate

I opened the door and lifted a brow.You’re joining the night watch?I suspected that she and Dad wanted her there to support me, but I wouldn’t call them on it. If Garret or Carol asked too many questions, she’d be there to help me fend them off.

She smiled and tilted her head. “I thought we both were, but maybe I have a mouse in my pocket since you don’t seem to be part of the equation.”

I rolled my eyes but smirked, once again missing Grams. She’d used so many Appalachian sayings most people had never heard before, and she’d know exactly what to say to me right now to get my head back in order. “You’re mouse-free. I am, in fact, part of the watch tonight.”

Briar winked, knowing she’d pulled the right heartstrings.

“Come on, let’s go.” I threw an arm around her shoulders, and the two of us headed to the living room. Dad was passed outon the recliner, snoring, and Mom had in earbuds, watching a show on her phone.

Still, given her wolf hearing, she looked up as soon as we entered.

You two be safe.She pursed her lips.And I’ll have a huge breakfast made for you in the morning when you get back.

The thought of food made my stomach revolt, but I didn’t want to hurt her feelings.Sounds great.

I hurried over and kissed her cheek, and then Briar and I went out the front door. The cool breeze hit my face, and I glanced up at the full moon. My wolf stirred inside me.

She’d been quiet so far, as if the trauma had impacted her just as hard, but now she came surging forward within me. I stripped off my clothes and allowed her to take hold as Briar did the same.

My bones broke, and my skin tingled as fur sprouted. Within seconds, I was on all fours in wolf form with more enhanced vision, hearing, and sense of smell than I had in human form.

Briar stepped beside me in animal form, and the two of us waited for orders.

I yanked on my links to the twenty other wolves who were running watch tonight.What area do you need us to cover?

Fred, my dad’s official beta, replied,Do you mind taking the route behind your house?

His words were the equivalent of a punch in the gut for so many reasons, but that assignment meant that they weren’t thinking about Reid and me.Sure—

Wait. I meant the area directlyacrossfrom your section of woods,he corrected hurriedly.

There it was. He’d realized his error.

I refused to let them all know how much last night bothered me, so I fudged the truth.It’s fine. Briar and I are already in the woods by our house.

Briar shook her head and whined.Damn, Em. Did you have to lie? I wasn’t ready for the smell of rotten eggs.

Of course she’d smelled my lie.I don’t want them to think I can’t handle it.I bounded in the direction of the trail we’d taken a little over twenty-four hours ago.

Briar fell into a slow run beside me.

Are you sure?Garret linked to me individually.No one would blame you if you’d rather not be anywhere close to the Blackwoods.

Garret was Fred’s son and a year older than me. He spent a lot of time at our place with his father, so we’d become friends at a young age.I’m fine. Promise. I just want everyone to forget the whole thing.

After an extended pause, Fred linked back with everyone,Okay, Briar and Ember will cover the route toward the Blackwoods’ territory.

Ahh… Garret and Fred had been checking in on me. That was fine. I’d gotten my way.

If you need me, just link, and I’ll be there. Carol is breathing heavily over here anyway and driving me crazy,Garret teased.

I laughed. His little sister was two years younger than I was, landing right between Briar and me in age.

Deciding not to encourage him with a response, I focused on the sounds of the woods. Raccoons scurried by, and owls hooted. Some distance away, it sounded as if a fox or smaller predator was hunting for food. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary.

The world hadn’t changed yesterday. The only things impacted were my trust and heart.

Briar and I scouted nearly to the property line and had just turned around to head back when my hackles rose.

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