Page 16 of Betrayed Mate

“My pack…” I needed to say it out loud. “They were murdered. Briar and I are the only two who got away.”

Ryker’s eyes glowed, and he leaned into my space.

I winced and adjusted my grip on the rock.

CHAPTER SIX

Ryker’s irises darkened, the golden flecks in them glowing as his full attention centered on me.

My pulse jolted, and butterflies took flight in my stomach like every organ in my body wanted me to be ready for him to attack.

When he didn’t come closer, my lungs worked a little easier.

“All of your pack?” Ryker clasped his hands in front of him, and his shoulders sagged. “Did you see who did it?”

I nodded but then stopped. “Not really. The Blackwood pack showed up, and I saw Reid lunge toward one of us, but I didn’t see what happened after that. I…suspect they attacked us, but I don’t know for sure. I didn’t see anyone else, but their pack and mine run the same perimeter where our lands divide, so they could’ve detected intruders.” Everything inside me screamed that they’d done it, but I had no proof.

I didn’t understand how they could’ve surrounded us without any warning. We’d been patrolling the area.

Still, it had happened right after the rejection. Reid had painted a target on my back—it couldn’t be a coincidence. Even if they hadn’t attacked us themselves, they must have initiated it. To me, it was one and the same, but I couldn’t say that to theseguys with their reputation of acting first and asking questions later.

I had every intention of discovering who’d decimated my pack. But first, I had to locate Briar and get her to a safe place.

Once I started talking, I couldn’t shut up. “Someone chased Briar and me. I didn’t see who, but their steps didn’t sound like paws. They were in human form but ran quickly. We went to the river to hide our scents, but Briar slipped and…”Nowmy lips closed. They already knew what had happened; I didn’t need to relive that horror again.

“And you’re sure she’s still alive?” Ryker rubbed his dark scruff.

I rolled my eyes, not bothering to hide my annoyance. “Despite what Reid proclaimed, I’m not weak, and I know what a pack link feels like.” With my free hand, I patted my chest. “I feel her. She’s alive.” I had to hold on to that. I wasn’t alone.

I closed my eyes and swallowed tears. I hated to think of Briar handling the loss of our pack alone. We should be together, supporting one another and mourning the ones we loved.

Kendric scowled, and Gage winced and glanced at Ryker and Xander. From the faint glow of their eyes, I knew what was going on. They were discussing me and my situation, and I didn’t like being left in the dark.

But I no longer had a pack to discuss things with. It hit like a punch in the gut. I had no one to bounce ideas off or my dad to counsel me on what the best decision was. I was all alone despite the four people surrounding me.

“It’d be nice if you included me in the conversation.” Not knowing what was going on put me more on edge. For all I knew, Ryker could be alpha-willing them to leave my ass here. Which would be fine. I just needed to know where I stood—no pun intended.

Xander lifted a hand. “We’re discussing everything you told us.”

“Which isn’t needed.” Ryker pursed his lips and shifted his weight to one side. “I’m in agreement that she should remain with us.”

My heart skipped a beat, and I wasn’t sure if it was from relief or fear. “What? Why?” His sudden change of heart waved red flags around like crazy in my mind. “You were ready to leave me here just moments ago.”

“Yeah. Why, man?” Gage crossed his arms, emphasizing his muscular chest. “Why don’t you share with the rest of the class?”

“Man, you haven’t attended a class since senior year of high school.” Xander side-eyed him and continued, “That was eight years ago.”

“The premise applies in this situation.” Gage shrugged. “So shove it.”

“Now isn’t the time.” Kendric’s nostrils flared. “Since the four of us are in agreement, let’s get her back to the rental house so she can clean up while we find her something to wear.”

That sounded like heaven. Maybe it was a reprieve I didn’t deserve after what happened to my pack, but I couldn’t walk around like this if I wanted to find Briar.

“Sounds like a plan to me.” Ryker headed toward the thickening trees.

Not wanting him to change his mind—five wolves would have an easier time tracking down my sister than one—I started to follow. But as soon as I put my weight on my legs, the world spun, and I lost my balance once more.

“Whoa.” Gage’s arms slipped around me, pulling me to his chest. “Don’t worry, princess. As long as I’m around, I’ll catch you.” He winked, and I squirmed a little and looked away.

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