Page 54 of Wolf Tormented
“Argh,” I scream. “I told him this was fucking stupid. How the fuck am I supposed to find out what the pack needs if they won’t talk to me?”
“I can help if you want. Just until the alpha calms down,” McKenna offers.
I start to shake my head, clenching my fists at my sides and rolling my shoulders back. I’m about to burst into his office and let Archer have it, but deflate.
“Yeah, I can’t be hotheaded when it comes to the pack’s needs.
“That would be very helpful, McKenna,” I grumble.
I hate that I have to ask McKenna to do this because Archer’s being an ass.
“This won’t be forever, Jara,” Angela says.
“Won’t it? He said I don’t care about my own safety and if I won’t protect myself, he will protect me from myself.” I roll my eyes.
“It will get better as soon as the humans get out of our woods,” Angela whispers.
I nod, but I am not as convinced as she is about that. Optimism when it comes to Archer and his bullshit isn’t something I am allowing myself to have anymore.
“I’m going to walk around some more and see if I can get anyone to talk to me.” I smile at McKenna.
She nods, but her eyebrows are raised like she doesn’t believe it will help. Either way, I have to try. I refuse to give up on the pack’s needs.
There’s a tug on my sleeve, and I’m surprised and a little pissed to see that it’s Libby. What happened to the tiny blonde tornado that usually screams and hugs me with full force?
Even my tiny friend is acting weird with Angela here. Damnit!
“Hey, Libby, what’s up?” I ask.
Her lip wobbles and tears fill her eyes as I crouch in front of her.
“I’m sorry I got you into trouble,” she cries and throws her arms around my neck.
“Hey, don’t cry. It’s okay.” I rub soothing circles on her back.
I was protecting her, and whether Archer likes it or not, I would do the same thing all over again. She’s just a child.
“Daddy said he heard you crying,” she whispers close to my ear.
I widen my eyes at Angela. That isn’t something anyone wants leaked to the pack.
“Shh, it’s okay. I was sad for different reasons. It wasn’t because I got in trouble.” I hold her at arm’s length. “Let’s not tell anyone else what your dad heard though, okay?”
She widens her eyes and nods quickly. She’s way smarter than any nine-year-old I’ve met before.
“I promise,” she says.
“I need another promise. I need you to promise me that you won’t shift again and go out in the woods. It’s very dangerous.”
“I promise. Daddy said he would string me up if I do.” Libby crosses her arms.
I chuckle because that is definitely something Patrick would say just from sheer frustration alone.
“We are just scared for you. We don’t want anything to happen to you.” I ruffle her hair.
Libby scowls and smooths her hair. “You messed up my hair.”
Angela chuckles. “I think after the stunt you pulled, squirt, you had that one coming.”
