Page 76 of Wolf Heart

CHAPTER21

DEX

"We should go after her," Aspen stares at the forest.

I break a branch over my knee when all I want to do is exactly what Aspen suggests. "Give her some space."

But I know what it's like to find out the truth about someone. About how you think they're trying to protect you, but in reality, it's something completely different. Like how my dad tried to sell me to the wolf fights up north. Thought I could make him a buck and he'd get rid of any potential competition if I died right away.

I ran from that fucker and never looked back.

Now I can't stand that we hurt Juniper, but she had to know. Had to know we had no intention of her getting under our guard. Of wanting to break our promise to the witches.

I toss the branch on the ground and look at the forest. I don't know the direction she went, but I know it won't be hard to track her.

Aspen's mouth set in a grim line. "That's enough time."

With a nod, we both head after her.

Leaves crunch under my feet. The sun hits my face. And it's all so surreal. I have this new life that's completely and totally unlike my old one.

A life that's never going to be the same.

Not since Juniper entered.

I can imagine a life with her.

But I can't forget Juniper's eyes and her tears, her pain. I did that to her. I deserve to feel this pain in my chest with her leaving.

The smell of smoke hits me. I turn around.

Juniper is standing in the woods, a fire behind her.

Sheissobeautifulwith herwildhair andsolemneyes,herbodytensingas she spots me.

Why isn't she running? The flames crackle and chew the ground toward her. Smoke rises around her in a dark halo.

"Juniper," I yell and race forward.

She smiles and holds up a hand. "Tell me you are my only mate."

"What?" I skid to a stop. My wolf lets out a mournful whine.

The flames rush, swirling around her feet.

"Juniper, come with me and Aspen. We'll get you to safety."

Her eyes blaze like the fire. "We don't need Aspen. We just need each other." Her pale arms lift, beckoning me. "Claim me. I'm yours alone."

"No." I shake my head. "We are pack. All four of us." When Aspen and I mated with her, I felt our connection. She's our mate.

"You wish to share me?"

My heart pounds in my ears as I get closer. My muscles spasm from the heat that makes me feel like my insides are boiling. Yet, I see the pain in her eyes and it nearly brings me to my knees. Where is this coming from? She knows Aspen and I both want to claim her, but she's the one holding back because her wolf wants Michael… Is this because Raven's not here and she thinks he's rejecting her too? "Please, step away from the flames."

Tears stream down her face, and her cheeks are flushed. I reach out a hand to her and she lets out an ear-piercing shriek.

My heart rips from my chest as I yell and dive for her. But there's a weight wrapped around me like chains, tethering me in place.

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