Page 42 of The Dark War

“Da!” Evelyn spoke happily, trying to climb up from the whickered basket. She held out her hand, waving it frantically until we sat up. Picking her up, Kane cradled her into his chest.

Smiling at my little girl, I wiggled her toes. She was so tiny, so vulnerable, but even at the young age she was, she was strong. She could sit independently and play with toys, and her cognitive development was just the same as a ten-month-old.

“Little warrior,” Kane mumbled. “You are supposed to be sleeping.” His head tilted, squinting his eyes in warning. Evelyn smiled, two tiny teeth popping up through the gums.

“Kane!” I whined, putting my fingers into her mouth. “She’s got teeth now!” I sniffed. “My baby isn’t going to be a baby much longer.” Kane laughed, pulling me back into his lap, his two favorite girls now resting in his large body.

“Like I said, I’ll be happy to give you more pups.” He wiggled his eyebrows. “As many as you want to satisfy that baby hunger you have.” Slapping his chest playfully, Evelyn did the same, smiling back at me.

“Is Daddy being a stinker?” I playfully spoke to Evelyn. She babbled back her partial gummy smile and tapped his broad chest again.

“More like daddy is being a dick,” he whispered, raising his brows and kissing her cheek.

“Language,” I muttered while nudging him. Then my little Evelyn said her third word.

“Dick!” she squealed.

Please, gods no.

“Oh, shit,” Kane said under his breath, but those dang wolf ears on our daughter picked it right up.

“Oh, shit!” She waved her hands in happiness. Glaring at Kane, his face went from shocked to pure horror as my mouth opened to chastise him. Pulling my finger out to wave it in his face for teaching our daughter dirty words, a blunt bang came to the side of the carriage.

Rocking the carriage back and forth, Kane set Evelyn in my lap, pulling the drapes back. Marcus banged on the side of the carriage with his fists, blood dripping down his face. “Alpha.” Marcus frantically hit on the carriage again.

Why isn’t he mind-linking?

“Stay here, lock the door,” Kane’s commanding voice left no room to argue as he opened the door and stepped out. Pulling Evelyn to my chest, I sat by the window, peeking outside. The dark curtains that hid the blue moon so we could sleep were the worst decision.

Wolves rushed out of the nearby forest, covered in blood, panting. As much protection as we brought for our caravan, it wouldn’t be enough if we were dealing with the enhanced dark magic.

The horses came to a halt, causing my body to jerk forward from the movement. The howls streamed through the trees as more and more of our warriors came closer to the carriage for protection.

Raine and Dean, both of their fingers intertwined with one another, stood beside the carriage that kept my daughter safe.

Was my daughter safe?

It was nothing but a carriage made of wood and metal that could be easily torn apart by any supernatural. Whatever they were fighting in the woods could easily break in if they wanted.

Raine let go of Dean, coming up to me. Unlocking the door to hear Raine, her heavy pants and beating heart let me know there was more trouble.

“There’s a small rural pack a half a mile from here. The pack is being attacked by three rogue vampires and a witch. They are almost completely slaughtered,” Raine rushed. “Our warriors went in to help, but they can’t heal. The rogue vampires’ ability to fight and withstand the blows is unbelievable.”

More wolves came limping from the woods carrying precious cargo on their backs. Children gripped the furs tightly as they trotted closer to us. “Get the pups in the carriage,” I barked out.

As the small children were led to the carriage, I made room for them all. Many had cuts and bruises, one with white powder all over their tiny body.

“Don’t touch it.” Giana growled in my head.

“Fudge.” I growled out loud. Reaching behind one of the seats, I pulled out water and a cloth, wiping away the powder, making sure not to get it on my skin. Each child had some sort of dust on them. I wiped them all clean while Evelyn sat in her basket in wonder. Her eyes took in the scene, and I swear I saw her fingernails growing.

“Shit,” she muttered.

Oh my gods. I’m going to kill Kane.

Kane’s enormous howl burst through the trees. Another howl from Marcus, one of heartbreak, filled my ears. The children cried out as I tried to hush them, throwing the cloth outside the carriage.

“Shhh,” I cooed. “It’s all right.” Grabbing two little girls and watching the four boys who sat on the opposite side still shook.

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