Page 48 of Of Wolves and Wives

Ms. Thompson glances at me. She’s quiet for a moment, as though weighing her words, before finally saying, “I knew you could survive.”

“Survive?”

“The trees and what lies beyond. I didn’t expect you to take the weaker one with you. Though, I suppose I shouldn’t be mad. I’ve never liked what he does to the women, and at least out here, she could birth without him present.”

I scoff before asking, “You never lived what he did, but you stand by doing nothing? I would believe your words if your actions weren’t meaningless. You’ve done nothing for the woman. Stood by while he destroys them. Handing over your own kind for the Grey Prince to take as he pleases.”

“I am no human,” she tells me, her eyes narrowing. “I am a half-breed. One of the few who survived. I take no traits from my father, though. Meaning I ended up at the bottom of the wolf ranks, with the other halflings unable to shift. Childbirth killed my own mother, and when I realized the fate in store for me, I decided to do what I could to save as many as I could.”

“Save? How many?”

“Not nearly as many as I would have hoped. But, appearances must always be maintained,” Ms. Thompson says, shooting a look at Rykker as though he’s to be faulted for her own shortcomings.

“I don’t understand. What women have you saved?”

Ms. Thompson sigh before explaining, “Those not chosen, I’ve found ways to ensure they disappear before being sent to their deaths. Many have been sent to different kingdoms to avoid the prince discovering them. Those stuck here, well, I’ve done my best to help them survive childbirth. And to end their misery.”

Her words hit me. I can see the truth of them in her eyes, in the way Rykker doesn’t quite meet my gaze. Not every wolf is terrible. I’m learning. Even as much as I want to deny that. I see how foolish that would be.

“If that is true, then I need your help.”

Ms. Thompson eyes me warily before asking, “With what, girl?”

“I want you to induce my labor,” I say, glancing from her to Rykker.

34

Heath

“What the hell?” I hiss.

Rykker frowns at me, shrugging but not repeating what he’s just told me. We’ve stepped away from our small camp to ensure this conversation isn’t overheard. Peirce watches me, waiting to see my reaction to what Rykker has just told us.

“She could die,” I snap. “It’s too dangerous.”

“I know.”

“What did Ms. Thompson have to say on the matter?”

He sighs before saying, “She’s told Rose of the risks involved.”

“Risks? This is playing with death. I think this goes far beyond simple risks. No, this is far too dangerous. I will not allow for her to do this.”

“This is what Rose wants.”

I grit my teeth as silence falls. Peirce and Rykker exchange a look, one that tells me that they’ve already considered this. They will do as she wants. No matter that this could end in her death. It’s what she wants and they are fools for her. Hell, I’m no better.

“Why?” I finally ask.

“She believes that if the child survives and is the Grey Prince’s heir, that it could save Lyra’s life.”

“Even with the cost to her own life?”

Rykker simply shrugs before reminding me, “It’s not our decision to make. There’s always the chance that she survives and this plan of hers works.”

“It won’t work,” I scoff. “Even under far better circumstances, it wouldn’t work.”

“What if the child isn’t the prince's?” Peirce asks.

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