Page 46 of Stealthy as a Wolf

“They don’t fight fair. If you’re forced to accept the challenge—”

“They will die.” Grady didn’t say it arrogantly, more like a statement of fact. “When the Summit learns what they’ve done—including unlawful imprisonment and forced mating—they will be outlawed. Going with us is your best chance to have a normal future. You just have to be brave enough to take it.”

A tremor went through me, reaching so deep that my very bones ached. I swallowed hard, clutching my chest when my heart palpitated wildly. Being free sounded like an impossible dream, one I’d never dared to hope was possible. “What if you’re wrong? What if—”

“Maggie…” Matty touched my knee, stopping me from spiraling further. “We can do this. You saved me, now let us save you.”

“They’re right,” Boone said, his blue eyes softening when they landed on me. “We’ll be safer together. Stronger.”

I released a shuddering breath, unable to think coherently, only feeling the chaotic emotions bombarding me. They left me numb and exhausted and not sure what to believe. “What if you’re wrong?” My voice was hoarse.

Because if theywerewrong, I would be sent back to my worst nightmare.

* * *

BURKE

Ididn’t mean to make the offer, but blind panic struck hard and fast the moment Maggie said she was going to leave. A bottomless pit cracked open inside my soul at the thought of her disappearing from my life.

From my earliest memories, I’d only ever wanted one thing—my freedom.

Common sense said I should remain focused on the mission, get the kid to the Summit, and collect my fee. After years of working our asses off, we almost had enough money to be able to buy our freedom from the streak—the group of tigers our mother ruled with an iron fist.

I was beginning to suspect Maggie had a way of dismantling even the best-laid plans.

But when I thought of my future without her in it, the dream felt tarnished and empty.

“And what if this is your one chance to break free from your past? Can you really afford to say no?” I stalked toward her, towering over her where she sat on the bed, but the foolish chit didn’t have the decency to even look nervous. She stared up at me with her big, golden eyes, and I was so unreasonably angry at her that a muscle ticked in my jaw. “I didn’t take you for the kind of girl who would give up without a fight.”

I braced myself for her rage, waited for her to tear into me, but she only blinked up at me with wide eyes. For the first time in my life, I wanted a woman to fight for me, and I deflated when she didn’t budge.

Like I wasn’t good enough.

And that infuriated me. I leaned down and grabbed her by the shoulders, dragging her off the bed and onto her feet. “If you won’t fight for yourself, then I’ll do it for you.”

I shook her for good measure, then dropped her on the bed, afraid of what I would do if I didn’t release her. Not that I would lift a hand against her. It wasn’t physically possible for me to harm the girl. No, I was worried I would kiss her with all my frustration and rage, and I was terrified that I would never stop until I finally claimed her for my own.

Needing time to clear my head, I began packing our stuff. If I didn’t keep busy, I was afraid I might put my thoughts into action. Muttering to myself about idiotic women and even dumber men who put up with their shit, I turned and came to a stop when I found Maggie standing in my way.

“I’ve been fighting for what feels like my whole life.” She rested her forehead against my chest and heaved a heavy sigh. “I’m just so tired. I’m not sure how much longer I can keep going.”

My heart cracked at her raspy confession, and I cupped the back of her neck, dragging her close, every protective instinct in me coming alive as I cradled her gently against me. “Then let us take over. Let us take this burden. Just say yes.”

With her so close, I could feel her exhaustion and the tumultuous emotions that threatened to drown her. Feeling helpless, needing to protect her, I swept her off her feet and sat in the chair by the window, glaring at the other men, daring them to say anything about me being a possessive asshole.

They quickly went about packing up the rest of the room, giving us the illusion of privacy, but I didn’t doubt that they were watching and listening to every word. I shifted uncomfortably in the chair, feeling queasy at the thought of being the sole one responsible for convincing her to give us a chance. If I fucked this up, I alone would be to blame for my brother and the others losing their mate.

Maggie released a sigh, snuggling against my chest, and I froze, unsure of what the hell I was supposed to do.

“Why would you help me?”

She sounded so lost that my heart ached. I knew what it was like to be alone. At least I had my brother to keep me sane. Maggie had no one. I was determined to be that person for her. My voice was gruff when I spoke. “This is what pack does for each other.”

“Are we a pack?” She stilled in my arms, her eyes riveted on my face, like my answer was the only thing that mattered.

Alarm shot through me, and I reflexively tightened my arms around her. If I said the wrong thing, she would vanish from my life, and the fear was crushing. “Yes, absolutely, but you need to let us into your life. Do you think you can do that?”

Everyone in the room froze, looking like they were playing some sort of fucked-up game of Twister. Grady looked impassive, but I had no doubt that he would try and rip out my spine for pushing Maggie if she didn’t give the answer he wanted. Matty didn’t look like he cared one way or the other, and I didn’t doubt that he would be true to his word and slip away at the first possibility if she said no.

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