Heart of a Wolf

There’s also a complication.” Her voice shook at the end. “Our healer can’t find his way around her injuries. She’ll survive, but without an hours-long surgery that requires an entire team, her movement might be impaired. She was already struggling with her place in the pack, but if she lost her mobility as well…” Fallen shook her head and left it at that.

“Val,” I said, standing up before approaching the bars between us.

“I’m talking about Ash and you have the audacity to ask about your sister? Unbelievable.”

“Val’s a veterinarian,” I told her. “I know it isn’t exactly what you need, but seeing as the pack would never let me in to help…”

“An extra set of hands would be most appreciated,” Fallen agreed. “However, considering she’s still in shock about last night, it’s unwise.”

“Let me talk to her. Please. It’ll only take a moment.”

“Need I remind you your wolf tried to kill Val less than twelve hours ago? No. I’m not going to let you anywhere near her or the rest of the pack.” She paused a moment, then said,

“Though I suppose I could bring her here. It’d have to be quick, and you’ll let me know if you feel your wolf starting to surface again, right?”

“Yes. Just let me help. Let me undo the damage I’ve done.”

“With your sister’s hands?” Fallen asked, offering me a sideways glance.

“You know what I mean.”

“I’ll go and see if she’d be willing to help.”

Without saying another word, Fallen turned away, leaving me in the shed by myself and with no one else around to guard me.

She returned ten minutes later with my sister following close behind her. Val’s hopeful voice reached me moments before they walked through the shed door. The relief I hoped to see on her face wasn’t there. Her skin was pale, and her eyes widened as soon as she spotted me inside the cell.

“What is this?” she fumed, glaring back at Fallen who’d calmly entered the shed behind her.

“It’s for your safety,” I answered for her, wrapping my hands around the bars. “Look, I don’t have time to explain

right now. All you need to know is that I’m safe and well.”

“

Then it wasn’t a dream,” Val said, placing a hand over her mouth before staggering back into Fallen. “Are you really…

one of them?” Her voice was lower than before, cautious.

“She can still hear you,” I said with a small laugh, “but yes. Unfortunately, that isn’t why you’re here. I need you… I need a favor, one of the biggest ones you’ve ever done.”

“You were gone for a week,” she said with a shake of her head. “Why didn’t you call?” She didn’t look at me then, but there was no mistaking the pain in her voice.

“I… I tried, but I had no idea what to say.”

“How did this even happen?” she asked, continuing toward my cell until Fallen placed a hand on her shoulder. “What?

You won’t even let me hug my sister? What kind of place is this?”

“Here is close enough,” Fallen said, stepping away to give her some space.

I patted the air between us. “Listen, I can explain everything later, but Ash, the pack Alpha, was injured when she… when…”

“She saved your life,” Fallen cut in, her voice eerily calm.

Val’s face paled. “You mean your wolf—”

“I couldn’t control her,” I explained, fighting back the nausea in my throat. “I still can’t, which is why I’m in here.” I gestured at the space inside my cell.