Is the weird name a wolfy thing? She questioned, her hand smacking against my cheek as she surprised me with her speed. Ha, she puffed, grinning hugely. Gotcha.
I arched an eyebrow, but remained still as warmth tingled through my battered face. Didn’t your sister tell you not to heal me?
Her eyes widened. Were you eavesdropping again?
I shifted my gaze to the side. It’s not my fault, I declared defensively. How am I supposed to ignore you when the two of you are chattering in my head? Hmmm?
No one else can hear us, she argued, lifting her hand once she was satisfied my brain was in fact sound and not concussed.
You sure about that? I questioned, causing her nose to crinkle. Also, do not ever refer to anything I do as wolfy. I grimaced just thinking the word and her eyes brightened in amusement. I nodded to the open cell door. Do you think it’s a good idea for you to be in here?
Paige rolled her eyes. Honestly, you’re as bad as Dru.
I’ve heard worse insults.
I wanted to check on you.
She refused to talk to you, I guessed and the air gusted out of her. I’m not sure I can help you.
It’s not me I want you to help, she retorted, staring at me pointedly.
I’m not giving up on her, I assured Paige. But she doesn’t seem exactly eager to leave.
Paige looked at the ground. It’s my fault.
I know. Her gaze shot to mine and I shrugged. Wasn’t exactly hard to figure out. You’re the only thing she loves.
She raised me. She’s protected me every single day of my life. Paige crossed her arms over her chest. But she’s sacrificed everything for me. Her eyes pleaded for understanding. I know a wolf needs a pack.
I’m not sure your sister knows that, I murmured, more to myself than Paige. I’m pretty sure she’s not going to leave, not without you.
Paige frowned. I was afraid you would say that. She waved her hand. You just need to convince her. You’re her mate. Make her.
I leaned back against the wall, shaking my head. It doesn’t work that way. I grimaced, Plus, I don’t want a relationship like that. I gestured to the door. Why don’t you leave with us? She froze, not answering and I sighed. I thought we were past all the secrets.
Depends on the secret, she replied. That one is mine.
Well at the moment, it affects your sister…and me.
Just get her to leave, Paige begged with an intensity that made me study her more closely.
Why? I asked, her urgency contagious. Why now? Why me? What do you think will happen?
Gran will kill her, Paige said simply. It’s only a matter of time.
Why do you think she’ll kill her? I questioned, feeling a little desperate. After all these years?
I didn’t expect Paige’s next words. Gran is determined to destroy the wolf inside of Dru.
But that would kill Dru, I sputtered, dumbfounded.
Yes, but Gran can’t see that. She blames the wolf for everything. And if she succeeds it’ll be too late. Paige’s eyes glistened. I won’t be able to heal Dru from a wound that severe.
Her words made me question how many times she’d already healed Dru and any sympathy I might have felt for her grandmother disappeared. The wolf is part of her. A part of her identity. Paige nodded reluctantly. Pressure built in my chest at the thought of having the wolf taken from me. I couldn’t imagine what it would do to Dru. She’d spent years relying on her wolf for survival, and if losing her wolf didn’t kill her physically, it would break her mentally and emotionally. I don’t know how to convince her to leave, but I won’t let your grandmother hurt her, I promised Paige, and seeing the hope bloom in her eyes my resolve hardened. I had no idea how I was going to uphold my promise but knowing what the stakes were, I knew I would do whatever it took.
Chapter Nine
Dru
Paige? I called out mentally as I dropped onto the bed. She didn’t answer and I flopped back on the bed, exhaustion tugging at me. I touched my lips, remembering the way they tingled when I brushed them against Caleb’s. “You’re a fool,” I announced to the empty room, the words echoing in the cold air. It was so cold I could see my breath which didn’t faze me, but Paige felt the cold more keenly.
I forced myself up, but didn’t bother with shoes as I padded outside and collected firewood. I set more logs on the fire, then stirred the coals until flames flickered to life, warming the air.
You called? She appeared in the doorway, her jacket still on.
Where have you been? I questioned sharply and her expression became guarded. Paige, I sighed. Caleb isn’t some magical knight in shining armor. He’s just a man.