voice darkens. “What promise I will make is that I will return to your land with my warriors. If you are not in charge upon my arrival, and this mess hasn’t been swept away, I will wipe out all the males on this land, claim the females, and take ownership.”
I swallow hard, a shiver crawling up my spine. Though in a roundabout way, he’s showing Dušan respect. I wonder how different his view would be if he had his whole army with him right now. Would he take advantage of the situation and claim Shadowlands Sector as his own without giving Dušan a chance to win the pack back?
The thought has me tensing my muscles. I don’t know these wolves and while they’re granting Dušan respect now, that doesn’t mean they’re always trustworthy.
Neither Lucien nor Bardhyl comment or disapprove. While the thickness in the air remains, I suspect this is normal behavior among pack leaders.
“If I do not reclaim my sector by the next blue moon, I will not stand in your way,” Dušan answers. “But when we do meet again, I propose we make arrangements for our packs to work together.”
His response startles me. But I also understand its true meaning. If he’s not Alpha of this sector, it’ll be because he is dead. A shiver snakes up the back of my legs at the thought because he will fight to the very end before letting Mad steal his pack. Even if we are outnumbered.
Ragnar gives a slight nod, his upper lip curling slightly, then he turns to Nikos. “Get the girl, and we leave.”
The earlier darkness grows closer, and Ragnar’s gaze lashes over us with his promise.
I don’t dare say a word as Nikos marches into the nearby woods. I glance in the direction of the compound, unable to see it, but I still worry about Mad’s men finding us. I’m jittery and ready to get a move on.
Bardhyl steps toward the Alpha and starts talking to him in another language… which I can only assume is Danish. When the man responds, Bardhyl breaks into laughter.
I exchange a look with Lucien, who shrugs.
“Meira!” a female voice suddenly cries out. I turn to see Jae running toward me. She crashes into me with a strong embrace, taking me by surprise. “I’m so sorry,” she says, taking my hands in hers. “I tried to stop them from exchanging you, but they didn’t listen to me. I was worried sick for you.” She throws her arms around me once more, hugging me so tightly, I can barely breathe.
“I’m all right.” I break free and grasp her hands in mine. “Are these Alphas trustworthy? You’re sure they’ll take you to your sisters?”
She’s nodding before I finish talking and sticks her hand into the pocket of her pants. When she pulls it out, she unfurls her fingers and reveals a gold bird-shaped brooch with a large emerald right in the middle. It’s beautiful, and I don’t remember the last time I saw jewelry.
“It belongs to my sister, Narah. When they found me, they gave me the brooch once they found me as proof.” She leans in closer and whispers, “I have to believe my sister hired them.” Her lower lip trembles as she offers me a lopsided grin. This means everything to her. Since first meeting her in the woods, she’s had one mission: find her sisters. I pray to the moon that she will find her family and these wolves are indeed honorable.
“I really hope so.”
“We’re leaving,” Ragnar announces.
I hug Jae one more time. “I hope we can see each other again.”
“Me too.” Her voice cracks, and she clears her throat as she pulls back. “Take care, Meira, and I’ll miss you saving my ass all the time.”
I laugh as she turns and walks toward the four powerful northerners waiting for her.
They quickly vanish into the shadows. I’ll miss you too, Jae.
Strong hands clasp my waist and suddenly, I’m lifted off the ground as a hot breath washes over my neck. “Hey, beautiful. I missed the hell out of you.”
My heart bursts with joy at having Dušan back with us. When my feet touch the ground once more, I twist in his embrace and loop my arms around his neck.
We kiss, our bodies pressed so close and tight, it feels impossible to ever separate again.
“I love you all so much,” I murmur. “Let’s never be apart again, please.”
“Beautiful, you are mine, and I love you.” His words touch me in ways I