Shadowlands Sector,Three - Mila Young Page 0,73

for the first time in my life, I felt complete. Now it’s been ripped away, and what’s left is me.

The broken girl with no wolf.

My sobs grow louder as reality settles in. I’ll no longer be able to trust my wolf. And I loathe myself for making such a horrible mistake that has cost me so much. For letting fear restrain me.

I don’t know how long we stay huddled close, but when I finally lift my head and wipe away the tears, I’m determined to make a difference with what I have.

Glancing up at my three Alphas, I say, “Let’s focus on getting our pack back, then we can deal with all this crap. I didn’t go through all that with my last transformation to have it wasted. There are over a hundred undead out there under my control. And I’m fucking angry, and I want to destroy something… or someone called Mad.” My voice trembles.

“I’m ready,” Lucien confirms, his hand on my leg squeezing. “I know how it feels to lose so much, but like Dušan helped me get back on my feet, we will be here for you. First, let’s kick some ass.”

Bardhyl is on my other side. “I knew there was a reason I fell for you so fast. You’re a survivor. We all are, and that makes us the most dangerous wolves out there.” He steals a kiss, and I soften against him. “I’m ready to start ripping out spines.”

During moments where so much goes to shit, having my three wolves by my side makes all the difference in the world.

Dušan sits back, smiling at me.

“What are you thinking about?” I ask.

“I’m ready to save my pack and finally give you the home where you’ll always be loved and protected.”

I want to cry all over again at all of their heartfelt words, but the time to shed tears is over.

Mad wants to fight. So I’ll bring him a war.

Chapter 21

Meira

“Is everyone ready?” Dušan asks, standing tall and strong. The wind rustles through his dark hair, a contrast to those hypnotizing blue eyes. They shine brightly today, more than they have before, and behind them is a warrior who’s had enough of running.

“I’m ready,” I answer, as do Lucien and Bardhyl, though both are preoccupied with staring at the army of Shadow Monsters fanning outward in the woods behind Dušan. The creatures look our way, and even I’ll admit there’s an eeriness in having so many of them peppering the woods. Each as gross as the next, they’re just instruments, I tell myself. There’s no soul inside them, no emotion. They’re only empty shells carrying a virus.

“I still think one of us should join Meira,” Lucien says, his voice clipped, and the way he looks at me, his hands sliding into mine, softens me. He’s worried…hell, we all are. After what I just went through earlier today on top of all the other shit, I don’t blame him.

“Agreed,” Bardhyl states.

I swing my gaze over to him standing on my other side, and I lean against him so he knows how much he means to me. “You’re all incredible, but we already agreed. You three are breaking into the compound through the tunnels and I’m waiting near the rear door with this mismatched group of undead so you can open the back door.”

“As much as I hate leaving her too, it makes sense,” Dušan adds. “If she’s surrounded by over a hundred zombies, no wolf will get close to her. Plus, she’ll be waiting for us in the woods, up a tree, so even if the Ash guards are near, she won’t be spotted. And if us three are together in the compound, it’s easier to fight off anyone if we’re found.”

I nod. “It’s the only way to get all of the creatures into the settlement. And if I can get close enough to Mad and get him and his loyal men away from the innocents, then I’ll unleash the zombies on them.” I’m hoping with every fiber of my being that the sight of the creatures alone will be Mad’s undoing. His men will panic, and Dušan, Lucien, and Bardhyl can take him out.

Well, that’s the plan, at least.

Lucien and Bardhyl’s misgivings are written all over their faces. “Really hate splitting up again,” Bardhyl says, with Lucien nodding.

“I know,” I say, “but you may need more of you in there if guards find you.”

“Let’s move,” Dušan commands. He glances at me as his hand reaches for mine.