Wolf's Claim (The Royal Heir #3) - Jen L. Grey Page 0,63

straight up and glanced out both windows.

"Just did." James glanced over his shoulder. "There are twice as many vampires here, and some aren't hidden. They're trying to break through the barrier."

Tommy hit the gas, and soon we were swerving into the subdivision. He slammed on the brakes right in front of James's house.

My arms jerked out in front, catching me so my head didn't hit the seat in front of me.

"They need help now." James opened his door and shifted right away.

I jumped up and squeezed through the middle row, ready to get out and help too.

"Oh, hell no." Kassie reached over and grabbed my arm. "That's what they want."

"What are you talking about?" Did she expect to have a conversation right now when they needed our help? "We can't let them go out there and get hurt." I opened the door and climbed out.

"Babe, she's right." Mason stepped out behind me. He grabbed my hand and pulled me into his chest. "They are attempting to draw you out. She knows you want to be in the fight alongside our people."

"But I can't just stay here while everyone else is fighting." Did they really expect me to do nothing on the sidelines?

"Both of you are going to." Kassie pointed to the house. "So, in you go. Don't make me kick your asses."

I wanted to fight, but there wasn't a point. Tommy actually seemed to be on the same side as Kassie. I had to appease them and find a way out without them knowing.

Mason took my hand and pulled me toward the door. "We need to get you out of plain view."

You can't be serious right now. Out of everyone, I figured he'd be on my side.

Yes, I can. He opened the door for me and waited as I passed through. How many near-death experiences have you had? And now we know that Rose wants to kill you. Do you want everyone else to get hurt while we try to protect you?

Wow, he knew exactly where to hit. You're right. I entered the living room to find Dehlia, Ella, and Louis there.

Thank you. He tugged me toward the open love seat.

"I'm surprised you're all here." Ella liked being in the action as much as I usually did. "Everything okay?"

"Louis refused to let us go." She pouted and crossed her arms. "I tried leaving, but Mom ratted me out."

"The vampires increased their attacks after you left." Louis caught my eye. "It only makes sense that whoever was behind this would try to get either you, Ella, or Mason. Ella and Mason are the two best people to hold against you besides Kassie and Mona."

"He's right." Tommy nodded as he entered the room behind us. "We need to lock all the doors and stay inside."

"I'm going to go fight with my husband." Dehlia stood to leave, but Mona appeared in the room and shook her head.

"James made me promise that you'd stay here too." Mona sighed. "We had an inkling something like this may happen."

"What the hell? I'm the alpha’s mate." Dehlia frowned and straightened her shoulders, ready to fight.

Right now, I understood exactly where she was coming from.

"He doesn't get to tell me what to do." Dehlia headed toward the door.

"Mom, I don't think you should go." Mason's voice startled me.

I hadn't expected him to get involved.

"And why the hell not?" Dehlia placed her hands on her hips.

"Because I understand where he's coming from." Mason's eyes turned to me, and he leaned his forehead against mine. "I've come close to losing her so many times; it messes with you. He'll be safer if you stay here."

"You think I'd distract him?" Dehlia's arms dropped, and her voice didn’t sound nearly as annoyed. "It's not because he thinks I'm weak."

"Oh, God no." Ella snorted. "You're like one of the strongest people in the world. You were at death's door for how long, and still you refused to cower down."

"I hadn't thought of it like that." Dehlia headed back into the room.

At the same time, the front door blew open.

"Mason, get her out of here," Kassie yelled as a huge breeze filled the room.

Rose stepped inside the house as Mason yanked me to my feet, dragging me to the back door.

We’ve gotta get out the back door before she gets through here. Mason turned toward the kitchen, and I followed suit.

Do you think they're okay back there? I felt like a coward leaving them behind.

There are six shifters to the witch. They'll be fine.