“So am I,” she whispered, her face falling. “But she’s strong, she’ll survive it.” She blinked slowly and her huff of warm breath hit my lips. “I just have to convince her of that.”
I hated to see such emptiness in her eyes. Ignoring Zander’s low growl, I kissed her, my tongue gently tangling with hers before I pulled back. She smiled at me, then snarled at Zander before she left. A moment later, Owen came in. He leaned back against the door to keep it shut, one knee bent and his foot flat against it, waiting patiently.
I turned to Zander. “So what’s so important? You’re taking a risk coming back to me today.”
“I know how to get in the science wing.”
That got my attention. “Go on.”
Zander’s gaze met mine and he rubbed his hands through his dark hair. He exhaled heavily. “You aren’t going to like this, but it’s our best shot.”
Chapter 23
Ember
* * *
The mechanical voice called my name. Despite the sudden nausea, I was almost glad. Watching Connor pace across the gym and cast me worried looks when he thought no one else was paying attention, had wound me up to a breaking point.
I nodded and took a deep breath, slowly exhaling. It did no good, my gut churned worse than ever and a rush of saliva filled my mouth.
Connor marched over and pulled me into his chest, his hold so tight it was hard to breathe. I inhaled his scent deeply, enough so that it was ingrained in my mind. Digging my fingers into his skin through his tee, I gripped his back.
“No mercy, no matter who your opponent is,” he whispered and pulled back. I gulped. His wolf peered down at me before Connor took control again.
Reed had gone down to the arena this morning. Connor hadn’t told any of us what he’d sensed and none of us asked. We’d find out soon enough who had died. Part of me wanted to know Reed had survived, part of me dreaded it. I wanted him to live, but at the same time, I didn’t want to have to fight my friend. I swallowed hard. I’d die for him, even if it blew the existence of my other self wide open.
“Here, take this,” Myles said, passing me an apple. He rubbed the back of his neck when I accepted it. “Um, there’s no food down there and it could be hours…you know?” His voice petered out and his face fell. He wouldn't meet my gaze.
Myles and Reed had been inseparable recently, and my heart ached for both of them. I took his hand. “I’m sure he’s fine,” I said, but my voice sounded hollow.
With a tight smile, he nodded and pulled away. “Yeah, ‘course he is.”
I watched him go, my eyes burning. I wanted to reassure him Reed would live—but nothing was certain in this place, though I’d already decided to help my friends any way I could; even if it meant losing my wolf.
My wolf whined. I know, sweetie, I don’t want you to leave me, either. My back up plan is in place though, so fingers crossed you won’t have to.
It was true, my back up plan was already in motion. I swallowed hard, hoping Zander was true to his word. The day he’d asked to speak to me and not Connor, he’d come up with a way to ensure we all got into the science wing. And I’d agreed. I had no idea what we’d find in there, but I wouldn’t leave without Connor. Zander had told me about Connor’s plan to get in—but it was one that he would never be able to follow through on—both Zander and I knew it, even if he didn’t.
I stepped away from Connor and my heart fractured at the devastation on his face. Neither of us spoke, no words of undying love or false platitudes.
I turned and nodded at the remaining brothers. Owen’s face was bruised and his knuckles were still healing, but he’d triumphed over group one. “Good luck,” he said, giving me a nod and a small smile. I shook my head, he was always so composed, even in the face of such a shitty situation.
D and Kawan both watched me with blank faces, but nodded their farewells.
Drake watched me. “Ember?”
“Yeah?”
“Be ready for anything,” he said quietly. “At any time. In the ring and out of it.”
His breathing hitched and his pulse rose, but there was no point in asking what he meant. Neither he,