shit and ignoring it, you’ve finally done something about that kind of behaviour—because of Ember?”
I grimaced, my chest feeling tight. I’d allowed some terrible and cruel abuse to happen under my watch. I shook my head, self-loathing making it hard to meet my mentor's gaze. “Yeah, she called me out on it.”
“Wow, good for her. What did she say?”
I shuffled my feet, grimacing. I’d reverted to being a teenage boy in front of the man who had saved my life. It was obvious I’d disappointed him, that what I’d done—or ignored over these past years had hurt him deeply. I took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. “She reminded me that Lyss and you would be disgusted with my lack of action. That I was a bastard for allowing attacks of any kind to happen to those too weak to defend themselves, and that I had the power to stop it—if I wanted.”
“And you wanted to, now that you know she’s alive and the darkness isn’t so heavy on your soul?” Rawson asked quietly, holding my gaze with his. I expected condemnation, but saw only understanding. He reached out and squeezed my shoulder, and I had to blink the burning sensation from my eyes.
I was aware of Zander listening in, but I didn’t care. For some inexplicable reason, I trusted him with my feelings for Ember, even if I didn’t trust him with everything else. I rubbed my palms over my face. Gods this was a fucked up mess of a situation. I held Rawson’s gaze. “Yes, for the first time in four years I actually care about the consequences of my actions.” I leaned on the wall next to him. “I’ve been dead inside, and my wolf has dragged me through this hell. But he only cares about the survival of his pack, he hasn’t cared about anyone else—and neither have I. Ember has changed that. She’s forced me to wake up, and I care a great deal about what she thinks of me, even if I don’t really care about those people in gen pop.” I stopped talking, having already shared too much.
Rawson dropped his chin to his chest, then lifted his gaze to Zander who studied us silently. “A few weeks you say?”
“Yep, I can manage that if you stay out of trouble and away from the guards. And I promise to bring you back after we are done.”
Rawson was silent for a moment and his throat bobbed, but he didn’t look away from Zander. “Thank you.” He forced the words out.
I winced at how painful that must have been for him to say, but he shook it off and turned his head to smile at me. “Take me to Ember.”
I grinned. “Sure. I need to find her anyway.”
“Why?” asked Zander.
“I gave her twenty four hours to willingly become a member of my pack. No doubt she’s going to fight me and not agree. She doesn’t trust me yet, and I don’t blame her after what she’s seen of me so far. Maybe Rawson here can persuade her it’s in her best interests before I have to make a decision for her.”
Rawson’s features twisted. “You said you weren’t going to allow force anymore. That includes Ember, doesn't it?”
My stomach soured at his expression. “Of course. I would never force myself on her. But if she doesn’t agree to become part of my pack for her own protection, then I’ll do whatever it takes to keep her safe. If that means marking her against her will, I’ll do it in a heartbeat.”
Rawson’s brows dipped and he shook his head.
I slapped his shoulder. “Don’t worry, brother. I’ll use my powers of persuasion, and she’ll come willingly.” I smirked, hoping that was true.
Chapter 8
Ember
* * *
I woke up and lay utterly still, keeping my eyes tightly shut. I wanted to ignore the hell my life had become for just a little longer. So much for getting out of here and finding a way back to Faerie to rescue Blue. I sighed then winced. My lip stung and probing it with my tongue only made it worse. I probed my ribs with my fingertips and felt heat fill my cheeks as I remembered Connor’s warm, yet gentle touch against my skin.
The morning siren blared, rattling my ear drums. I groaned and flung my right forearm over my eyes. All I wanted was some peace and quiet. I had to make a decision about joining Connor’s pack today. I was so relieved