Page 70 of Fractured Mates
Murder is our friend today, my wolf says, a ring of glee in her voice. Their blood will be spilled, and it will be the second-best thing we’ve ever done.
What’s the first? I assume it’s killing Thane, but I’m curious what she thinks.
Letting our mate fuck us into oblivion.
I nearly choke but cover my surprise with a cough. Kyler’s eyes land on me, a brow raising.
“Are you okay?” he asks, his gaze roaming over my body.
“Just fine,” I reply. “It’s time to leave.”
Technically, River has two minutes left, but I can’t sit here any longer, having no clue if my sister’s life remains intact with every minute we waste.
Just as I stand, the phone rings. The cocky grin on Kyler’s face has my eyes rolling as he answers River’s call.
“What do you have for us?” Kyler asks as I force myself to sit back down.
River’s voice is low and quiet. “Jules is being offered as a prize and kept on the top floor of the pack house somewhere. Whoever brings Sophie to Astor will win the girl as their mate to do with as they please.”
“I will castrate any man who thinks he even has a chance of that happening,” I say with a loud snarl.
There’s some rustling, and then River is whispering again. “Talk softer or this call is over. I’ve been working my ass off, proving myself over the last twelve hours for you, and I’m not letting the two of you ruin that now.”
I want to tell him to fuck off, but the adult in me takes a steady breath, allowing my shoulders to rise and fall with the heavy action. “What else have you learned?” I ask more calmly.
Kyler comes to sit next to me, bringing the phone with him. His hand wraps around mine, offering support that I don’t realize I need until it’s there.
“Jules is the prize, but she’s being kept hidden with your mother, who has more freedom, from the sounds of it. Though, she hasn’t left your sister that I’ve seen. I haven’t asked any questions about her, just revealed my interest in claiming…the prize.”
I growl, not meaning to. I know—or at least hope I know—that River doesn’t mean what he’s said, but even just the thought… If anything happens to Jules, I don’t know how I’ll ever forgive myself for leaving her and staying gone all these years.
River continues. “Considering I left when I was eighteen and haven’t been back for anything more than a quick visit, thanks to school and work, Astor has had no problem believing my disdain for the old pack ways. Especially since I’ve given him details about the alpha that he didn’t previously have. Apparently, the alpha Joseph Lane is actually missing. Astor didn’t kill him, but he’d very much like to.”
“And what if what you’ve done to prove yourself gets him killed?” Kyler asks, and I selfishly think that it doesn’t matter as long as it saves my sister.
Yep. Worst person in the world right here.
“It won’t,” River says confidently. “I had Maciah send others to the places and people I knew about. They’ll beat any of Astor’s wolves there, and they’ll also make sure a trail of information to Lane’s potential whereabouts is left behind, further cementing my position with him.”
“You won’t need to do that,” I say, doing my best to keep my tone even. “We’re coming there tonight, River. I won’t wait to be attacked or leave my sister to be won.”
“You’re not at risk in the cabin,” he promises. “Not one wolf has caught your scent out there.”
“But my sister isn’t safe there.” I growl. “What if Astor changes his mind? What if he kills her? He already sent me a picture of her cowering on the floor. Astor doesn’t seem like he’s above killing Jules if it means drawing me out.”
River pauses, and I know he’s not in the best position right now, but I don’t feel guilty for pressuring him. I need something good to happen, and it needs to be today.
“I know,” he finally says with a sigh. “I can win her, and I can keep her safe. Will you trust me to do that without putting either of your lives in danger? Another day will give us the time to get protectors in place, ready to attack with you and for me to get eyes on Jules. Otherwise, you not only won’t save your sister, but you’ll also get yourself and the rest of us killed by being unprepared.”
Kyler’s grip on my hand tightens. He’s been quiet for most of this conversation. Without needing to look at him, I know he agrees with River. I want to do the same, yet verbalizing the words isn’t easy.
It’s not that I have a death wish or want to be selfish with my choice, risking other lives, but I walked away from Jules once without considering the consequences. Now, I’m paying for that choice.
If I don’t go after her sooner rather than later and something happens…
“She’s too valuable, Sophie,” Kyler says softly. “Yes, I won’t lie. I think there’s a chance that she could be hurt, but at most, it will be a broken bone that will heal quickly. We’ve waited this long. Let Astor confirm the information River has given him is accurate, then River can offer more. He can even tell Astor where our car is.”
River cuts in. “Actually, that’s a great idea and could speed things up considerably. I can go out after we hang up, find the vehicle, and tell Astor I want Jules as my prize now instead of later for my efforts. Between the leads on the alpha and possibly getting him closer to you, he won’t be able to deny my value. There’s a decent chance I can have your sister at my side within two hours. After that, Maciah should have everyone else ready. By midnight, we can attack. That’s only five more hours.”