Chapter 52

Sage was in wolf form,and we were outside in the fenced-in yard. She was trotting around, enjoying the sunshine. I spoke to Sig, who stood on the other side of the fence.

"I am saying that you are the Second in the Redd Pack. Your room should not be under surveillance," he growled.

"It is for Sage's safety," I reminded him.

"How is she?" We watched her trot across the open space.

"I have never seen anything like it. She can change at will. She shows no aggressiveness."

"I would say that is good."

"I know, but Anton might label her an abomination." That was my fear.

"Decisions must be made, Bredon. Plans are needed to be set in motion," he urged.

I knew this. Every time I glanced at my mate, I was reminded. "There is much to consider."

"So, you have said for decades." Sig's eyes flashed.

I could make a business decision in a second. However, this decision would impact many lives. It wasn't easy.

"Has she met the other newly changed?" Sig changed topics. He probably saw that he'd pushed me far enough for one afternoon.

"Tomorrow." I didn't like the idea.

"It must be done. You cannot always protect her."

"I know that," I told him defensively.

"Your mate is smart. She hid from us for weeks. She realizes that she needs to be around other wolves."

"I know you are right, but I do not like it. She knows nothing about fighting, and her wolf is untested." So much could happen.

"She's Sage," Sig told me patiently. "She will be careful not only for herself but because she knows you would be anxious if she were reckless."

Sage stood before me. She was doing nothing to mask her nervousness. "This is like recess for wolves, right?"

"They'll be using the same area we were in yesterday."

"And you'll be close by?" She'd asked this three other times.

"I will be, but I can't interfere," I reminded her.

"Should I expect a beatdown? Like when you join a gang?"

"What are you talking about?" What gang?

She shook her head. "Never mind."

"The others will test you. It is our way. Strength and cunning are important to a Lycan."

"What you are saying is that I shouldn't go out and show my belly first thing?" She tried to force a smile.

"No." I let out a sigh. I needed to take into consideration that she was nervous. "It is very dangerous to be weak." Some packs killed wolves determined to be too weak to survive within the Pack hierarchy.

"I'll be fine. I mean, you said that Lycans are hard to kill."

"That you are holding onto that thought greatly concerns me."

"It's one hour. How bad could it be?"

I received my answer. One hour is incredibly long when you must watch your mate attempt to fight off stronger wolves.

Currently, Sage was backed into a corner of the yard, panting heavily. There was blood on her snout and her sides, with a long tear along her left hip.

Rick joined me at my vantage point. "The first time is always the worst."

"I question why she was introduced to five males and three females." I counted four as having alpha personalities.

"I thought the she-wolves would be more protective," he admitted.

"Sage doesn't smell like other Lycans." I did not hide my agitation.

"I did what I thought was best."

"And she is paying for it." I watched as a male approached her slowly.

Sage was watching him warily. However, she did not stand or change position.

The male stopped about five feet away from her and sat, mirroring her position.

"That is Artie. He's a beta. He's had his problems. He likes to paint and draw. He will only fight to survive."

I wanted to laugh. Only my mate could attract the artist in the group.

The wolf stayed close to Sage for the rest of their time in the yard.

She stayed in wolf form until we returned to our room.

"Changing forms will help you heal," I reminded her.

The wolf let out a sigh and changed. Sage was lying on the floor in shorts and a T-shirt. "That did not go well."

I reached down and helped her to her feet. "You need to eat and hydrate."

She sat on the bunk and twisted her torso to look at her side. "I need to figure out where this blood is coming from." She lifted her shirt.

There were angry claw marks running from her ribs to her waist.

I stepped closer. "Stay still." I pulled her shirt over her head. "Honey, you are bleeding…everywhere."

"Those were not friendly wolves." She stood. "I need a shower."

"You do." I didn't like that the cuts were still bleeding.