31. Mai

Ryan, Mason, Evelyn, and Jase had gotten up early this morning, heading out to track down more of our potential supporters. It was vital we rounded up as many as we could. They needed to go in person, as we couldn't be sure if Brock's enforcers were standing over anyone we called on the phone. Wally and Thomas were in with Sam. I'd stayed behind to help with Sam, but Thomas had ushered me out when he decided they were going to give him a sponge bath. Thomas thought we might be able to bring Sam out of the coma tomorrow.

I tiptoed into the kitchen, found a scrap piece of paper and a pen, and sat down to write.

He was going to be pissed, but I knew I was doing the right thing. I left the note on the table, addressed to Ryan. Then I opened the door, slipped outside, and ran straight into Jase and Mason.

I stared at them. They stared at me. Then Mason took out his wallet, removed a twenty, and handed it to Jase.

I lifted an eyebrow.

"I bet Mason that you'd go behind Ryan's back and try to hand yourself in."

"Did you now?" I asked, not amused. "Aren't you both supposed to be out helping Ryan?"

"We are. Evelyn asked us to pick up some food from the house. We can't trust the local stores not to snitch on us."

We'd decided everyone had to move in teams of two, especially with Brock's enforcers on the lookout for us.

I stepped to the side and gestured them past. "Don't let me keep you, then."

Mason grinned at me. "Not a chance. You need to turn around and get your booty back in the house."

Oh, really?

I showed him my teeth. "I'm your Alpha, Mason. You do what the fuck I say. Move. Before I kick your ass."

Mason narrowed his eyes at me, and I could see him thinking. "Mai—"

"No, Mason. Either I'm your Alpha—in which case, you're going to get the fuck out of my way—or I'm not your Alpha, Ryan is not your Alpha, and you better go and throw yourself on the benevolence of Brock and Hayley. Which I don't reckon they have much of. Your choice."

I could see the conflict in his eyes. Jase's face had gone pale. I knew this was unfair to them, but I had to do this, and there was no way they were going to stop me.

"Mai—" he tried again.

"Save it. You're either with me or not. Which is it?"

Mason sighed. "We're with you, Mai. Always. But this is a bad idea."

I nodded. "Your opinion has been noted. Now move the fuck out of the way."

He didn't move. Instead, he pulled me into a hug. "I'll drive you; just stay alive, Mai. No matter what you have to do, just stay alive until the Meet."

Mason parked the car over a block from the Alpha compound. I couldn't risk him dropping me off any closer and him getting taken as well. Jase nodded to me from the back seat, then opened the car door and slipped out into the cool morning air.

"Stay alert," Mason ordered.

"Look after Ryan for me," I said and got out before he could reply. Not looking back, I started walking.

This was the most dangerous part. People would recognize me; werewolves would scent me. This was the perfect opportunity if any of Brock and Hayley's followers wanted to gain favor with the new Alphas by attacking me, either to bring me in or to throw my dead body at their feet. My mind kept painting grotesque images of what might happen before I made it to the compound and the reception waiting for me.

The street ahead was soon filled with a restless energy. I could almost trace the whispers spreading like ripples in front of me. People emerged from the shadows, their curious eyes watching my progress. I could see the recognition flicker in their eyes, could hear my name on their lips, a ghostly chorus of judgment and speculation.

Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted a flash of movement, a swift shadow among the crowds. Jase. Then Mason. They moved like ghosts, unseen by the others but always there. A werewolf, in human form, ran at me from the left. Mason slammed into him, bearing him to the ground and stomping on his legs. A woman, knife whirling, darted in. Jase broke her wrist, then dislocated her shoulder, before melting back into the crowd. Maybe I was wrong. Jase was made for this. He already was a bad-ass enforcer. I just hoped we survived the next few days so I could tell him.

I saw the gates of the compound ahead and knew their protection would extend no further. This was my fight now.

The compound loomed before me, an intimidating fortress wrapped in shadows and silence. It had always been a place to fear when Oliver was Alpha, and I hadn't had time to banish those feelings when Jem was there. The gates, tall and forbidding, marked the line between me and the dangers that lurked within. Standing before them, I felt small, insignificant against the power that they represented.

As soon as I reached them, the gates swung open, and there was Brock, wearing a smug grin. I so wanted to kick that smile right off his face.

"Brock," I said, putting as much scorn into it as possible.

He laughed, a cruel sound that made my skin crawl. "I didn't think you'd be stupid enough to actually show up," he said, crossing his arms over his chest as he studied me with an appraising eye.

I squared my shoulders, meeting his gaze head-on. "Well, I'm here. Where's Sofia?" I demanded.

His smile widened, but there was no warmth in it, only a chilling sense of amusement. He leaned in, close enough that I could smell the stench of his breakfast cereal on his breath. "You didn't really think I was going to give her up, did you?"

He had lied. That was a big surprise.

"I did, actually." I raised my voice, wanting the Pack members around us to hear. "You want to be an Alpha. Alpha's keep their word."

"I don't want to be an Alpha. I am an Alpha. And I'll do what the fuck I please, and my Pack won't just accept it; they'll be happy they have me looking out for them." Arrogance oozed from him as he shrugged, the satisfaction plain on his face. "Besides, I think I'd rather keep Sofia close by for now. Keep you under control."

My fists clenched at my sides. Anger flared hot and fierce inside me, pushing back against the fear.

"You always were a fuckturd, Brock. I see that hasn't changed."

His laughter echoed around me, then before I could react, he lashed out with his fist, hitting the side of my head. I staggered back, but Brock wrapped his hand around my arm, his grip like a vise, as he punched me again and again. Stars danced across my vision. This was Brock making a statement in front of the Pack. I went down, the ground connecting painfully with my knees.

That was when I saw about fifteen enforcers emerge from the building behind Brock. They'd been lying in wait in case we'd hit the compound. Brock slammed his foot into my chest, sending me sprawling across the ground. As I tumbled, I saw Jase and Mason head toward me, murder in their eyes. I made sure I caught their eyes and shook my head. With his enforcers, Brock outnumbered Jase and Mason. There was no point in them dying here. Either Brock would kill me, or I was right, and he'd save it for a dramatic scene at the Pack Meet. Either way, I had to save Jase and Mason from a suicidal and futile attempt to save me now.

I saw Mason glance from me to Brock and then at his enforcers. I clocked the moment he worked out there was nothing he could do. The pain and frustration on his face almost broke my heart. He reached out and grabbed Jase, holding him back. Then, I had other things to think about.

Brock strode forward, grabbed my hair, and started dragging me back into the compound. I kicked out, twisting to try to get to Brock, but then two of his enforcers joined in, catching my legs and slamming their knees and fists into my body. It hurt, fuck did it hurt. Their fists pounded into me, the dull thuds ringing in my ears. Sharp pain erupted in my ribs, my thigh, my chest, as their blows landed. I took the beating, trying not to cry out, and then everything went dark.