18. Seventeen

Seventeen

Sloane

My heart hammered in my chest. "Sawyer. Sawyer come back."

He was gone. I shared a horrified look with Lincoln as he pulled me into his arms. "It's okay, sweetheart. He's going to be okay."

My bottom lip trembled as emotion clogged my throat. "How do you know that?" I gasped in a strangled sob. "He's in trouble. The pack is chasing him."

He pulled back and pushed strands of hair out of my face as he cupped both cheeks. "Because I believe it. We've made it this far. We're so close. He's unconscious, but I can feel him. He's alive."

He kissed my forehead and smoothed his hand across my back in small circles. "Close your eyes and take a deep breath. You can feel him too."

I drew in a shuddering breath as I closed my eyes. I pulled on the string connecting us. He was right Sawyer was unconscious, but alive. Thank Luna. I said a silent prayer to her, asking her to protect him and keep him safe.

He had the full might of Pack Wolf Blood on his tail. If Alpha Dane caught him, I didn't even want to imagine what he would do.

I swiped away the tears misting my eyes. "What do we do, Lincoln? I can't just sit here."

My mouth went dry and my stomach churned. We were helpless. Sawyer was on his own. Even if we left right now, it would take us hours to get to him. I put a hand on my belly. I might be sick.

Lincoln ran his thumb across my cheek. "We're going to keep reaching out to him and let him know that we're there. And we're going to pray like hell the pack doesn't find him."

I wetted my lips, the weight pressing against my chest making it harder to breathe by the second. "He's hurt. He's going to need medical help. We have to do something."

Lincoln gave me a small shake. "Once the wolfsbane wears off, he'll be able to shift. It will help heal his injuries."

The world spun. Everything buzzed. I forced a few deep breaths in. "That only works if the pack doesn't find him first."

If they found him, they'd string him up like they had Lincoln and pump him so full of wolfsbane he wouldn't be able to shift for days. Or they might just kill him.

Lincoln exhaled loudly and closed his eyes for a moment. "Maybe we should discuss moving up the timeline."

My heart pounded, my pulse raced in my ears. We could do that. Everyone here was itching to get there and rescue their loved ones and for this war to be over.

I looked away from Lincoln. My head throbbed with indecision. We'd just had this conversation not too long ago. I'd decided to wait because it was best for the pack. This was Sawyer, though.

But I was the alpha, and everyone was looking to me to decide for the best of the pack. Being in charge sucked.

The pack must always come first.

That's what my dad always said. And he was right, as much as I hated it now.

I slumped down and squeezed my eyes shut. I knew what I had to do, even if it's something I didn't want to. "We can't change the timeline. Sawyer is going to have to hold on. Our best bet of beating Alpha Dane is by being prepared."

Emotion clogged my throat, making it almost impossible to speak. I drew in a few deep breaths and swallowed hard. "He's going to have to be on his own for the next few days. We need the wolfsbane for a fair fight, and we need to make sure we sneak out undetected. This is all for nothing if we don't do it right."

Tears cascaded down my cheeks, and I covered my mouth with my palm.

Forgive me Sawyer.

Lincoln put his hand on my shoulder, squeezing gently. Red rimmed his eyes. "He'll understand. Sawyer wants to stop our father as much as you do. He'd want this."

It didn't make any of this easier. But it's what had to be done.

I blotted the corners of my eyes with my thumb. "He's in the cave. We work that into our plan when we go."

Lincoln nodded. "It shouldn't be hard. We'll be walking right past it."

I licked my lips as some of the paralyzing fear eased. "Good. We will have someone evacuate him out unless he's able to fight."

Lincoln mumbled under his breath. "I know Sawyer. Even if he's not one hundred percent, he's going to want to fight. And we won't have time to argue with him."

I puffed out my cheeks and blew out a long breath. "I guess we cross that bridge if we come to it."

Lincoln grasped my hands curling his fingers with mine. "It's going to be okay. You'll see, it's all going to work out. Sawyer is one of the strongest people I know."

I hoped so. We had everything to lose, but also everything to gain. The only thing we could do was hope.

My cell phone vibrated in my pocket and then rang. I jerked back from Lincoln and fumbled for it. It slipped through my fingers twice before I managed to get hold of it.

I swiped to answer. "Hello."

I held my breath. It was Ian, the team lead of the first group.

Ian's voice boomed through the speaker. "I think we made it, Alpha Sloane."

I let out a laugh and clapped my freehand against my chest. We needed this. "Are you sure?"

There was a brief pause. "Pretty sure. I have the guys doing another scout of the area. It'll be our third check so far we look clean."

I rubbed my chest, but it did nothing to take the ache away. "That's great news, Ian. Stay put, keep an eye on things, and let me know if anything changes. I'll send off the next group now.

The phone crackled. Cutting him off for a second. "Sounds good, Alpha. See you in a few days."

I clutched the phone tighter. "Be careful, Ian."

"Will do, you too." The phone clicked as he hung up.

Lincoln gave me a small smile that didn't meet his eyes. "See things are looking up already."

I pushed my phone into my back pocket. "You're right. We can't let this set us back. It won't help us or Sawyer."

I tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear and marched toward the door. "I'm going to let Mark know his group is good to go."

Lincoln motioned to the door with his hand. "I'll come with you."

The door creaked as I opened it and the floorboards thumped beneath our feet as we made for the front room.

Mark shot to his feet when he saw me. His eyes widened as he stared at me expectantly.

I couldn't stop the smile from spreading over my face. "I heard from Ian. They've made it out and so far no one is following them."

Willa clapped her hands together as my mom said a silent prayer.

Mark beamed. "This is good news."

I put my hand on Mark's shoulder. "Excellent news. We're ready for your group to head out to the rendezvous point. Be sure to check periodically and make sure no one is following you. Let me know when you get there."

Mark's grin widened. "I will."

"And be careful." I tilted my head to the side and gave him a stern look.

I turned to the enforcers, lacing my fingers together in front of me. "Be safe out there. These next few days are going to be trying at best, probably some of the hardest of our entire lives. I appreciate every single one of you. More than I can ever convey. May Luna watch over all of you."

There was a chorus of jumbled words, a mash up of thank you's, well wishes, and be safe too. The group collectively got to their feet and filed out the front door one by one until it was just Mark.

I pulled him into a hug, squeezing him tight. "I love you."

He hugged me tighter. "I love you too, sis. We're going to do this." He gave me a shake and pulled away.

Mom got up from her chair and walked on wobbly legs. She didn't even try to hide the fact she was crying as she threw her arms around my brother. She smoothed a hand over his hair. "Be safe, my boy. I love you so much."

She gave him a kiss on the cheek and then cupped his face. She blinked a few times and then stepped back, covering her mouth with her hand, but it didn't stifle her sob.

I wrapped an arm around my mom's shoulders. We watched together as Mark walked backwards, spun on his heel at the door, and then closed it behind him. She flinched as it clicked shut.

Mom shook as she sobbed.

I pulled her into a full hug and Willa came up behind us, hugging her as well. I held her tight and made shushing noises like she always did for me. "Are you okay, Mom?"

It was a dumb question. All her kids were going to war and she might not see any of us again. I couldn't imagine what she was going through. But if we were successful, then maybe I'd consider having a few kids.

One thing at a time, Sloane.

She sniffled and grabbed some tissues from one of the end tables, rubbing her puffy eyes. "I know this has to be done, my love. But one day when you're a mother you'll understand how hard it is to see your babies leave and know that they may never return."

She blew her nose and crumpled up the tissues, tossing them in a wastebasket. "I love you all so much. It's hard for me, but I know you're doing the right thing, my love."

Her confirmation again made my heart swell. "Thanks, Mom."

She patted my cheek and then grabbed some more tissues. "I've had enough excitement for tonight. I don't think I'll be able to sleep, but I'm going to lie down. Let me know when your brother checks in."

I let my hand slip off her shoulder. "I will. Promise."

Her footsteps were soft as she padded down the hallway. A door creaked open and then clicked shut.

Willa put her arm around me. "Sloane, are you okay? You look upset."

I mashed my lips together to keep from crying. My breath hitched. "It's Sawyer. Alpha Dane knows he's working with us. He's in trouble."

Willa held me tighter and reached out for Lincoln, rubbing his arm with her free hand. "Oh no. I'm so sorry."

I ran my hand underneath my nose. "Thanks, Willa. We think he got away, but he's unconscious on the property. Hopefully, he stays undetected."

Until he regained consciousness and could talk to him, we could only hope.

Willa rested her head on my shoulder. "He's strong, Sloane. I'm sure he's going to be fine."

I hoped she was right. But I didn't think I could keep talking about this. The worry was already making my stomach sour.

I pulled away and grab some tissues. "Ian sounded good when I talked to him."

Willa smiled and her eyes lit up. "Good. I know it meant a lot to him that you made him a team leader. Jacob and his group are leaving tomorrow night."

I crumpled the tissues in my hand and then unrolled them. "Your brother and Jacob have done a lot for us and they've always supported me, for which I'm extremely grateful."

Willa looked at the floor, her brows knitting together. "I've been doing some thinking, Sloane. I want to go with your group."

I frowned and shook my head. Was she serious? "To Pack Wolf Blood? It's not safe. You can't shift. It's going to be a full on battle. Not everyone is going to make it out." My voice hitched. It was a harsh reality.

Willa picked up a wisp of her hair and wrapped it around her fingers. "I know what I'm asking." She squeezed her eyes shut and her jaw worked. "I know I can't shift right now because of the baby. But this is it, the final fight, right?"

I didn't have words, so I bowed my head instead.

Willa's eyes widened. "I know I can't fight, but you'll need people there to help with the injured. I can help with that. My brother and Jacob are the only family I have left."

Her face crumpled, and tears misted her eyes. "If this fails, Alpha Dane is going to come here, and I can't run." Her bottom lip trembled. "Let me be with my family."

I pursed my lips. I wanted to say no, but if I were in her shoes, I'd be asking the same thing. "Did you talk to your brother or Jacob about this?"

I chanced a glance at Lincoln. He'd been unusually silent. His gaze was on the couch where he was picking at a loose thread. I focused back on Willa.

Red painted her cheeks. "They're against the idea. They want to keep me safe. I understand that, but you and I, we made a pact. Even if I can't help you, I want to be there when we stop him. For my mom and dad and everyone else that he's hurt."

I should tell her no and shut down this crazy idea right now, but how could I? I got what she was saying and she was right. She couldn't run if we failed. Alpha Dane would catch up to her and probably kill her as soon as she had the baby, if not sooner. But I didn't want to make Ian or Jacob mad at me. They'd done so much.

I crossed my arms over my chest, hugging my middle. "Can I think about it? I also think you should talk to Jacob again. It'd be better for you to go with him." He was her mate. If she was going to do this, she belonged with him. I didn't want to do anything behind his back.

Willa gave me a watery smile. "Of course. I'll try again when he gets done with his patrol shift."

She motioned with her thumb over her shoulder. "It is late. I'm going to head to bed. Jacob should be off his watch soon, anyway. But let me know if you need something. Otherwise, I'll see you guys in the morning and I'll be thinking about Sawyer."

I waved at her. "Good night, Willa."

Once she was in her bedroom, I looked at Lincoln. He'd been standing there, staring dejectedly at the couch for a while.

I put my hand on his cheek, tilting his face up so he had to look at me."Talk to me."

He averted his gaze. His lips turned down. "I know what we're doing, but I guess it hasn't hit me until now."

I cocked my head to the side, my gaze flitting over his face.

He huffed and closed his eyes. "The only way to win is to kill my dad. I thought I was prepared after all the horrible things he's done, but..."

I touched my forehead to his. "He'll always be your dad. He was a good man once." I gave him a small smile. "It's not wrong to still love him."

He blinked his eyes open and pulled back, putting his hands on my elbows. "He's done horrible things, Sloane. Unforgivable. And yet, I'm not sure I can do it."

My heart sank. I'd never known that side of Alpha Dane, but Lincoln had. I couldn't imagine what he was going through right now.

I tugged him into a hug. "It's going to be okay. It doesn't have to be you."

But it would be someone. And Lincoln would have to live with this for the rest of his life. I hoped he wasn't having second thoughts. Alpha Dane had to be stopped, no matter what.