I stare straight ahead, taking in Forrest, who sits on the ground laughing. His arm is bleeding, and even from where I stand, I can smell his blood, and to my surprise, it makes my mind hazy.
No. I hiss inwardly, shaking off the desire that I'm feeling. There's something off about that blood, something scary, and maybe it explained the way Maverick was acting.
As this thought hits, I peek behind to find him lying motionless on the ground. He's in his human form, and I'm almost certain that he won't be able to shift again, not after biting me and ingesting my blood.
I'm certain he understands me given the smile that spreads across his face and the way he lifts his hands and claps.
"You're a smart one." He huffs, slowly rising to his feet. "And it seems that you may be immune to my blood."
Moving forward, I inhale and confirm that is exactly what it is that I'm smelling, and the minute I understand, I'm expanding my senses, connecting with those who are slowly moving in to help me.
At my words, I feel waves of confusion coming from my companions, but they obey my orders, and they don't move any closer.
No. Something wasn't right about this. Even if he was a delinquent at the academy, he wasn't stupid.
Dammit! With no other choice but to attack my own family, I move, rushing forward and slamming into him before he can get near Forrest. I don't know what the hell that bastard's blood can actually do, but all I can see in my head is Maverick's crazed form.
"That's it." Ezekiel laughs, watching the whole scene.
You bastard. I hiss inwardly, attempting to gain dominance over my father, who doesn't even attempt to go easy onme. Having others fight your battles. You're lower than low.
It's that simple. I can't let Ezekial or Forrest get what they want. If I did, I knew that my pack and those I care for would be doomed.
"He can't hear you anymore." Ezekiel points out. "He has already had a small taste of Forrest's blood, and now he wants more."
As his words drift toward me, the sound of paws hitting the earth reaches, and before I can even make a move, my packmates are swarming us, throwing everything into chaos.
Too many. I think,watching the scene. There are too many for me.
'Retreat,' Mahogany orders, joining me in my turmoil. 'Take Maverick and get back to New Moon.'
'But…' I begin, though I knowthat what she is saying is the best move. 'What about all of them?'
Eyes widening, I realize that she is correct. Whatever was happening back in New Moon's pack house was a distraction so that this despicable scheme could come to life, and if I just stood here watching, then I would be leaving the others as sitting ducks until it was too late.
A war between my heart and head starts to take place as I know that I should warn the others, but I don't want to leave those who would be here suffering.
In the end, I don't get the chance to make a decisionbefore someone is slamming into me, their arms wrapping around me, and I'm encompassed by a warmth that soothes me.
I don't wait for a response before I'm kneeling and Maverick is climbing onto me, and then we are moving, rushing forward until the scene taking place on New Moon's background startles me.