Chapter 8 The Question Only Erica Could Ask

For the first time since this nightmare began, I felt like maybe—just perhaps—everything would be okay.

I woke up to sunlight streaming through the window.

For a moment, I forgot where I was. Then everything came rushing back. Leighton. The betrayal. The escape. Kael.

I sat up quickly, looking around.

Erica was still asleep, her breathing deep and steady. Much better than last night.

Kael was sitting by the fire, sharpening a long knife. He looked up when he heard me move.

"How long was I asleep?" I asked.

"About six hours. It's mid-morning."

I'd slept on a pile of furs near the fire. Kael must have moved me there after I passed out at the table.

"You should have woken me."

"You needed rest." He set down the knife. "How do you feel?"

Honestly? Better than I had in months. The rune stone power I'd absorbed was settling into my body, integrating with my natural wolf magic.

"Stronger," I admitted.

"Good. You'll need your strength." His expression turned serious. "I went out at dawn to scout. Your former pack has sent search parties. They're combing the forest."

 "How many?"

"Twenty wolves. Maybe more." He stood up. "They're moving in a grid pattern. Professional. But they haven't found this camp yet."

"Yet."

"The magic hiding this place is strong. They won't find it unless they're led here directly." He walked over and knelt in front of me. "But we can't stay here forever. Eventually, we'll need to move."

"Where? Everywhere is pack territory. We're rogues now. No one will take us in."

"That's not entirely true." Kael hesitated. "I received a message this morning. Through an old friend."

"What kind of message?"

"From the Black River Pack. Your birth pack."

My heart leaped. "My family? They know I'm alive?"

"Yes. Your aunt—Luna Helena—sent word that she's sending a warrior to escort you to Black River territory. You'll be under their protection."

"When?"

"Two weeks. He's coming from the northern territories. It takes time."

Two weeks. Fourteen days of hiding from Leighton's search parties.

"Can we last that long?"

Kael's expression was grim but determined. "We'll have to."

Behind us, Erica stirred. Her eyes opened, and she looked around, confused. Then she saw me, and relief flooded her face.

"Mommy!"

I rushed to her side. "I'm here, baby."

"I had the worst dream. Daddy was chasing us, and—" She stopped. Looked around at the unfamiliar shelter. "It wasn't a dream, was it?"

"No, sweetheart. I'm sorry."

Tears filled her eyes.

"Daddy really tried to hurt us?"

I pulled her into my arms.

"Yes. But we're safe now. I promise."

She cried into my shoulder while I stroked her hair. Kael watched from across the room, his expression sad.

After a while, Erica's tears slowed. She pulled back and looked at Kael.

"You're the wolf from last night. The one who saved us."

"I am," Kael said gently.

"Thank you." Her voice was small but sincere.

"You're welcome, little one."

Erica studied him with the blunt curiosity of a child. "Are you Mommy's new mate?"

I choked on air.

"Erica!"

"What? I can smell it. The bond." She looked between us.

"It's forceful."

Kael's lips twitched with amusement.

"Your daughter has good instincts."

"I'm just childish, but not stupid," Erica said matter-of-factly.

Then, to Kael: "Are you going to hurt her as Daddy did?"

The amusement died on Kael's face.

He moved closer and knelt so he was at Erica's eye level.

"No," he said firmly.

"I will never hurt your mother. I swear it on the Moon Goddess herself. Do you know what a true mate is?"

Erica nodded. "It's when the Moon Goddess chooses two wolves for each other."

"Exactly. Your father wasn't your mother's true mate. He was a political match. But I am her true mate. Which means I'm bound to her by more than words or ceremony. It's in my very soul to protect her. To cherish her."

"And me?" Erica asked quietly.

"Are you going to hurt me?"

Kael's expression softened. "You are your mother's daughter. That makes you precious to me. I will protect you just as fiercely as I protect her."

Erica stared at him for a long moment. Then she nodded. "Okay. I believe you."

Just like that.

Children had a way of cutting through complexity.

"Are you hungry?" Kael asked her.

"Starving."

He smiled and stood up. "Then let's get you fed."

As Kael prepared breakfast, I watched him interact with Erica.

He was patient and kind.

Nothing like Leighton, who'd called his daughter a failure.

My wolf purred with satisfaction.

See? Good mate. Perfect one.

Maybe she was right.

Potentially, the Moon Goddess knew what she was doing after all.