บททั้งหมดของ The White Wolf: บทที่ 51 - บทที่ 60

With all the recent events, everyone had new orders to divert their attention. Miriam and Doc returned to the lab. She promised to check in daily, and I promised to practice mindfully. Dad had to go back to work, having taken almost a month off. He needed to organize the coming war on his end. We weren’t thrilled leaving each other, but he sent two of his soldiers as my personal security detail, vexing Magnus greatly.Dad sent Jeb and Hayden with us. They looked like they could be twins with their short, light brown hair and firm jaws. The all-American boys stood tall and proud, constantly on alert, speaking only when there was something important to say. I felt their presence as soothing rather than intrusive. They were an extension of my father’s love. The six of us traveled in two trucks back to the MC compound.In my absence, Gunnar had taken over my job with Uncle Harris. He genuinely loved working at the bar and seemed to naturally get along with my Uncle. I felt a tinge of sadn

After every hunter had their fill watching me in the cage, rude comments and gestures began to bore me. I tried to drift off to sleep, keeping my wolf close. I didn’t want to shift in the middle of the night. I think we were both on the same page staying in wolf form.“Wake up, girly. Breakfast.” A few chicken bones and a dead mouse were thrown between the thick wires. I wasn’t hungry, nor would I eat that, but I was thirsty. I also had to pee, and I wasn’t doing it in front of men.Men filtered in and out throughout the day; thankfully, no one got too close to the cage. A small part of their tiny brains believed I was a sign from God. They didn’t desecrate me until they started drinking. Sacrilege was ignored when ingesting a shit ton of whiskey. Even the men stationed with guns began poking in my cage.Lit cigarettes flicked toward me, singeing my fur, and their taunts got too hard to ignore. Wolves weren’t meant to be caged. I began pacing the small space to release some energy. Th

Once we were through the grand gates and security checkpoints, Magnus drove through the campus, pulling up to a colonial brick building with white trim. Dr. Sawyer and Miriam stood anxiously waiting at the top of the granite stairs.“Everyone is here.” Ghost answered my unasked question.“The whole pack?”“Except the elders and the unmated women. They are at a safe house, enchanted by the witches. We have ten packs from up and down the coast being managed here. It seems hunters west of the Mississippi River aren’t as organized. Some had crossed the country when they learned Bowman had the white wolf.” Magnus gave me more details.“Bowman?”“Piers Bowman, head of the New York Chapter. He has the biggest following.”“The man with the cowboy hat? They are a misguided cult.”Ghost kept me secure against him as we exited the vehicle. Dad led, and Magnus followed behind.“Esmerelda, we are so thankful you are returning to us.” Doc looked me over. “Do you need medical care?”“No, just a show

Three in the morning came too fast after Ghost, and I finally fell asleep. We worked out our apprehension through intimacy. We weren’t soldiers, and this was our war. We were outnumbered by hunters three to one.“Morning, Princess.” Jax mocked as he loaded our packs into the SUVs. I wiggled my fingers in retaliation, and he stilled.“Esmerelda is not a morning person.” Ghost kissed the top of my head before opening the door. We said our goodbyes last night, but I still scanned for my father.“The war room was busy last night. The hunters had a surge of their own planned.” Jax informed us, and I dutifully climbed in the back. Jax handed me a heavy paper bag. “Chicken sandwiches made fresh.” How did he know? Ghost shrugged and sat beside me. “You’re a different person when you’re hungry, Princess. I’m keeping us all safe.” My eye roll only made him laugh.Jax drove while Magnus co-piloted. There were a lot of instruments to monitor. I cuddled into Ghost’s side, trying to resume my sleep

“Esmerelda. No!” I could feel she wanted to eradicate the disease for good. “Genocide is not our way,” I called to her through the pelting rain. Ghost was in shock. He couldn’t process her magnificence. But I could. I understood the moment I met this lovely, beautiful, kind woman; she was special. The disappointment that I was not her true mate shattered my heart daily, but I was still devoted to her.I had made peace with giving my life for hers, but the stubborn girl refused. She took over my body an inch from death and made me live. The price was her sanity. I could feel through our bond that the darkness had consumed her.“Esmerelda! Look at me.” She refused, wanting to exact a punishment on all who opposed her. Her psyche was fractured, and her eyes glowed red, reminding me of the Hagg Alice right before her death. The notion turned fear into love. “Hey, Princess.” My nickname for her made her pause. “This is not our way.”“Magnus.” She whispered in her musical voice. She was sca