chapter 12

"Are you following us?" I asked, standing from the bench.

"No." She shuffled her feet as she drew closer. Her eyes downcast before she lifted her head and met my gaze. "I mean, yes. But not for anything bad."

I placed my hand on Winter's shoulder, letting him know I appreciated him protecting me but I thought she was okay. "Tell me."

For a moment, her throat worked, but she said nothing. Her gaze darted from me to Winter and back again.

"Time for some girl talk." I kissed his cheek. "We won't go far. I'll holler if anything happens."

He grabbed my hand, lifting it to his mouth and kissing the tips of my fingers. "I will try not to listen in on your conversation, but I will not let you out of my sight. It's that or nothing."

"Fine." I gave him a curt nod, then looped my arm through hers and took her down the path.

Winter followed about three feet behind us.

"So, what do you want to talk to me about?" I asked.

She hesitated and I paused near a rosebush, its fragrance heavy in the air.

"I didn't think it was possible for a half wolf like me to be loved." She turned to me, her bright eyes full of unshed tears. "But you're living proof it can happen."

"When you find the right mate or mates, anything is possible with love," I assured her. "What about your pack? Surely they can help y—"

"I was rejected." She blinked back tears, turning away from me to stare at the roses. "My pack is being killed, but I don't want them to die. Can you help? Please?"

"Are they being hunted?" And why was she seeking my help with this?

She wrung her hands together, her gaze daze darting around us before she inhaled a shaky breath and met my stare. "It's your father. He's demanding wolves join his pack, and if they don't…"

Her words hung in the air between us. What was my father doing with other wolves? Whatever it was, it wasn't good and I had a sinking sensation in my gut. The wolves attacking us were involved too. They had to be. I know Winter heard her, but him not saying anything told me he was wary of her yet giving me space to find out more. "Um... I'll need to discuss it with my mates first before I can agree to anything."

"Wow. Thank you." She hugged me. "I don't know what I'd do with three mates. You're so lucky."

"Thanks." I forced a grin, even though I'd not mated with all of them. I don't know this half wolf and definitely don't know if I can trust her.

Except, I've been trusting my whole life and have gotten burned from it. And now with the situation with my dad, I don't know if I should believe someone so readily.