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Not a second of hesitation, no regard for his weakened body or his still bleeding wound and yet I sigh with relief that he’s able to go after her. I may have delayed the fight by throwing them outside, but it was a temporary measure in the hopes of pulling Colton here to protect her and intervene. He still hasn’t linked me back and my heart shudders with the sudden realization of why. My blood running cold and nausea spreading fast as I put two and two together at his lack of linking me back. It’s not like him to not respond, not matter what’s happening.

The frequency…it weakens the gifts the longer they are exposed, so maybe Colton can’t link anymore because of it. And if he can’t link, then maybe he can’t use his strength or speed…maybe even his other abilities and alpha tone. He’s out there fighting a strong enemy in a state not too dissimilar to Radar.

My knees give out and my body crumples downwards as fear roots in my heart and yet my figure hits soft fur as one of my guards catches me. He pads the fall and promptly returns me to my feet with a swift flick before he leans me against his side to support me. So smoothly done that I am suddenly lightheaded. A reminder that I am not myself and so easily vulnerable.

Luna, are you okay? The concerned unison of my guards and I blink back tears of fear before turning to them with a façade of calm and strong.

“The alpha hasn’t linked back…I don’t think he can. We need to do something. We have to help Sierra, help the pack.” I’m overwhelmed suddenly with all of this flooding my brain but Leyanne stands up and brushes off her clothes with that precise manner and freakish calm. Strangely assuring yet also really unnerving in such a contradictory combo.

“Well, you know he’s not injured or else you would be crying like a bairn and rolling in agony. He’s clearly not dead. I can see you standing here just fine. So, think, Luna. What are you going to do now, in your condition?” She has an annoying point and I blanche at her in total bewilderment. If I wasn’t pregnant, I would have followed my Rema as a wolf and helped kick Juan’s butt into a cage. I would be in the thick of battle and facing my ……… that’s it.

“I have to find my father and brother!” I yelp out, suddenly tuned in on the fact they are still a possibility to end all of this without any more loss or suffering. Radar won’t let Sierra fight alone and he sure as hell won’t let Juan die because of her. With him taking off after her, I can relax a little in the knowledge Radar will put her life before his own, even in his weakened state. He should heal slowly enough to regain some of his gifts and make sure he buys me some time.

“Go help Radar, protect the Rema, don’t kill the alpha! Take him as prisoner until I call for him.” I command and shove my nearest guard away from me in haste. I know the others are chasing Juan’s men, but I have some here still and they hesitate before nodding my way. Two of them leap straight out the broken debris of the doors. Disappearing into the night, a large grey behind me steps forward and pushes against my side to support me. It’s only now I realize my body is sagging on trembling limbs still and my ever-attentive guards don’t miss a beat.

“Carmen will work on the frequency until it’s done, but we have to find Lord Varro, leader of the vampires out there. Without dying in the process.” I voice loudly and feel Leyanne’s eyes burning into mine with that ever-smug look on her face. I can’t tell if she agrees or is just interested to see how I am going to manage that. Sometimes I would love to poke her eyes out for those looks she throws.

“Lead the way.” Leyanne smiles somewhat softly, a strange misty look on her face and extends a hand towards the door in an overly polite gesture. Still, even after all of this, I get the feeling this witch should never fully be trusted. Despite how often she has come to our aid, there’s still that aura around her that she does things for her benefit and won’t stay loyal unless it suits her. I can’t pinpoint exactly why I feel this way, but I think it’s’ in all her almost sarcastic mannerisms and expressions. Her all knowing eye, her unshakeable demeanor, and right now, seeming to always be one step ahead no matter what’s happening. I can’t decide if it’s mistrust or wariness because she’s a huge mystery.

I turn on my heel and shake the doubts away, suddenly homed in on a semi plan and trying to ignore my own nervousness. Closely flanked by the remaining guards and head into the hallway at speed. Leyanne is fast to light up the corridor with her magical light and sticks close to my side.

Colton, Can you hear me? I ask again desperately via the pack link, in the hopes one of the pack pick it up out there.

There’s no response and I instead wrack my brains as we skirt down the passages on how the heck I am meant to weed out the great lord and ruler of the attacking army, when surrounded by feuding creatures and a frequency fit to disable any strength I have.