Chapter 491

“Okay,” I slid into a chair, looking at everyone. “Lynn, Toya, and I will leave today to return to my father’s pack. You will all stay here with Mom and Wendy to remain safe. I’ll bring back food if you need anything, but don’t expect us to be gone long.”

There were a few questioning looks. Shelly looked at my mother. “Why can’t we just come with you? I hope you aren’t offended, but I just want to stay with Amy.” She smiled, though it looked more like a grimace.

My mother laughed. “Not at all. I understand why you want to stay with her.”

I leaned in. “Honestly, if I had the choice, everyone would come with me. But Rick’s dealing with someone who uses magic. They can’t trace you here because of the shield I erected.” I held up a hand. “And before you ask, I can’t create another one strong enough to hide everyone in the pack.”

Alannah tilted her head. “How did you make this one?”

I looked down at my hands. “Carly’s father,” I looked up, meeting her gaze. “He was the last shaman; he knew what was coming. He ensured his death wouldn’t be wasted.” I looked away. “His death, blood, and sacrifice fuel the shield. It’s not something I could recreate, even if I wanted to. His love is keeping this place safe.”

Everyone nodded, but Rick looked disappointed. “So we won’t be able to fight with you?”

I shook my head. “But there’s something else you can do.”

Rick perked up. “What? I’ll do anything!”

I held up a finger and ran upstairs. I returned with my computer and slid it to him. “Vince’s mainframe is on here. We need names, connections, bank trails—everything.”

Rick nodded. “I can have the information in a day.” He smiled despite my serious expression. “Believe me, I know where he hides his files; I helped create the security. The hardest part will be tracking everything down.”

“Good.” I turned to Alannah and Ternen. “If you could just help where you can.” Alannah and Ternen brightened. “You’re probably more familiar with half the things around here, and I know Wendy and Mom would appreciate the assistance.”

“Yes,” Ternen smiled. “If you don’t mind, I love to cook. I could take over meals.”

Wendy bounced. “Oh my god, yes! I suck at it.”

Two giggles echoed from upstairs. “She does,” Carly’s voice drifted down.

Wendy laughed. “See?”

Ternen smiled. “I haven’t been able to cook since Vince moved me out of the kitchens. I miss it.”

Alannah smiled. “I can help with chores.” She rubbed her stomach. “I’m starting to feel really nesting.”

My mother smiled and patted her hand. “You have to rest. But I’ll be doing morning trainings, even for you two.” She looked at Ternen and Alannah. “I’ll give you a pregnancy-friendly workout, but no one in my pack will be helpless.” I raised an eyebrow, and my mother smiled. “If you two are okay with it, I’ll teach Abby the same training as Carly. It’s good to start them early.” Rick and Shelly both nodded.

“Now,” I sat back, “since that’s settled, let’s talk about what happened last night and this morning.”

Rick looked at his hands. “Amy…”

I reached over and patted his hands. “I know the three of you know what happened with your wolves, but I want to tell everyone.” Everyone nodded. “Shelly, Ternen, and Alannah all had the same creature in their minds—a leech, if you will. I’m telling you this in case you ever encounter one.” Toya and Wendy leaned closer. “It lives in the recesses of their mind, where your wolf feels safest. It hides in the shadows and drops onto your wolf, feeding on it.”

Wendy shivered. “What does it look like?”

“Almost like a black centipede.” She gagged, making me smile. “The only way I could kill it was by force-feeding it power. It eats away at you slowly; it can’t handle a large amount of power. Push it, and it explodes.”

Wendy bit her lip. “What if I’m not strong enough?”

“You are. It doesn’t take much; it’s not built to withstand much power. It sips at you and injects you with fear, making you feel trapped until you’re too weak to fight back.” I tapped the table. “Now your wolves know what to watch out for.” I turned to Rick. “Your monster was different.”

He nodded. “Bees.”

“Yeah,” I rubbed my eye as phantom pain flared. “When they stung, it felt like […], but you got a boost of energy. There was a giant hive feeding off your energy while torturing your wolf. By the time I got there…”

“But you killed them and saved me.” Rick looked a little dazed.

“And almost died doing it,” my mother interjected.