Chapter 493

I double-checked that the house in Vince’s pack was still secure. I could feel that someone had been trying to get in. There were boot prints on the front door, and cracks in the glass door. Thank you for the werewolf-proof glass! I used a little magic to fix the glass door and then reinforced the house before sealing my bedroom and closet doors.

I grabbed my second phone—the only one I could contact my dad with—and left the other. There was no reason to carry it any longer. I sent a quick message to my dad, letting him know I was about to head to the pack house, then headed downstairs.

Toya was waiting near the front door. My mother and Lynn were still outside, but it was Carly’s patient face that slowed my steps. She looked up when she heard me and smiled, but I saw the sadness in her eyes. “You’re leaving again?”

I nodded. “I have to.” She nodded. “You understand, right?” I walked over, sat next to her, and pulled her to my side.

She nodded but picked at her fingers. “I know.” She sounded small. “I just miss you.”

“Oh, sweetheart, I miss you, too. Once all of this is over, I promise you’ll have me every day. We’ll spend our days here, in the pack, and traveling. You’ll get to go to school and make friends.”

She perked up. “I can go to school?”

“Of course!” I ruffled her hair. “Once this mess is cleared up, we’ll be able to do whatever you want.”

She smiled, but I saw it fade. “You promise you’ll be careful? Even when it’s all done?”

“Of course, baby.” I leaned over and kissed her temple, then stood up. “Give me a hug before I leave.” She jumped into my arms, and I squeezed her. “Be good for Wendy and Grandma Ainsley, okay?”

“Okay.” She pulled back. “When you come back, can we visit my daddy?”

“Of course.” I put her down on the couch. “I’ll see if I can get him here to sit with you and catch up…how does that sound?”

She nodded. “Good.” She paused, her eyes glazing over, turning white. Toya approached as she noticed the shift, too. “Be careful, tri-spirit,” Toya said, her voice deeper than normal. “The end is near, and if you aren’t vigilant enough, you will lose your life. The shaman has seen the different paths that can unfold. Keep her words close to you. One misstep, and all is lost.”

I looked at Toya; I could see her mind racing. I shrugged. “I will.” Carly’s eyes cleared, and she smiled at me.

“I’ll miss you too, Aunty Toya.” Carly threw herself into Toya’s arms and hugged her tight.

“And I you, little mouse.” Toya clutched her close. “I cannot wait to have pups of my own because I know you will be a good big sister to them.” Toya kissed her head. “You are just as much mine as you are Amy’s. You know that, right?” Toya pulled back, and Carly laughed.

“I know.” Then her face grew solemn. “Watch over her.” She looked at me. “She is going to need a lot of support and guidance.”

Toya smirked. “As she always does.” They laughed together, and then Wendy entered the room.

“Abby is waiting for you upstairs,” Wendy said, pointing up the stairs. “She said something was ready?” Wendy sounded confused, but Carly looked excited as she wriggled free of Toya’s arms.

“The tea party is ready!” she squealed.

“What?” The three of us asked simultaneously.

Alannah emerged from the kitchen, laughing. “Abby asked me to help her throw a tea party. Carly is the guest of honor.” Alannah winked. “But Wendy is right. Ternen just delivered the snacks and drinks upstairs. Everyone else is already at her table. They are just waiting on you.”

Carly squealed and ran upstairs. I watched her go before quickly turning to Alannah. “How are you feeling?” I raised my hand, waiting for permission before touching her swollen belly.

She laughed. “I thought you and your mom were joking about my stomach, but just look at me. I’m a balloon.” She chuckled again as I felt a kick. Her face grew serious. “I didn’t realize how tired and sick I’d felt until I woke up today. I woke up rested, happy, and strong for the first time in months.” She rubbed her stomach. “You saved us, and I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to thank you enough. But my boys will know how much you did for us.”

I kissed her cheek. “You deserve to be happy.” I stepped back. “Stay close and stay safe.” She nodded once before Toya and I turned and left through the front door.