Yeah, maybe Lynn would be more use there after all.
Austin patted Titan’s shoulder. “I appreciate your service. We’re fortunate you owed Church a favor.”
Titan smirked. “I’m not doing this because I owe him. Don’t you know?”
“Know what?” Denver asked, closing in.
Titan turned to address the men. “When the other Shifters in the community got wind of what the wolves were battling against, we had a choice. We could either be apathetic and watch our community fall apart, or we could choose to fight. If we allow the Northerners to rule the pack territories, what’s to stop them from coming after mine? And I don’t have as much to lose as you do. Maybe we all have our differences, but everyone knows what the wolves have done to create social order. That’s why many of us have chosen to live in your cities. We stand shoulder to shoulder with you.”
Austin was honored to know there were men with integrity who would do what was right and not what was easiest. “Is there any news from the rest of the state?”
Titan pinched his chin pensively. “Dallas regained control, but it seems the units are concentrated around Austin. I suppose the land and weather are more desirable, but I also have my suspicions their leader is still in the area. That’s the rumor.”
Austin bristled. “Why don’t you spread the rumor that Austin Cole wants the honor of driving a knife into his black heart?”
Titan arched a black brow. “That’s a bold statement.”
“I’m a bold alpha. Spread the word.” Austin bowed his head. “Please make sure my packmates arrive safely.”
Titan nodded. “You have my word.” He transformed back into an impressive stallion and knelt down as if he were genuflecting.
Maddox helped Lynn mount, giving her a handful of mane to hold on to. He locked his fingers together and made a step for Hendrix to put his foot in and get a boost onto the horse’s broad back.
Most of the pack avoided waking up Izzy since she sometimes lashed out violently, but during Austin’s conversation with Titan, Maizy had gently coaxed her awake so that she could say good-bye to her son. Izzy had a look of relief on her face as she rushed to Hendrix’s side.
She took his hand, giving him motherly kisses that would make any boy his age blush with embarrassment.
“I love you,” she said. “Don’t worry about us; just keep yourself safe. Stay alert during the ride, and watch over Lynn. This’ll all be over soon.”
“I know, Mom. We’ll be fine.” Hendrix looked toward Austin with shame in his eyes—shame that he wasn’t old enough to fight or to lead like the others in the pack. “Tell my dad…”
He patted Hendrix on the leg and nodded. “Don’t worry, son. He knows you’ve fought bravely, and I’ll be sure to let him know you’ve put your life on the line to escort Lynn home. Everyone here plays an important role; don’t you forget that. Now hold on tight. I have a feeling he’s going to keep a quick pace.”
Reno gave the horse a pat on the rear, and they disappeared into a blanket of mist. Austin had a strong pack—having just one of Reno was the equivalent of four Shifters. Lynn and the boys had proven their abilities, but things were only going to get more dangerous toward the end, so it was one less worry for him to shoulder.
But not his biggest worry.
Chapter 28
Jericho and I had spent hours in the bunker together. My life was reduced to eating cold beans out of a can and daydreaming about clean underwear and barbecue ribs. I managed a few winks of sleep before Izzy woke me up and encouraged me to bathe in the creek while she looked after Jericho’s wolf. When I returned, she was ready to go back to her post, so I spent the remainder of the time monitoring his wolf, keeping him calm and rested so when Jericho shifted back he’d have all the strength needed to continue with his duties.
When my back grew sore, I sat on the bench. It had been misting all afternoon, so the room was damp and stuffy—especially with a wolf panting. Reno had done a good job installing a ventilation tube in this one that ran above ground. It reminded me of one of those submarine periscopes—only it had a screen on each end to keep out the insects. It was affixed to a nearby tree and obscured with leaves. He would have constructed them all that way except he didn’t have time to fully test it to make sure it didn’t bring in water or mosquitoes.
I wasn’t sure what was keeping me from opening the hatch, but a feeling of dread swept over me.
“It’s quiet out there,” I whispered to Jericho’s wolf.
He trotted over and sniffed the seam along the door.
Thunder rumbled—the kind that got louder toward the end and vibrated the walls.
“I hope that was your stomach,” I said quietly.
I’d lost all sense of time, so I lifted the hatch to peer out.
Still daytime.
A light rain tapped against the canopy of leaves overhead, though not many drops had yet made it to the ground.