All The Queen's Monsters (The Queen's Slave, Book 3)

Sixteen: A New Life

"Who Knew"

By: James Bradshaw

A Z A L E A

"So we're leaving?" One woman asked, her sandy blonde hair complimenting her daughter's well. The sea of women around me murmured, their brows pinched with worry and their backs automatically rigid. I hated putting them through this, the impending danger of our lifestyle, but Cara was finally stabilizing, and currently at my side acting as a sentry of sorts. Her eyes still glowed from time to time, and now matching her wolf's, were flecked with gold as well. She gave me a nod of encouragement, and I could feel her connection to me pulsating in my chest. Unlike a mating bond, we shared the ability to pinpoint were the other was at all times. After Kore and Elizabeth had threatened to take me back themselves, I came to the conclusion that I was ready to leave. This land offered nothing more for us, and I was no help to them weak and dying.

I faced them head on, my lips thinning. "Yes. We will be reuniting with my pack. I know it will be a big change. You will be surrounded by thousands of wolf shifters instead of just two. That being said, if anyone wishes to leave, you may do so. I will not stop you." The pit was silent for a long moment before Celia piped up, her fingers running through her brown locks as she eyeballed her comrades before meeting my gaze.

"You saved us." She spoke loudly enough that her voice echoed. "We owe you our lives and will follow you anywhere, but I confess, we need more information. When will we leave? Where are we going? What about the soldiers hunting you and your pack, what will a group of humans do if we are attacked by an army of full-blooded vampires?"

I blew out a low breath, anxious at her questions but proud of her for asking them. "I expect nothing less, and I wish I had the answers you seek, but I find myself in a position of weakness. The curse that binds me is tightening, cutting off my ability to hold muscle mass, among other things. My priority right now is all of you. Finding a safe place for you to reside before the noose tightens further. My mates will be here momentarily to offer more information, for now I suggest you pack what belongings you have. We are a long ways away from the Pacific Northwest. I will not lie to you, in addition to living with a wolf pack, this journey will be dangerous, but as I have seen, many of you carry more strength in your little finger than ten men do. It is my job as your leader and friend to make sure you make the journey safely, and I will do that or die trying."

A few eyes filled with tears at my words, and I had to work to choke down my fear. They depended on me, I knew that. I would not risk them by ruling like I used to. It was time I took accountability and went home, no longer could I hide and have the deaths of these women on my hands as well. Celia gave me a nod, and around her the women rose their fists and pressed them across their chests, over their hearts in a declaration of faith. Not long after, they dispersed to do as I had recommended, chattering excitedly and worriedly with one another as they worked to pack everything up. I jumped in to help as well, securing what food we had for travel, and blankets for the upcoming cold nights. My main concern lay with the children, as they were more susceptible to illness and freezing to death. Hours passed, the caves bustling with activity, and soon everyone had made their own pack, stuffing it full of rationed provisions.

I walked the now empty rooms, checking on each woman and child, leaving myself for last. Fatigue hit me when I turned the corner to my room, and I leaned against the dirt wall, a twinge of worry filtering from Cara to me. I set her a thought telling her not to worry, but she kept a close eye on me. I pushed myself into the dark room, not expecting to be greeted by a certain red-haired witch, my heart leaping into my throat when her glowing alien eyes settled on me. I felt my throat constrict, watching her set down the small hand-carved wolf one of the girls had made for me. I couldn't find it in me to speak. I had known she was alive, Elizabeth and Kore had filled in many of the blanks since the time I had been gone, but it was still a shock to see her again.