The Pack Girl's Retribution (Sequel to The Pack's Girl)

A Different Scent

"Her smell has changed." Draven was staring at me as he announced it.

I skittered into a sitting position. Reflexively drifting backward to put more space between he and I. Trying to protect myself.

Which I'd suddenly had a much stronger urge to do, today.

"I know." Vanquish said. Rolling to lean up and give me a warm look over Hunter's shoulder.

I flushed. Biting my lip.

How can they already know?

I'm not even sure yet.

"The Asara's first pups are being carried by the Gallions Princess." Vanquish murmured proudly. Meeting my gaze with infinite tenderness.

My males all stretched to reverently place their palms over my flat belly. Rubbing it soothingly in a way that had me leaning back. Offering myself to more of their touch.

I subconsciously flattened back out and ducked my forehead against Racer's chest. Avoiding everyone's permeating study and finding comfort in the warmth of my mate.

Lyra Lani's voice rose. "That's why you'd not share the drink!"

I nodded slowly without looking at her.

I heard people muttering some things and then everyone began cheering and whooping. Great excitement rolled over the pack.

***

The next day dawned with great promise.

We travelled the woods in pursuit of what remained of the NightHunters.

It as a peaceful afternoon until we heard a shrill, yipping alert.

We all jerked in that direction.

Vanquish and Racer were off in a flash. I hesitated just a moment, knowing they'd want me in the back.

So, they can protect me.

There were several howling responses, and I was stunned to find when I got there that most of the Asara pack had convened there.

Killian's back was turned but over his shoulder I could see Fury's huge head looming and the green cloak he had fisted in his hand. Though I couldn't yet see who he had.

I got close enough I could peer over Killian's shoulder. Seeing Draven was there. Arms crossed and face furious, as he inspected the worn face of the elder she-wolf.

"Survived the night, did you?" Vanquish was taunting.

"Do you know what she's been doing?" Samantha asked Draven worriedly.

Draven's gaze slid sideways to Lyra Lani, indicating he'd just recently found out.

"Why were you poisoning the females?" Draven asked.

"I wasn't poisoning." She hissed in her rasping voice. Flailing against his grip. "I was sterilizing your pack."

There was a hint of triumphant glee in her voice.

Even now?

I felt just the hint of guilt.

I did once think she was my friend.

But Draven was right.

She was poisoning the pack.

I'd let her poison me.

But not anymore.

The fact that I now knew I was carrying pups was the only reason I was still willing to hang so far back.

"The Asara are only a pack of collected rogues. Not really a pack at all." She sneered. "The NightHunters are more genuine as the Asara."

Draven's arms uncrossed and dropped to his sides. "Good that you think so, because that's precisely who I intend to hand you over to."

There was a flicker of fear in her old gray eyes but then she smirked again. "Go ahead. There's no pack I'd prefer more to be with."

"Do you even know the truth, Old Woman?" Draven asked.

She gave him a wary look.

"Your friend knew what a vile thing Lorem was. She tried to tell you."

Marta turned her head. Beginning to shake it in denial.

"For that, he found her under the next Mating Moon. He took her in a way that was beyond violent. He didn't just lose control. It was deliberate torture. He ripped her apart from the inside out to keep her from ever warning you away again."

"No." Marta shook her head more quickly. "You're a liar. Just as your father was!"

"Father banished him for his cruelty. Male wolves are violent. They are aggressive. They are barely controlled under a Mating Moon, but that kind of deliberate slaughter was no accident. He banished him from the pack. And from you. To protect all of us."

"No."

"He was no fit mate for you."

"He was my mate!" She shrieked defensively.

"He is vile."

"He is mine." There was no listening, in her. She'd not hear a word of it. Which made me wonder if part of her had already known.

Already come to terms with it and already decided that she'd accept him anyway.

It made me wonder if that was what had aged Marta so much that she now looked far older, then even Lorem.

Wolves did little aging upon reaching maturity.

In-fact I couldn't think of any I'd known that had died of old age.

They're generally killed by someone.

But I also had to admit that I had very little memory to examine.

But it's coming back.

Everything was coming back.

And I was no longer having tremors.

I felt free for the first time in recent memory.