[1st draft] Bora's near-death experience caused a brief separation from Gemma, but to live in peace, he must end the Seven Shadows.
Bora Hawk, the polar wolf, has an unexplained target on his back. His enemies want him dead, caged, or becoming the...
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I sucked my teeth, finding myself right back where I started, swiping the branches in front of me. Everyone stood around like a bunch of cud-chewing lost cows. My chest puffed, annoyed as hell. Sigh, I massage my face. I can't take my frustrations out on them. She was my responsibility, but I gave the job to someone else. I knew better. I've gone soft from relying on them too much. She called for me but I wasn't there and when I finally showed up; it was too late. She was already beyond my reach. "I'm going alone to get her back."
"What?" They rattled in commotion, making it clear they disapproved, but my patience was low, and my anger was high. I need to clear my head to make the next move.
Malinda brushed her hand against mine for the attention I didn't want to acknowledge. "You don't have to face this alone." Her concern was not my own as I ignored her, thinking of a plan to get you back. He is always one step ahead of me somehow. It's infuriating.
"She's right." Adam folded his arms with his shoulders high as he fixed his gaze with a look of confusion. "They put you on the ground once. It's what, seven of them with their brainless stooges? You can't take them all."
Figures. That's why he looked like that. He doesn't have confidence in me, but I never looked for his approval. "Watch me."
"You should listen to him." My biological father had the nerve to offer his skid mark pennies when no one implored for his handout. If he had so much input, what in the hell are we fighting for?
Miska barged her way to an undesirable invite. "We're coming with you."
"You will be in my way."
"We already agreed we will help you." Carina fixed her mouth to display her audacity.
"But you have been doing a terrible job. A useless group of wolves at this point." They all gasp, but I don't mean to be cruel. I've always worked better alone, getting things done.
"I told you before that I am the Alpha of my village. Just like you have loved ones to protect, so do I."
The ignorance that came out of her snapped my teeth. "And I asked you as a friend, not your Alpha, Carina. All of us are far away from home. I am not your leader. I stopped you from harming that girl out of decency, not competition. For Skoll's sake, I trusted you with Gem, and what's even worse." One step to her face so the others can't hear. "I know where your heart lies. I was protective of the one you care about, too. Gemma needs to be protected at all costs, or I will lose everything. You knew that was why you came, but your focus shifted, and I know why. You are to insert dominance, but I am not your competitor. And I am also not your concern. So I'm going alone."
"I'm coming with you." Quinn threw a bag over his shoulder.
