Chapter 168-2
Pressing his lips together, he looked like he might refuse, but he nodded and turned. Silently, I followed his even jog all the way back to his cabin.
I sat at the small bar in his kitchen and observed him as he made us some sandwiches. He carried
himself with plenty of tension and deliberation. Like he had to force himself to think through every single step. Finally, he put a plate in front of me. “I’m fine.”
“I didn’t ask.”
“But you’re thinking it. ‘Is Finn going to crack?’ I got some sleep. I’m eating. I know I’m not on the
duty roster, but the patrolling helps me think through things.”
I knew how that felt. “We have people you could talk to.”
“I’ll patrol.”
I couldn’t argue with that, so I bit into my sandwich and continued watching him. He drained a whole glass of water and started to eat. After that first bite, he inhaled his food and went back to
make another sandwich.
That was good. That he had his appetite was good.
“London and Elonso will be here tomorrow by sunset, assuming they survive the rogues. Elonso has been courted by Claudine. He’s rejected her, and now his whole pack is a target. He wants in on the fight, and I suspect he might have some more information for us.”
“And London?”
“London is my ally. My friend. Not to mention that Lunessa is in this fight.”
Finn snorted. “Will he ever admit that she’s his mate?”
“I don’t know. It seems there are plenty who are avoiding admitting that their wolves have chosen.”
His
eyes flitted up with mine, and he frowned. “You’re not one to talk. You imprisoned your mate
for nearly three years.”
“Imprisoned is a harsh word. I did what I needed to do to keep her safe.”
“And what are you doing to her now?”
“Excuse me?”
“Just a new way to imprison her,” Finn said darkly.
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Chapter 168 2
He was trying to get a rise out of me, and for a moment, I let him. “My relationship with Kiana is none of your business. You have no idea the danger that she is facing, and I will do anything to
protect her.”
“By chaining her up here?”
“The only chains I’ll put around her are for an entirely different use.” Taking a moment, I calmed myself. He was deflecting, and I was letting him. “Kiana is not a prisoner. She won’t even stay in the damn house when I ask her. None of that is the point. You’re losing control, Finn. I can see it in how you handle yourself. You know that you’re slipping, and you’re thinking through every moment to keep it together.”
Balling his hand in his fist, he lightly knocked it on the table. “I’m fine.”
“No, you’re not. You have a powerful wolf. Have you thought of what might happen if you let him take over? Maybe it’s a good feeling. Hide away from what you’ve done. Find some peace.”
Finn growled. “I’m not hiding.”
“No. You want to fight. I get that feeling, but it will only get you killed faster. Get Kiana killed faster. Or do you not care who gets hurt when you get your revenge?”
“She’s my friend, and she’s far more powerful than you give her credit for. She’s in this fight whether you want her to be or not.”
“Like your sister?”
Finn’s eyes flashed, and I saw the wolf before he snarled and launched himself over the counter at me. I was ready for the attack, and used his body weight against him as I redirected him and threw him into the kitchen table. It splintered under his weight and crashed to the floor. He groaned, and I knew the fight had left him. “That one burst of anger gives you a false sense of security. That justice is on your side, but that’s the problem with rage. There’s no time to plan, and the fight is over before you even know it. You followed me to rescue Kiana from Morven. You reminded me what was at stake and what could happen if I let my emotions rule me. Take your own words to heart and follow me now. I will do whatever it takes to save Kiana. I will take down Claudine.”
Finn just knocked his head back and closed his eyes. I took a step toward him and felt a slice of pain score threw me. Stopping short, it was all I could do not to show my pain. The bond was new but dim. Far away. I knew exactly what it was. The death of one of my wolves.
Claudine finally took her daughter’s blood. Lucy was dead.
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