I stop on the steps and look out over the two of them. It’s been a long time since I’ve stared at anything remotely close to resembling a pack. I’ve been alone for so long it almost seems foreign, the concept. But as I look out toward Toshi ushering Clarissa back to the cottage and see Vlad and Theo looking up at me for answers, I draw in a deep breath and accept the position I’ve been thrust into.
However briefly it might be.
“We get some clothes, we dig out their children, and we go home,” I say.
“Do you think the Council’s done?” Vlad asks.
I gaze off into the trees, trying to find a horizon that doesn’t exist through the thick forest surrounding us. I look up to try and find the sky, but I can’t see that either. Only treetops that shroud the village in constant darkness.
I can’t wait to see the sky again.
“I don’t know,” I say. “But our part is as done as it’s going to get. Now it’s time to focus on Clarissa and her pregnancy,” I say.
“We killed the main heads of the Council,” Theo says. “But I think they’ll reappoint.”
“Then let’s hope they appoint some Primals with some sense,” I say with a grumble.
“When we go back, where will we head?” Vlad asks.
We all walk into the cottage and begin rummaging around for some clothes to wear.
“My apartment’s a bit small,” Theo says.
“My cabin is undergoing renovations,” I say with a growl.
“That code for ‘Clarissa pulled some shit’?” Vlad asks with a grin.
“What about Toshi’s place?” Theo asks.
“Does Toshi even have a place?” I ask.
“Then that’s a ‘no,’” Vlad asks. “But I do know a place where we would all be accepted. Comfortable. Fed and free to live in commune with Clarissa.”
My eyes lock with Vlad, and I shake my head.
“No. Hell no. Absolutely not. Not after the bullshit we went through.”
“What?” Theo asks. “Where?”
“I was going to suggest my village,” Vlad says.
“I’m not fighting some idiotic fuckers to get through a gate to eat,” I growl.
“You wouldn’t have to this time, don’t worry,” Vlad says. “Just think it over. Bring it up to Clarissa. See what she thinks. Maybe she’ll want to go home. Back to wherever she lives. But it’s an option we have, so let’s keep it open.”
I snort air through my nose before I finally stumble on some clothes.
“Here,” I say as I toss them out. “Put these on and let’s go.”
“Not as nice as my suit, but it’ll do,” Vlad says.
“Fuck your suits. Let’s get a move on.”
“You’re just mad you don’t have suits,” he says, grinning.
“Oh, this will be fun,” Theo says.
“I hate you all.”