Elara POV

Mindy and I help Maxim to his feet while Mason pays and thanks the doctor. I want to get out of here as fast as possible. Maxim has taken more blood than I anticipated, and I need to shift.

“Wait,” the doctor calls, following us as we walk outside. “What if I return your money, and instead you give me a little of your blood?”

“Excuse me?” I frown, stop, and turn to face him.

“Your blood can help a lot around here,” the doctor explains. “We’re a rogue town, and I do what I can, but we’re always short of supplies.”

“Doctor, with all due respect, I can’t do that,” I say firmly. “You know what can happen if my blood falls into the wrong hands. You helped us today, but I don’t know you well enough to trust you. And even if I wanted to, I can’t do it after giving blood to Maxim.”

“What can I do to convince you?” He asks pleadingly. “With a new war hanging over our heads, we’re going to need all the help we can get.”

“Trust me, Doctor, my blood can’t save anyone from what’s coming,” I reply. “But you have Mason’s number. If you’re stuck, call him. If I can, I promise I’ll come and help.”

“I’ll take what I can get,” the doctor smiles stiffly.

We help Maxim into the back of the truck, and I get into the passenger’s seat.

“We need to stop at my place,” I whisper to Mason, holding my throbbing arm.

“It’s too dangerous,” he argues. “The Council and their pets might be there.”

“If they were, we would’ve known about it by now,” I scoff. “Stillwood would’ve been buzzing about it. I need to shift, and I can’t do it at the motel.”

“Those things could’ve sneaked in here without anybody knowing,” Mason grunts.

“And they would’ve picked up that we weren’t here in weeks,” I argue.

“Hey, is everything okay?” Mindy asks softly from the back.

“Yes,” I smile, turning to face her. “We’re just going to make a quick stop at my old place before we go back to town. I need to shift and can’t do it around humans.”

“I should also shift,” Maxim adds. “My wolf needs it.”

“I’m glad you’re better, Maxim,” I smile at him.

“I’m forever in your debt,” he says thoughtfully.

“It’s not a big deal,” I reply. “Something good must come from my blood with all the crap that’s coming my way because I’m a hybrid.”

“I can’t believe we’re doing this,” Mason mumbles as he parks in front of my house.

“You’re too kind,” I smile sarcastically, opening my door and hopping out.

Maxim and Mindy get out and follow me into the house.

“Is something wrong with Mason?” Mindy asks curiously, looking at the truck where Mason is still sitting.

“He’s just nervous,” I reply. Trying to explain to her what is wrong with Mason will take at least a decade. “Come on, Maxim. Let’s shake our fur. If we’re gone too long, the alphas would worry.”

Mason POV

I wait until I see Elara and Maxim’s wolves run off before I take out my phone and call Asher. After the third attempt, I gave up. He has blocked my number.

Is he blaming me for the Council’s doings, or is he simply scared? He knew the risks when I asked him to help; I did not force him. And how was I supposed to know those things would be there?

Without Asher, there is no way for me to inform the Council where my brothers will be. Besides, after our stunt, the Council would have tripled the security. Or worse, make their pets do border patrol.

I must make another plan - and fast. I can feel Elara slipping away. Our connection is weakening by the day. She will never realise she loves me with her mates around all the time.

I jump in my seat when the back door jerks open, and Mindy hops in.

“They’re done,” she announces brightly. “Maxim is looking great. This really helped.”

“Good for him,” I mutter, watching Elara and Maxim walking towards us.

Elara laughs at something Maxim is saying, and a pang of jealousy jolts through me. When was the last time she and I shared such a relaxed moment?

Suddenly, Elara freezes, and she turns pale. She grabs Maxim’s arm and nervously looks around before the storm towards the truck.

“They’re here,” Elara says breathlessly as she opens the door. “Go!”

I do not hesitate or ask questions; I immediately start the engine and take off.

“How do you know?” Mindy asks, panicking.

“I got a decent smell of them yesterday,” she replies brusquely. “They’re close.”

“How close?” I ask urgently. “Did they see you?”

“I couldn’t see or hear anything,” she answers. “I only smelled them. I don’t think they saw us, but they’re on their way to my cottage.”

“Why are you turning back?” Mindy shrieks.

“We must warn Stillwood,” I hiss, thinking about Asher. “These people might be wolves, but they don’t have warriors and border patrol.”

“We can’t help them!” Mindy argues. “We’re only four people, and ...”

“Mason’s right,” Elara cuts her off, and I am pleasantly surprised that she is – for once – on my side. “I know we can’t help, but we must warn them so they can seek shelter.”

“Maxim,” I say as I pull over in front of the doctor’s house. “Take the wheel and drive to the town’s entrance. Elara and I will meet you there.”

“What are you going to do?” Mindy asks as Elara, and I get out. “You’ll leave your scent everywhere, and those things will find us.”

“That’s the idea,” Elara smiles weakly. “We must get those things away from these people.”

“Elara, start running,” I order her. “I’ll tell Doc to start making calls and warn everyone.”

“No,” she shakes her head. “We’re doing it together.”