Chapter 163 – Sinclair Visits the Refugees

Sinclair

Arriving at the airfield, I did my best to hide my nervousness from Ella. Though loath to admit it, I still feared my people might blame me for everything. My amazing mate had done wonders in assuaging my guilt, but I knew grieving people often need someone to blame. The Alpha in me almost wanted them to lash out—I could handle it; ultimately, the responsibility was mine. The man in me, however, was deeply agitated by the prospect of their pain.

Ella leaned into my side as we approached the tents, her slight weight sending a rush of affection through our bond. It will be okay, her wolf reassured mine, and I pictured her rose-gold canine cuddling my brooding black beast. I pulled her closer, purring my thanks in her mind.

"I know," I assured her. "I'm always okay when I'm with you."

Ella's cheeks flushed pink. Usually, this would spark ideas, but the situation was too serious. Entering the largest tent, a hush fell. Whispers of the Alpha circulated, and I forced myself to meet the eyes of each refugee. I was surprised to see shifters from across the continent, far beyond my pack's borders, yet all addressed me with reverence.

"I'm sorry I haven't visited sooner," I announced, raising my voice. "My beautiful mate convinced me that constantly focusing on war wasn't good for me or fair to you, and as usual, she was right."

A chuckle rippled through the crowd. Ella snuggled into me, hiding her face in my shoulder. I rubbed her back and kissed her hair, my wolf purring through our bond: What's wrong, trouble? You only like my praise in private?

Emboldened, her wolf replied, Oh, so you want me to share my blushes with all these other wolves? I would have thought you wanted them all for yourself, but if you insist— Before she could turn back, I locked my arm around her waist.

"Naughty mate," I teased, amused, provoked, and thankful for her tension-relieving antics. Feeling heartened, I continued. "I cannot express the depth of my sorrow and fury for what happened to our home. None of you should be here, forced to flee your ancestral lands, especially not at the hands of the one who should protect you: Damon. His actions are a betrayal of the worst kind, and though I can't undo the damage, I'm doing everything to bring him down."

I paused, observing their hopeful eyes. Then, I said what scared me most: "I also need you to know how difficult it was to leave Moon Valley, and that I wouldn't have if I saw another option. It goes against every instinct to flee rather than fight, but I saw the writing on the wall. I knew the Prince would win the battle, and if the united packs were to win the war, we had to survive and fight another day."

Murmurs of approval boosted my spirits. "I'm working hard to build alliances in Vanara and maintain my continent-wide connections. When the time is right, I vow to return and lead the rebellion against Damon. We will take back our home and make things right." Emotion thickened my voice, and Ella shared her pride with me.

"In the meantime, I want to hear from you all—intel, concerns, needs. I want it all, good or bad," I said, my voice strengthening with my mate's encouragement. "I may not visit often, but while we're in Vanara, my door is always open, and we'll set up channels to ensure you can reach us."

I tasked Hugo with taking notes, and Ella and I moved through the tent, meeting each refugee individually. Some were angry; others had grievances. But most expressed gratitude and understanding. My heart lightened as more shifters shared their appreciation. It wasn't until we met a young couple with twin toddlers that I finally forgave myself.

While the children played, their parents, from the Shadow Pack, sat embraced. The man had been targeted by the Prince's forces as a potential replacement Alpha. "You must know what a symbol you two have become," he said, looking between Ella and me.

Ella, distracted by the children, processed his words. "A symbol?"

"Yes," his wife confirmed. "At first, it wasn't clear you'd escaped, but then Damon put a bounty on your heads, blaming you for the King's and the Alpha Council's murders. He essentially told everyone you'd escaped."

"Bloody idiot," her husband muttered. "He made it possible for the entire resistance to form around you. Everyone knows you're out there, plotting your return. You are a beacon of hope."

Ella squeezed my hand. "You mean… people aren't angry that I left?"

The couple exchanged shocked glances. "Of course not. You're the only thing keeping them going," the she-wolf said, bewildered. "They see you as brave enough to risk everything to do what's right. And trust us, everyone would rather you live to lead us than be a martyr."

Overcome, I crumpled, burying my face in my hands. Ella's paw settled on my back, her voice soothing: See, you impossible wolf. I told you so.

I chuckled, gazing at her smile. I kissed her fiercely, my heart leaping back to life.

Afterward, Ella and the she-wolf changed the babies' diapers. I watched my mate cuddling the little boy, making silly faces. Turning back to the father, I found him watching me knowingly. "It's amazing, isn't it? How the smallest thing can overwhelm you? Pure witchcraft."

"I never knew I could feel this way," I said. "And I've been with my fated mate."

He chuckled darkly. "Just wait until your pup comes. If you think you're a goner now…"

"I can't wait… but I'm terrified," I admitted. "I can't stand the thought of welcoming a pup during war."

"How are you handling Ella being caught in the middle?" he asked.

"Not well," I admitted, grateful for his understanding. "I'm trying to decide about building alliances, whether to bring her or leave her safe. I hate the idea of being apart, but…"

"It's not about your happiness, it's about her safety," he surmised.

"Exactly," I groaned. "She's safer here."

He nodded grimly. "I'd feel the same."

I exhaled heavily. "She's going to hate me for this."

He patted my shoulder. "Better her hating you alive than loving you dead."

Truer words have never been spoken.