Chapter 492

I waved her off. “I was fine, hurt, but fine.” I smiled as she growled at me. “I woke up with a burst of energy, so I went for a run.” I sighed, pushing my chair back. I needed to move. “Everything was fine, but then I sniffed a tracker from Vince’s pack.”

Rick stiffened. “How close?”

“Not close enough. The shield hides your scent here, so don’t leave the area, and you guys will be fine.”

My mom nodded. “We train directly next to the house. We don’t go farther than that.”

“I ran away from here, anyway,” I smiled. “I scented more than I ran. By the time I collected them all, I had five trackers on me, and we were running in giant circles.” My mom snorted. “Nix shut off our scent and shifted to Megan. She hid, confusing the trackers and just enjoying herself.” I smiled, but then I thought of Thane, and my smile dropped.

“What?” My mom grabbed my hand.

“One tracker was Thane.” I met my mom’s eyes and watched her face fall.

“No.” She shook her head.

“Yeah. The trackers searched for a while, but then Thane dropped to the ground. He spoke, saying he didn’t want to find me.”

My mom raised her shoulder. “Of course. He’s in love with you.”

I froze. “What?”

My mom furrowed her brow. “You had to know, baby. That’s why he asked to train with you.” I felt my heart sink.

“I was just good at tracking,” I shook my head.

My mom smiled. “Baby, he was hoping you would fall for him, but he wouldn’t approach you until you came of age. He was really hoping to be your mate.” She patted my hand. “He played it down, though. We talked before I left. He told me he was asking to transfer out.”

“He’s gone.”

“Honestly, Amy, you might want to give him a chance.” She laughed, but then her face fell. “What did you say?”

“He’s gone.” I was staring at the floor.

“I’m… what?” Rick leaned over the table to look at my face.

“Thane and Clarke got into an argument about me. Thane said he wasn’t going to catch us or hand us over to Vince. But Vince was there, and he hopped out. He snapped Thane’s neck, and the others snapped to attention.” I swallowed, my mouth suddenly dry. “Vince said the brotherhood doesn’t keep traitors alive. He told the others to help look closer to the school for us, and then Vince killed Thane.” My mom slapped a hand over her mouth, but Rick slammed a hand on the table.

“It’s not your fault.” I reeled back from the words to find Toya staring at me.

“What?”

“It’s not your fault Thane was killed.” She kept staring into my eyes. “I know you. If you attacked six men, you would have been killed.” Her words hit harder than I was willing to admit. “You are strong, but not immortal. You would have died.”

My mom’s fingers trailed over my clenched fist. “Amy, she’s right.”

I shook my head. “I know, but it doesn’t change that it was my fault.” I knocked on the table. “Anyway, the brotherhood—whoever they are—are closing ranks. That means something is going to happen soon.” I wiped my face and focused on everyone. “That means we have to be quicker. We have days to strengthen our position in this war before they finally make their move towards the King.”

My mom stared at me for a second before looking around the table. “Okay, then. Rick, get started on that laptop. Why don’t we go strip the bedrooms upstairs and make sure everyone is in their bedrooms by tonight?” My mom pushed away from the table. Then she turned to me. “If it’s possible, I need you to ensure the houses are locked down, and that there is no way someone can get through the closet before you leave.”

I nodded. “Yeah.”

My mom turned to Lynn. “Let’s go for a walk before you leave.” She held out her hand and waited for Lynn to join her. “Let’s go.” The two turned and walked out the kitchen door. It all happened so fast, I think everyone was confused.

“What was that?” Alannah asked.

I smiled. “My mom doesn’t like feeling out of control. She has to stay here to protect you, and me leaving for war is making her antsy.”

“She can go.” Rick looked up from the laptop he’d opened when my mom suggested it. Everyone with Wendy…

I nodded. “I know. But I have a feeling she’s going to be needed here.” I patted his arm. “She does too. She’s okay with staying. She’s just worried, that’s all.” I pushed up from my chair. “Toya, make sure you’re ready in fifteen minutes. I’m going to check the closet.”