Lynn was waiting with my mother outside. They both looked up as we left the house. She started to shake, but Toya and I pretended not to notice. “Ready to go?” I called. My mom smiled and rubbed her shoulder. “Lynn wanted to ask a favor.”

I walked over and waited. “Okay…”

Lynn shuffled for a few seconds. “I know this is just a band-aid, and it won’t help me process anything that’s happened.” She was stalling, trying to explain herself.

“Just ask,” I said, tilting my head.

She met my eyes, and I saw panic. “I’m terrified to leave. So much so that my wolf is digging into me. She feels safe here, and we haven’t felt safe since leaving our pack.”

That was a gut punch. I looked at my mom. “Faked you.”

Lynn shook her head. “No, Amy, you didn’t.” She grabbed my hand. “You had things you had to do.”

I nodded. “But I should have kept a better eye on you and what was happening.” I rubbed my thumb over her hand. “I owe you.” She shook her head. “Just tell me what you need. Do you need to stay here? Done. I won’t make you leave.”

She shook her head more vigorously.

“Then how can I help?” I asked.

“I want you to command me to not be afraid,” she said, fighting back tears. My mom stepped closer and rubbed her back.

“You can do this,” my mom said, her words seeming to bolster Lynn.

Lynn met my eyes again; the panic was still there, but something else, too—a hidden strength she probably didn't know she possessed. “I want you to command me to not be afraid.”

I reeled back, as if slapped. “What?” My gaze snapped to my mom’s, but she was focused on Lynn. “Lynn…”

“Before you say no, can you listen to my reasoning first?” she rushed out. I nodded.

“Of course.”

She shuddered, obviously worried I’d refuse before she could explain. “I’m terrified to leave,” she began. “But I need to leave. I can’t stay here for the rest of my life. I have a pack, a position, and a second chance out there. But mainly…I need to take back my strength. Derek needs to die, and I need to see it through. I won’t be able to move on without it. He’s become my boogeyman.” Her face contorted in hatred. “He doesn’t deserve that much power over anyone. Including me. He took a bond that was supposed to be sacred and turned it into torture.” She looked lost, her mind reliving the trauma. I squeezed her hand, watching her eyes struggle to refocus on me. “If you take the fear away, then I can function. I can do my job. I can keep my rank and dignity in our pack. But most of all,” she looked down, “if you take the fear away, when I see Derek, I won’t be back in that dark room. He won’t have power over me anymore. And I will be able to kill him.”

“You can kill him now,” Toya said softly, her unwavering support evident.

But Lynn shook her head. “Physically? Yes. I can.” She seemed to gain strength from that admission. “Mentally? I don’t know if I’m strong enough yet. But we’ve run out of time.” She lifted her hand. “I’m shaking this hard just thinking about leaving my room for a night. Being back in the pack terrifies me because if they see what I’ve become, they’ll shun me.”

“That’s not true,” I whispered. “And I think deep down you know that.”

Lynn sighed. “In my heart, I know you’re right. Our pack is amazing, but in my mind…” She shook her head. “In my mind, in my wolf’s mind, we’re trapped, cornered. And she’s willing to kill anyone who comes too close.” She met my eyes.

“You’re afraid of yourself,” I said, my words surprising even me, but Lynn nodded.

“I don’t want to hurt anyone just because they patted my back or walked too close at night.” She stepped closer, tears streaming down her face. “You can remove the command after everything is done, and I swear I’ll go into seclusion until I’m healthy enough to be around the pack safely. But right now, we don’t have an option.”

I looked between Lynn, Toya, and my mother. “Mom?”

She looked at Lynn. “While I’ve raised you to not command a wolf unless necessary, there are always exceptions.” She lifted a hand, and I watched Lynn tense. “Her fear is doing her more harm than good.” She turned to me.

I swallowed. “Lynn, I command you to not be afraid.” The words felt heavy, but then her back straightened. The fear in her eyes vanished. And for the first time, Lynn smiled.