“That’s fair,” Alec said. “And for what it’s worth, everyone at camp was sorry when you left. I think all they’ll care about is that you’re back safe.”
I swallowed against a lump in my throat. As much as I hated to admit it, I missed the camp and its residents. “Kyle, what do you think? About going to the feral camp?”
“I think it’s our best shot. It’s almost like hiding in the open. I don’t think they’ll expect you to return to your last location. Besides, we could use the help,” he said.
I hated the whole thing. People didn’t help me. Ever. I was always on my own. Any plan that revolved around others was too risky. On the flip side, I was a broken shifter with a murderous mate and would-be father-in-law.Fuck my life.
“I don’t want to talk to you when we get there,” I said to Alec.
“Fine by me,” Alec replied.
“I’ll need a tent for me and Kyle,” I said.
That made Alec turn to look at me. “Him?”
I raised a brow. Was that jealousy in his voice? Maybe he should have thought of that before he betrayed me. “So far, he’s the only one who seems to be looking out for me.”
“Isn’t he one of the guys who used to beat you up?” Alec asked.
“He is, but he never sold me to my enemies,” I said.
“I saved your life,” Alec said.
“That doesn’t mean you own it,” I snapped.
“He gets a second chance, but not me?” Alec sounded pissed.
“He didn’t take my virginity and then turn around and hand me over to a mate who spent the last decade beating the shit out of me,” I said.
“It’s going to be okay,” Kyle said. “We’ll get through this. I swear.”
His words were surprisingly comforting, but the tension was thick between me and a very silent Alec. I was done talking to him. I said what I needed to say and I was pretty sure there was nothing he could do to change things between us. Like Kyle, I supposed I could view him as an ally if he demonstrated his ability to help, but we couldn’t go back to the way things were.
Alec slowed the car down and I realized we were already back at the camp. I saw the green tents dotting the outskirts of the common area. It was probably around dinner time since there were so many shifters gathered around outside. As Alec pulled the car into the space by Mario’s tent, I noticed the huge stack of wood in the center of the common area. “Bonfire?”
“Tomorrow’s the full moon,” Alec said. “We’ll light it then.”
My stomach twisted. It had already been a month since I’d shifted to keep myself alive. In that time, I’d tasted freedom, and had it yanked away.
“I need to see Greta,” I said.
“I’m sure she’s already waiting for you,” Alec assured me.
When the car was stopped, I didn’t bother with goodbyes. I opened the door and walked out, headed toward Geta’s tent.