Chapter 44

• Shaelan looked back at Calum again. Her chest ached with the thought of what he was going to do. Every thirty seconds, since they’d started back to the village, she’d had to fight the tears. She couldn’t believe he was going to do it, but knew no one could change his mind. A part of her was still stunned that she had a man, a mate that was so noble with firm principles. Then there was the other part that wished he was more like meek men she’d been raised around. Only they weren’t really meek, she supposed, just terrified to speak out.
• Idiot man. It was the most astonishing, selfless thing she’d ever known. A complete stranger going to fight—possibly to the death, to free her clan from Leroy. Turning, she followed the path Billie had taken. Stupid man. She was mad and proud of him. She couldn’t even speak to him right now for fear she’d howl like she was dying, or scream at him for being so… wonderful and stupid.
• There had to be another way. There just had to be. Think! The only escape she’d ever had was her mind, as long as she kept it moving, she could live with the tension and apprehension that was her life. Now that she needed it, she could barely form a single clear thought.