A Stubborn Heart by Gayle Parness

Author:Gayle Parness [Parness, Gayle]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-0-9981188-6-4
Publisher: Gayle Parness

8

I’d stopped by the doctor on my way back from Karl’s execution. Mom was shaking, sobbing so hard she was having trouble breathing. Doc Kruper gave her a sedative and asked if she’d like to spend the night in one of the rooms at the clinic. The only other option was the room where she’d been kept prisoner. She opted for the clinic.

While I was there I asked about Danni.

“She said she was drunk, although I took some blood. We’ll get the results in a week.”

“You know this area. Where do you think she got the booze?”

“I know of one shady area in town, but there’s nothing to stop a dealer from selling in the woods right outside our border. I sent her back to barracks with a couple of aspirin and told her to sleep it off.”

“She was stumbling in the woods. Barely able to stand up straight.”

Doc Kruper narrowed his eyes. “Her companions left out that information.”

“I’m thinking she’s getting drugs along with the booze. I’ll keep an eye on her.”

“You did the right thing sending her here.”

I walked back to the barracks, closing my mind to the vision and scent of Karl’s burning body. The sound of his screams still rang in my ears. Everyone witnessing had been affected, but there was no other guaranteed way to kill a blood magic practitioner. Blood magic carried a taint that sometimes lived beyond its wielder, infecting someone new with the urge to kill or do harm. Aaron had tried to explain what Liam had told him about how this kind of thing could happen, but magic, by its nature, wasn’t easily explained.

My heart had burned as his body turned to ash. Karl had been a funny kid who’d followed me everywhere, always asking questions. Always pushing limits. The wetness I’d wiped off my face hadn’t only been caused by the heat or the smoke. I’d loved that brat, even when he’d first started to change.

I could have saved lives with one phone call. I wouldn’t be making that kind of mistake ever again.

Brutus and Ed were whispering at a corner table when I walked in. Those two older wolves were at another, coffee cups in hand, their expressions solemn. I approached them first.

“You two okay?” Because they are older, they’d had the option of attending. Wolves of mid-level status were conscious of how they were perceived by more powerful wolves and particularly Alpha Green. Cowards didn’t have much chance at advancement in most packs, so they’d gone to the execution. I would have done the same thing in their shoes.

One of them scowled and straightened. “Sure. We’re fine.” The taller one didn’t even look up.

“First executions?” The first wolf nodded. “It’s rough.”

“Wasn’t that your family?” he asked with a touch of attitude.

I automatically strengthened my shields. I couldn’t go there now. I’d mourn my family when I had the strength and the time. “Yes. My father and brother.”

“Why not you?”

Brutus stood and wandered over. “Gabe didn’t have nothin’ to do with what went on at his old pack.

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