The two of them looked at me as if they weren’t sure if they believed me yet. Jake looked unsure of my promise but that didn’t matter. I wasn’t going to try and convince them and time was running out. We didn’t know how Delta John was holding up and Jake needed to leave as soon as possible if not five minutes ago.
“See? She’s going to stay away from the fight and you’ll make sure she does just that, won’t you?” Jake asked.
“Yes,” Viktor growled.
“Good. So we don’t need to worry,” Jake whispered.
Jake stared into Viktor’s eyes, he turned to me, but Viktor pulled him back to him hard. Jake collided with his chest with an oomph. He inhaled a shaky breath as Viktor hugged him tight. Jake wrapped his arms around his waist and breathed in Viktor’s scent. I watched them embrace each other and ignored the thought that if something happened to one of them, this would be the last time I saw them together.
“Don’t get hurt,” Viktor demanded.
“Never,” Jake whispered.
He unwrapped his arms from Viktor’s waist and Viktor’s arms dropped to his side. They didn’t kiss but they would do it when they saw each other again. Jake lifted his chin and looked at him once more before he turned from him. Looking at me, he opened his arms and I stepped into his embrace. He threw his arms around me and pulled me close. I buried my face into his chest and fought the negative thoughts that flew through my mind. The sound of his heartbeat encouraged me. Tears filled my eyes and rolled down my cheeks.
“Come back to me,” I whispered.
“Always,” Jake said firmly.
He pressed a kiss to the top of my head. I choked on the sob that threatened to escape. Jake pulled away and took a step back. His eyes wandered over my face before he dropped to his knees. I looked down at him as he wrapped his arms around my waist. He looked up at me before he looked down and pressed a kiss to my stomach.
“Thank you,” Jake whispered. He looked up at me and held my gaze. His eyes watered and I bit the inside of my cheek. “Thank you, Kacie.”
“For?” I asked.
“For giving me everything I’ve ever wanted and more,” Jake said. A painful sound came from Viktor.
“This isn’t goodbye, Jake. Get up,” I demanded.
Jake didn’t listen to me. He kissed my stomach one more time and squeezed me tight. Tears streamed down my cheeks before he let me go. His arms fell from my side as he got up. He looked down at me and smiled. His fingers lifted my chin and he leaned down. Our lips met and he kissed me before he released me. His hands brushed my tears away.
“We didn’t have time to talk, and I really wanted to. Thank you for giving me another chance,” Jake said.
“There’s nothing to thank me for. You’re my mate as much as Viktor is,” I said.
“I love you, Kacie. I don’t regret my decision and I hope you know that,” Jake said.
“I know-” I sobbed.
“I don’t mean to interrupt but we really need to go,” Jamie said.
“Yes,” Jake said.
“Be safe out there, Gamma,” I said as firmly as I could muster.
“Yes, Luna,” Jamie said with a dip of her chin.
With one last look between Viktor and I, Jake turned and followed Jamie out. I rushed to the get dressed and Viktor did the same. The elders may have had the element of surprise on their side but he was mistaken if he thought he could take down four witches. Viktor grabbed my hand and together we rushed out the door and into the hallway. Despite what we had going on with Clara right now, I knew without a shadow of a doubt that she would still be on my side. She would help me, she would help us.
***
Viktor banged on the door once, twice, three times before the door flew open. We came face to face with a puffy eyed, tired, pissed off Clara. She wore a knee-length black t-shirt dress and her arms were folded across her chest. She wasn’t wearing any makeup, her hair was done, and the orbs hung from her ears. She looked between the two of us, her eyes lingered on Viktor before she anger filled her eyes as she glared at me. She bit on her lip as she waited for one of us to speak.
“We need your help,” Viktor said.
“Whatever it is could wait. I’m in no mood to see anyone,” Clara said.
“I-” Viktor started but I squeezed his hand. He looked down at me and I shook my head.
“I know it isn’t a good time and there are things… we need to talk about, but we wouldn’t come here unannounced if it wasn’t important. The elders are here with a witches or a witch, we aren’t sure yet, and I-we need your help,” I said.
Clara’s arms dropped to her side as she looked at me. Worry danced across her features despite her being upset. She looked between the two of us. She looked behind me and I knew where her thoughts were going.
“He’s fine,” I whispered. She closed her eyes and visibly relaxed. When she collected herself, her eyes opened, and her gaze locked on me.
“What brings you here?” Clara asked.
“There’s been an attack on Eclipse pack,” I said.
“Are you outnumbered? Is it normal for wolves to ask witches for help? Are you unable to defend yourself?” Clara asked. Viktor growled but I ignored him.
“They have witches and I don’t know if I’ll be able to handle them on my own. I came to ask my sisters for help,” I said. Clara bit her lip and her brow furrowed.
“Are we no longer sisters now?” I asked.
“No, that’s not it,” Clara muttered.
“Then what-”
“Jade,” Clara whispered.