Calla
My hands shook as I checked my weapons for the third time. A silver knife strapped to my thigh. Claws that I could barely summon on command. And the hope that I wouldn't completely mess this up.
"You ready?" Axel asked quietly.
I looked up at him. His gray eyes were soft with worry, but I could see the Alpha underneath. The leader who needed to focus on the mission, not babysit his mate.
"As ready as I'll ever be," I said.
It was a lie. My stomach felt like it was full of angry bees. My heart wouldn't stop racing. And every shadow in the forest looked like it might hide an enemy.
But I was tired of being protected. Tired of watching everyone else fight while I stayed safe.
Tonight, that changed.
"Stay close to me," Axel said. "No matter what happens, you don't leave my side."
