Chapter 94

Shawna POV

We loaded into Ashlynn's truck to head to the Godsend Pack. I slid into the back seat of the quad cab truck, where I'd be sitting between Michael and Natalie for the ride. Ashlynn and her mate Dawson were in the front. Dawson had apparently insisted on going, stating that his mate was not going to be on the same land where he had nearly met his death, without him there. I could understand his hesitation, especially after she disclosed to us all that she was pregnant. I felt a little pang of guilt about asking her to go along with me, but honeslty I didn't feel like she was in danger. The pack land was all but abandoned, even if it was by council order.

"We ready?" Dawson asked from the front seat.

Michael glanced my way, as if to ask one last time if I was sure about this. "As ready as I will ever be," I replied. Michael took my hand in his and squeezed, before turning to look out the window. I know he's concerned for me. He's mentioned that he's worried that it could send me backwards and that all my progress towards be emotionally and mentally healthy, would be lost. I actually feel the opposite of that and discussed as much with my therapist, who I now only saw once a month and as needed. I had called her last night to gauge if she felt I was ready. Her encouragement had made me feel good about my decision. She had said to me that if I wasn't ready now, she wasn't sure I'd ever be and that I should clear whatever negative thoughts I had because they had no business being in my head at all.

Our conversation on the way to the Godsend pack revolved around Ashlynn pointing out some cute shops in the town we drove through. She also mentioned how much she loved the cafe, especially since Bonnie didn't work there anymore. "Who's Bonnie?" I asked. Turns out she was some she-wolf that was obsessed with Dawson and had very nearly gotten Dawson killed. She had been part of the Godsend Pack and her mate had been involved in some of the things that would ultimately come back to the horrific things that had happened to me. "Oh gosh, I'm glad she doesn't work there either," I said in disgust. Everyone tensed up and then when I laughed, they all relaxed. I hated it when people thought they had to walk on eggshells around me. It had been nearly a year since I'd left here, a battered and broken shadow of my former self. I felt like I was almost back to who I truly am again, and she was not weak.

"How far is it?" Natalie asked.

"Not much further," Dawson answered. "No one is to go in the tunnel to that dungeon until I confirm it's been cleared." Dawson looked in his rear view mirror before continuing. "I have been down there and I know there are plenty of little spots to hide away in if someone wanted too. I want to make sure someone has checked all those spots." I nodded, but it's not like he could see me nod with his back to us, so I finally just said "Yes, we get it." I left it at that.

We turned off the main road onto a long winding dirt road. It took us through the trees and what appeared to be deeper into the woods. Some deer grazed along the banks but paid us no mind, as the turck lumbered down the road. After a bit more of driving we came into a clearing and then a huge pack house appeared. It was absolutely deserted, aside from a few warriors who stood around in the front yard talking. The truck came to a halt and Dawson jumped out and walked towards the biggest of the warriors who stood with his back resting against a fence. I couldn't hear what they were saying but everyone looked calm. The big guy glanced over our way and then looked back to Dawson, nodding his head in confirmation of whatever Dawson had asked him. A minute later and Dawson turned and signaled for us to get out of the car.

"Michael, come over here a second." Dawons called to him and then turned back to the man he'd been speaking too. Michael kissed me on the cheek and whispered to me that he'd be right back. Except I didn't need that from him at the moment and I wished he'd realize that I'm not going to break just from standing here. I didn't even recognize this place, as I'd never been here. I'd only ever been in those underground dungeons that had a door at the other end that had been successfully blasted shut with dynamite. The chances of me having a panic attack or any other such thing while standing here, was pretty slim.

Natalie came to stand next to me. "You know it's just because he loves you," she said as she bumped her shoulder into mine and smiled.

I couldn't help but smile back at her. "I know."