Chapter 63

Sabrina rubbed her arms. It was a warm night, but the memory of Ethan fighting Nik haunted her. She’d only seen her boyfriend turn into a wolf twice. The first time he’d done it to prove to her that he was a shifter. This time he’d wolfed-out to protect her. She wasn’t scared, not really, but knowing he’d fight to keep her safe made her both happy and sad. She’d never be what he was, but that didn’t stop him from loving her. She didn’t have a werewolf ancestor, but she did have determination.

“Is Ethan in trouble? I know you guys have weird rules and hierarchies and stuff.” Sabrina didn’t look at Nik when she asked the question. They’d driven in silence almost the whole way.

“I understand his feelings. If Joy were human, I wouldn’t want her in the middle of a dangerous situation during the full moon. You were Bianca’s friend before either of you became involved with our world. Are you here willingly?”

“Yes, of course, I don’t want her left alone while she’s sick. She’s been such a source of support for me. You know Ethan’s mother hates me. Most of the pack hates me.”

Nik nodded but didn’t take his eyes off the road. “There certainly is a lot of prejudice.”

“I’ve experienced racism before—being black in small-town Wisconsin isn’t a walk in the park—but this speciesism is almost worse. When I fell in love with Ethan, I knew being with a white man would be a challenge, but I had no idea just how much of a struggle we’d face.”

Nik chuckled. “Yeah, I can imagine. You’ve made him a better man. He was a prick before you became his mate.”

“Um, I prefer the term girlfriend. Mate is just too, um, wolfy for me.”

“Now who’s prejudice?”

She rolled her eyes and slapped Nik’s arm. “Oh, get over it.”

“Well, whatever you are, you are a miracle, because I can stand the guy now. You will be protected. We wouldn’t leave you and Bianca unguarded. I’m leaving several guns with you. I know Ethan taught you to shoot, but are you accurate?”

“Not really, but I can hit a target.”

“That’ll have to be good enough. Any wolf that comes in and isn’t one of us you need to shoot. Don’t hesitate.”

“What if I don’t know you? I don’t see any of you as wolves. On the nights of the full moon, I’m in the bunker before it gets dark. Ethan puts me down there as soon as supper starts. He’s so afraid someone will hurt me because they don’t like me because I’m black or human or a black human. He actually has nightmares that he can’t protect me.”

“I’ll order the rest of the pack to stay away from the barn. Any wolf who comes near that you don’t recognize should be considered a threat.” Nik paused, shrugged, and continued. “I’ve had my share of nightmares over Joy too, and she’s a pure-blood werewolf. All mated males have a deep desire to protect their mate. Those nightmares just prove how much Ethan loves you. He’s going to be pissed off about tonight for a long time, but if you’re part of our pack, you’ll follow Law just like the rest of us.”

Sabrina’s throat tightened. “I would have come even if Law didn’t order me to. Bianca was the first friend I made when I moved to town. She’s a good person. I love her like a sister.”

“I’m glad you’re part of our pack. Joy really likes you too. You have more friends here than enemies.”

“Yeah, I know it. Your pack are good people. Like I said, I’m used to bigotry. There’s always a few bad apples in ever bushel.”

“I give you my promise that I will always have your back just as much as I have everyone’s. If anyone gives you a hard time and Ethan isn’t around, you come to me, or Law.”

Sabrina nodded. “Okay. Thanks. So why is Bianca having a harder time with this change than other people do? I’ve heard it’s rough, but usually over in a few hours. She was bitten at night, isn’t that supposed to make it faster?”

“Not everyone knows, but she’s pregnant. The baby is human, and Janna thinks the fetus is acting like a filter of sorts. The blood starts to change and goes into the baby and comes back out human. She’s in a perpetual state of change. There’s no way she can keep that up for months. This will kill her. Don’t tell her, but Janna thinks the baby will die and then the change will finish taking her…if she lives long enough.”

“Oh my God. I know Law wanted a child. Bianca wasn’t sure she wanted more, but knowing how much she loves little kids, she’s probably devastated.” Sabrina’s heart broke for her friend.

“She is. Please avoid the subject of her losing the baby, but Janna said she’s been bleeding and that’s a bad sign. Just keep her comfortable and hydrated.”

“I can do that.”

“I know I won’t be able to keep Ethan away from the barn. Expect Law, Kane, and Ethan to stay close. They’ll probably come lie down in the barn as wolves. Janna might too. Does that scare you?”

“Actually, I think having them there might make me feel better.”

They pulled up next to the barn. Sabrina opened her door and slid out. Bianca’s anguished scream made her blood run cold. She and Nik ran inside.

Law held Bianca in his arms. His face was wet with tears. Sabrina was surprised to see Kane. He’d seemed so different lately. His ashen face and pacing told Sabrina that Bianca wasn’t doing well. Janna glanced up. She shook her head. A lump formed in Sabrina’s throat.

“Get me that bag!” Janna ordered, pointing. There was blood on her hands.

Nik picked up the duffel bag that was sitting on a hay bale and took it to Janna. She unzipped it and pulled out a syringe.

Law grabbed his mother’s hand. “What is that?”

“Desperation,” Janna said as she drew up liquid from a vial. “Hold her still.”

Kane moved closer. “What are you doing?”

“I’m giving her a chance.”

“No! You’re going to hurt my baby!” Bianca kicked out at Janna. The motion must have hurt because she arched her back and screamed.

“Settle down, girl. I’m not going to hurt anyone. This will sedate you. I’m putting you out.”

Bianca still thrashed and fought. “I don’t trust you.”

“Tough shit.” Janna scowled. “Law, if you love her, hold her.”

Kane grabbed Janna’s arm. “She said no.”

Janna stared down the alpha other alphas feared. “If you want her to survive, you’d better let go of me. I swear to you this isn’t going to hurt the child. Hell, I can’t take that away from my son. As much as I want to save Bianca, I can’t do it. Let me go, and I’ll give her some peace. If she’s going to live, she will, but at least if she dies it won’t be in agony.”

“No!” Bianca wailed. “I’m scared. Law, no. no.”

Law peppered her tear-stained face with kisses. “I love you. I love you so much. I’m sorry. I love you. Hurry up, Mom. Do it!”

“No! Ouch. I need to stay awake. I don’t want to die in my sleep.”

Janna pulled the needle out of Bianca’s arm. She put a little Band-Aid on the tiny wound. “Forgive me. I want to keep you alive, and this is your best chance. You must let biology take over. You need to rest. This mixture is a combination of things that affect both humans and wolves. It will give you some relief. Rest.”

Bianca’s eyes fluttered closed, and she mumbled a string of unintelligible words before going silent. Law held her close and wept into her hair. He cried hard. Sabrina looked away, because his naked grief was the most horrifically beautiful thing she’d ever seen. The purity of his love for his wife shone through with every sob wracking him.

Janna glanced up at Sabrina. “Do you know how to give an injection?”

“I can’t do that.”

“Then expect her to wake up in agony sometime tonight.”

The idea of Bianca screaming in pain was terrible. “Can you show me?”

“Yes. Come over here. I’ll be here in my wolf form. I won’t be much help, but you won’t be alone.” Janna held up the vial. “Let me teach you.”

Sabrina knelt next to the older woman. “It’s going to be a long night.”