Our Part
\[Maverick’s POV\]
Pain shoots through me as smoke threatens to suffocate me. There’s fire all around me and debris from the explosion that took place. A beam lies across me, holding me in place as I fight to break free. And as I search the area, I don’t see anybody who is capable of helping.
Shit. I think, drawing on all the strength I have. What the hell even happened?
Last I remembered I was fighting two of Ezekial’s wolves, and then there was a loud boom and then blackness. From what I could see, I was certain that a bomb had been planted and it went off during the fighting.
But why?
Wasn’t the one who set it off aware that their own was still in the building? Did that mean that they didn’t give a shit who was taken out by it?
Or…
Panic begins to flare up in me as I continue to fight the beam on top of me, struggling with all my might to budge even an inch, and once I do that, I wriggle some more.
“Get off me.” I hiss, clawing at the floor for leverage. “Get the hell off of me.”
With each exclamation, I budge a bit more and more until finally, I’m able to pull myself free and stand. Once I’m up, I look around, taking in the carnage that makes my stomach churn, making me certain that I’m going to be sick, but I can’t let that stop me. I needed to go. I needed to get out of here, and I needed to find Serenity.
“Right.” I murmur, turning toward a hole in the wall that allows me a view of the world just beyond. When I reach it, I look down, taking in the drop, and when I’m certain that I will be able to make it, I leap forward and then fall.
When I hit the ground, I flip, and then I’m on my feet and extending my senses, but I can’t find the one I’m looking for. However, I do feel another presence, and I’m certain if Serenity is anywhere, it is with her.
Settling on this, I move, avoiding the chaos that is taking place as Jose’s men work to help the injured and put out the fire that is slowly consuming New Moon’s packhouse. And when I spot Denali, I beeline for her.
“Maverick!” She gasps when I reach. “You’re okay.”
“More or less.” I respond, my gaze searching the area around us. “Where’s Serenity?”
Maybe I’m being rude in asking this instead of asking if she and Elise, who stands with her, are okay, but I can’t ignore the panic that is slowly filling me.
“Where is she?”
“She…” She begins but stops as a bout of coughing hits her, and when she pulls her hand away, it is covered in blood.
“Shit,” I hiss, taking in her condition. “What happened to you?”
Even from where I’m standing, I can see black lines beginning to trace their way across her skin and the blood that is steadily dripping from her nose and ears.
“It doesn’t matter.” She says quietly. “Right now, the most important thing is saving Serenity.”
At her words, I feel my heart drop to my feet, and I know that whatever she is about to tell me is going to be something I’m not going to like, but I need to know.
“What happened?” I ask, bracing myself. “Where is she?”
“Ellie,” Denali responds. “She took her.”
“Then they’re that much closer to achieving their goal.” Elise murmurs.
“What did you say?” Denali asks, turning her attention to the woman. “What do you mean, ‘achieving their goal’?”
“The ones who are attacking wish to eliminate all wolves.” Elise explains, not even batting an eye. “Their purpose this whole time was to get their hands on Serenity so that they could use her blood.”
Anger rushes into me as I think of those bastards doing anything to Serenity. It pisses me off so much that I want to rush to where they are right now, but I don’t know where they are hiding.
“We have to move.” I growl, not wanting to stand around. “Before they do something.”
“I agree,” Elise says, taking me by surprise.
“You can’t go anywhere in your state.” Denali counters before another coughing fit hits her.
“And neither can you.” She counters.
Remaining silent, I take in the two women who in the past were so strong, but now they were reduced to this. How could I possibly let them go anywhere?
“Then that leaves me and the boy.” Jose announces, making me realize for the first time that he’s with us.
“When did you get here?” I ask, and I receive a look of irritation.
“I’ve been here the whole time.” He points out in annoyance. “How could you not notice me?”
I was distracted, I think. And I didn’t even sense his presence. Frowning, I take the man in while wondering what exactly he was capable of doing. For him to mask himself so well, that was something.
“Denali,” he continues, turning his attention to his niece. “You stay here with Elise.”
“I can help.”
“Not in your state.” He counters. “I know that I asked you to help us, but you’ve done enough. It’s clear that your command is nothing against these mages.”
“Then are you saying that I just wait around?” She demands. “They have my daughter! How can I possibly just sit back and do nothing?”
“Easily.” He responds. “You will be more useful here anyway.”
“What does that even mean?” She asks.
“The rogue wolves are still nearby.” Jose explains. “If they attempt to attack, you’re the only one who can stop them. You must stay here and use the command to keep them at bay for the time being. And you,” he continues, turning his gaze to mine. “You are going to come with me and a few others to where Serenity is.”
“Let me come too!” Elise says, her voice determined. “I can help you find them.”
“I’m certain you can.” Jose agrees. “But I know someone who would not hesitate to rip me to shreds if I let anything happen to you. You must stay here as well.”
“But…”
“No buts,” he counters, shaking his head. “In time of war we must all do our part to eliminate casualties. If you come along with us, we won’t be able to fight properly. You would be nothing more than a liability, do you understand?”
“I…” she begins but stops as she realizes that he’s right. “Okay,” she sighs. “I’ll stay here, but how will you know where to search?”
“You’re going to show me.” He smirks. “Through mindlink.”