Shifted Fate by Alicia S.Rivers

Lynn was waiting with my mother outside. They both looked up as we left the house. She started to shake a little, but Toya and I both pretended not to see. "Ready to go?" I called.

My mom smiled and rubbed her shoulder. "Lynn wanted to ask a favor."

I walked over and waited. "Okay..."

Lynn shuffled for a few seconds. "I know that this is just a bandaid. And it won't help me process anything that has happened." She was stalling and trying to explain herself.

"Just ask." I tipped my head to the side and waited.

She met my eyes and I saw panic there. "I'm terrified to leave. So much so that my wolf is digging into me. She feels safe here, and we haven't felt safe since leaving our pack."

That was a kick to the stomach. "Understandable." I looked at my mom. "I failed you."

Lynn shook her head. "No. Amy you didn't." She grabbed my hand. "You had things you had to do."

I nodded. “But I should have kept a better eye on you and what was happening." I rubbed my thumb over the side of her hand. "I owe you." She shook her head. "Just tell me what you need. Do you need to stay here? Done. I won't make you leave."

her head more vigorously. "It's

I watched her fight with her words. My mom stepped closer to her and rubbed

do this." My mom's words seemed

eyes again, and I still saw the panic, but something

even know she had. "I want you

reeled back like I was slapped. "What?" My gaze snapped

She rushed out. I watched her for a second

"Of course."

to reason with me. "I'm terrified to leave." She started. "But I need to leave. I can't stay here for the rest of my life. I have a pack, a position in that pack, and potentially a second chance out there. But mainly...I need to take back my strength. Derek needs to die, and I need to see it through. I won't be able to move on without it. He has become my boogyman." Her face morphed into a mask of hatred. "He doesn't deserve to have that much power over anyone. Including me. He took a bond that was supposed to be sacred and turned into torture." She looked lost as her brain forced her back to that place. I squeezed her

power over me anymore. And I will be able to kill

kill him now." Toya tossed out

Lynn shook her

don't know if I am strong enough yet. But we have run out of time. She lifted her hand. "I'm shaking this hard just thinking about leaving my room for a night. Being back

I