Shifted Fate by Alicia S.Rivers

Once the pair disappeared around the cabin, Rowan handed me my shovel, but I held up a finger. I moved over to Ternen. “Hey friend.” I wiped his hair out of his face. “I know you are worried about her.” Rowan came up behind me. I could feel his strength trying to seep into me, but I pushed it away. I didn’t deserve the peace he was offering. “You probably don’t believe me when I say I’ll watch over her. I was supposed to watch over you too, and now look at us.” My voice caught. “I’m so fucking sorry.”

“Amy.” Rowan reached for me but I shook my head. “This isn’t your fault.”

I couldn’t stop the chuckle that left my lips, but it quickly turned into a sob. I slapped a hand over my mouth trying to push it all away. I didn’t have time to break down. “It is.” I looked back down at Ternen and I cupped his cold cheek. “He was alive, and warm less than an hour ago. I should have been faster.” I shook my head again. “He’s dead because of me.”

16

Rowan dropped next to me. “He’s dead because Garith sent men here knowing it was important to you.” He turned my face. Ternen gave his life to protect his mate and his twins. You don’t get to take that away from him because you are feeling guilty.” Rowan’s eyes held mine.

“I’m not.” I shook my head and tried to argue.

“You are. You are taking his loss on when he fought tooth and nail for his family.” Rowan leaned in and kissed my forehead.” He was an omega who fought off rogues. Do you know how rare that is?”

I nodded. “Of course I do.”

Rowan looked down at Ternen. “I don’t think you do. Omegas usually cower, and I don’t say that as an insult. Their wolves are just too weak. Normally they run away and hide if they can.”

they can’t?” My words were soft, but I already

let themselves return to the Moon Goddess. But Ternen, he ran towards the danger. He fought and killed ranked wolves

he do it?” I wanted

why.” Rowan looked at me. “You saw exactly what I saw.” I closed

didn’t want to think about

“Alannah was being pulled to the

just kept shaking my head. “No.” The ache in my chest tightened but no matter what I said, I knew he

of the circle, and right before Ternen ran into the trees he looked back and saw you were coming. He knew you weren’t close enough.” Rowan tightened his

“You’re wrong.”

make it. We both watched his face. He made a choice. His

ripped from my chest. The dam broke, and I felt hot tears

life was worth hers. And he wasn’t wrong.” I reeled

”

could you

a hand to cup my face. “Because I would make the same decision in the blink of an eye. Your life is worth more than mine, ten times over. I would sacrifice myself