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.”

can’t?” My words were

He fought and killed ranked wolves to save his mate and

why did he do it?” I

exactly what I saw.” I closed my eyes, and I shook my

want

fingers slid into mine. “Alannah was being pulled to the woods, and Ternen was running after them.” Rowan’s words were

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

the circle, and right before Ternen ran into the trees he looked back and saw

“You’re wrong.”

saw you would not make it. We both watched his face. He made a choice. His life for theirs. His life to give you enough time to

felt the word ripped from my chest. The dam broke,

pulled away. “He made the decision that his life was worth hers. And he wasn’t wrong.” I reeled

”

could you

blink of an eye. Your life is worth more than mine, ten times over. I would sacrifice myself for you, for our pups His sad smile broke a sliver off my