Chapter 457
102 – Elara
I see Juliette fall past the toppled roofline of the house. Ben runs past me before I can even think of what just happened. I follow his trajectory as he barrels into Jason who’s eyes have gone golden as his wolf tries to surge forward.
“You got him?!” I yell out even as I move away to go and check on Juliette. I don’t need a reply, just a check in so he knows our thoughts are in line.
The rest of the witches that were helping to contain the fire are still chanting, possibly finishing the spell, or maybe, hopefully, casting some type of protection that will keep it from happening again. I trust them to do what they need to do to protect everyone here. I need to find Juliette. Based on Jason’s reaction something happened to her. I don’t think she was in control of whatever the hell that was, but I am sure she just saved us all.
“Alpha! Over here!” Marge calls me. She is huddled with three other pack members.
I add an extra boost of speed to get to them. Marge stays put as the rest jump out of my way wordlessly. I have never seen anything like this before. Juliette looks unharmed, but she is limp in Marge’s arms and steaming from every inch of exposed skin. I watch the steady rise and fall of her chest, which allows my own breathing to calm. She’s alive and breathing.
“Ben. She’s alive. I want Brianna over here before you let Jason come over here in his protective mode.”
“Babe…..Have you lost your mind?! I am barely holding him back now. Neither you or I would be held back. His wolf is almost feral.”
“Knock him in the head! She is f*cking steaming! If he comes over here, he will get in the way of anyone who is helping to revive her. He can’t rush over here out of control.”
He doesn’t respond, but I can feel the agreement float through the bond. I look up to the wolves and witches around us. “I need Brianna. We need to know what is going on with her before her mate destroys everything in the vicinity.”
I kneel opposite Marge who is cradling Juliette. “She’s okay, Alpha. Her pulse is strong and she’s breathing well, but whatever she did to save us sapped her energy, I think.”
“STAY BACK!” Jax yells. “The frame isn’t stable.” I don’t even look at my best friend.
I love that my little team is fully capable of functioning without me.
“WHERE IS SHE?!” A growl rips through the air and everyone goes silent. Marge steps back, just in time to not get shoved by Jason.
He pulls her into his arms, tucking her face into his neck. I am close enough to hear what he is
whispering, but I will never repeat it. I have felt this helpless to do anything for my injured mate, and I don’t wish it on anyone. My heart goes out to him as she continues to lay limp in his arms. An unusually warm hands rests delicately on my shoulder. I turn to see Brianna standing silently next to me, but she doesn’t look worried or pitiful. There is a look of determined pride in her eyes. What the hell? I know she can read the question on my face, but she doesn’t answer me. Instead she shakes her head and kneels next to me.
“Jason,” She breathes a gentle whisper. “I’m not going to take her from you, but I am going to help.” She’s speaking to him like a spooked, wounded animal. He doesn’t
respond, his full focus is on consoling his mate.
She adjusts to a seated position and looks at me expectantly. I look around wondering if I am missing something or if she wants someone to take my spot. I notice there is no one near us. Everyone has ajob and is working wordlessly around us. I look back at her and she raises her eyebrows, dips her chin and stares at me. I sink to my butt slowly, crossing my legs and feeling very confused. Wordlessly, she takes my hand and lays it on Juliette’s shoulder, placing her own on top of mine. Her other hand presses flat to the ground in front of her. I copy her motions, not really sure what is going on, but if it helps Juliette and Jason, I will try anything. As soon as my palm makes contact with the earth, I feel a rush of warmth surge through me. My own energy is immediately restored. I feel like I’ve been hit with an energy shot. This kind of recovery could be addicting. Juliette takes a deep breath in and as she exhales she wraps her arms around Jason, curling her body into him. Jason lets out a strangled sob, holding her tighter. I look at Brianna, confused by his reaction. She’s alive. She was not in danger when he got here. Why the extreme reaction?
“This is the first time she has initiated contact and allowed for more than a hand hold. He and his wolf have been suffering.” She whispers as she pulls our hands away from Juliette.
My focus snaps back to him. He never let on. I wonder if Ben knew.
“Are they okay?” I am perfectly happy to leave them both here while we figure out where everyone is going to go for the night. But, I will keep my ass planted right here if that is what is needed to get them through this.
We have to get a head count and find out if we can scour the packhouse to see if
we can figure out what the hell this was all for.
“Yes. Marge, will you stay with them and let us know if Jason needs anything? Juliette needs rest now.”
Brianna and L stand, brushing off the dirt and ash from our clothes. I turn to the wreckage of my house and as I look it over, I feel Nothing. The last year in this house has been nothing but sorrow and pain for me. I have no good memories.left. My shoulders slump at the revelation, but I can’t bring myself to feel bad.
Without looking at her, I ask Brianna, “Can I get inside? We need to know what the
fire was for and we have to talk about the barrier.”