41

Forty-One

*Rafe

"What are you doing, Rafe?" Rafael demanded as soon as he saw me dressing up in my chambers. "You can't seriously be planning to go after the girl. Don't you think what you are trying to do is unnecessary and a step too far?"

I tightened the last strap on my leather armor. "Of course, I am. Freya is in danger. I have to save her."

Rafael shook his head. "She escaped the palace walls of her own volition. The Sunshade pack is treacherous territory, even for you. It's far too risky."

My jaw clenched. I knew he was right - it would be perilous to confront the rival pack alone on their own lands. But images of Freya, scared and alone, possibly hurt or worse, kept flashing through my mind.

I met my Gamma's stern gaze. "I hear your counsel, Rafael, but I cannot abandon her. Not when her life may be at stake."

"What is this girl to you? Why endanger yourself for her?" He searched my face, trying to understand.

I squared my shoulders, hand gripping the hilt of my sword. "She is