Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted novel Chapter 354

A horde of wolves stream into our camp. Several shift in the middle of the snow, eager to embrace their friends or family for the first time in months. It feels as though the entire compound is out to watch the largest crowd brought in by our scouting team.

There’s an overall atmosphere of joy and celebration, but underneath it all, my mind worries over simple problems. Food. Firewood. More shelter. We only have so many tents, so many beds, so many blankets… And winter isn’t over yet.

"Kellan," I call out, spotting his broad shoulders in the crowd. "Get these people settled in the new tents. Make sure they’re comfortable. We may need to switch people around to make sure no family units are broken up."

He nods, already moving to direct the flow of refugees. A pang of worry hits me as I consider our dwindling firewood supply. We’ll need to send people out for more.

My eyes scan the crowd. Some of them are from other packs; they hang back, tails tucked, in small groups of their own. One group has their tails up, panting in the snow as they glance around. Probably Aspen wolves.

Right on cue, Ivy approaches them.

Distracting me from the influx of new people is Delta Ryder Thorn, looking like he’s been through hell and back. He’s lost weight, and his fur seems matted. But there’s something about him that has Selene sitting up to take notice.

"What’s going on?" I ask Lucas, who unwraps his arm from around my shoulder.

"I don’t know. He wanted to tell us in person. Come, let’s head to the debriefing tent."

Ryder follows us without comment, though he’s practically bouncing on his paws. He shifts almost as soon as the tent flap closes behind him, grabbing some clothes at random off the shelves we have for that purpose.

"I bring good news," he announces, his voice hoarse but triumphant.

Lucas raises an eyebrow, a silent command to continue.

"We found Jericho."

My hand shoots out, grabbing Ryder’s freshly donned shirt before I can stop myself. "Where is he?" I demand. He wasn’t in the group.

A firm hand pulls me back, and I let go of his black shirt as my back bumps into Lucas’ chest. To his credit, the delta doesn’t flinch at my reaction, only grinning wider. "He’s with a group of supernaturals, about a hundred miles northwest. They’re all in hiding."

"How did you find him?" Lucas asks, cool as a freaking cucumber. Like it’s any report on any given day.

"He found us through the pack link. When we got close enough, he reached out."

Frowning, I ask, "Why didn’t he come back with you?"

The bright light of excitement fades, and Ryder’s lips thin. No longer keeping eye contact, he gazes off to the side, clasping his hands behind his back and shifting his feet, as if bracing himself.

"Beta Mentor Jericho was severely injured. Many of the wolves we brought today were saved by his efforts. But he lost both his legs."

Devastating words. Tears fill my eyes as an image of the grizzled old shifter jumps to my mind’s eye. Fit. Healthy. Energetic.

"But he’s alive," I whisper, trying to give myself something positive to cling to.

Both of my shoulders bow under the weight of my mate’s hands, and he squeezes gently. "He’s alive."

His words rumble against my back, and I nod jerkily, blinking against tears.

"Why didn’t he return with you?" Lucas addresses Ryder now, all business, as I’m still reeling.

I’m sorry, Selene offers quietly. She never followed us into the tent; she’s overseeing the new arrivals and keeping an eye on Ivy. Jericho is a good wolf. He saved many lives.

Yes, but at what cost?

My heart twists, wondering how he’s handling it. No one ever deserves a disability. Ever. But it’s turning my world upside down to imagine someone so strong and vibrant forever trapped in a wheelchair.

"Kellan will be here soon," Lucas says, and I realize I’ve missed part of the conversation. "I want him to hear in person."

"Understood, Alpha."

* * *

Lucas and his subordinates spent a long time in discussion. About Jericho, mostly, and the new problems that have now arisen. The old wolf managed to bring together many survivors. Not just wolves, but other supernaturals.

Including vampires.