Insight

The next morning, Eve awoke to hear Bastian right outside her door. He'd stepped out take a call, clearly unaware that the Luna had awoken. She stood from the bed, careful not to make the floor boards creek. She stepped toward the door slowly, listening closely.

"I told you it was ammunition. You didn't use it properly, that's on you." Bastian sighed.

There was a long pause.

"On his own?" It sounded like he was smiling.

Another moment of quiet passed.

"Interesting... Okay, you used it at a good time. I don't know why he didn't explode." Bastian shrugged. "What's the timeframe?"

A short pause.

"That's excellent. I don't have anything for you right now, but we'll be in touch. Soon."

As he spoke Eve walked back to the bed. She barely had time to throw the blanket over herself before the door opened. She closed her eyes, pretending to still be asleep. In reality, her mind was churning.

He was talking to someone about Flint. Bas said he... Who else would 'he' be? And who was he talking to? Eve pondered.

Ammunition. We do not like the sound of that. The she-beast responded.

Whatever it was, it didn't land. Besides, that's not the important part. She reasoned.

Then what is? Love could be in danger. The wolf grunted.

Bastian said 'he's on his own' and there's some kind of timeframe. Like the last snow of winter thing... She reminded herself and her inner animal.

He's on his own... Love is alone. The she-wolf stated sadly.

Yes. And he's coming for us. Soon. Spring is already here. Eve internally sighed.

She slowly opened her eyes, as if she were waking all over again. Bastian was seated in the rocking chair. He watched her stretch and sit up in bed. Eve glanced at him as she ran her fingers through her tangled hair.

"Always watching." She grumbled.

"How could I look anywhere else, Evie?" Bastian smiled and moved to sit at the foot of the bed.

"Ugh." Eve scoffed and rolled her eyes at him.

"How are you feeling this morning?" He probed.

"Same as last night. Same as always. Why do you keep asking me that?" Eve narrowed her eyes at him.

"You're super pregnant with twins, Evie. Do I need another reason?" Bastian chuckled at her.

She examined him for a few moments, before nodding stiffly. After everything she'd learned about Bastian, she knew better than to trust his practiced nonchalance and casual tone. She'd also learned not to voice her every thought and opinion.

"I'm tired. Honestly..." Eve rubbed her face, coming to terms with the ache radiating through her bones. "Going down the stairs is getting harder."

"I'll help you." Bastian smiled.

As he walked her to the back deck, he braced her with his arm around her waist. Bastian's touch, as always, produced static under her skin. Eve grimaced. She hated feeling dependent on anyone. Let alone depending on her captor and her mate's enemy. It felt dangerous, as did her entire predicament.

"In couple days, I'll make you another cup of tea. That'll help with your energy level, at least your wolf's." Bastian stated as he sat beside her on the porch swing.

"I don't want to do that. Why not wait longer than that?" Eve sighed.

"You're weak now. Angry energy is better than none at all." He replied.

Onyx walked onto the porch and handed Eve her hairbrush.

"Thanks." Eve nodded.

"No problem. I have to wake Tyler for breakfast anyway." Onyx shrugged.

As the Luna began to detangle her long strands, the teenager walked over to a tent in the yard.

"If you don't want the tea, there are always other options." Bastian whispered.

Eve looked at him, alarmed. He mentioned breaking her mark so casually that it gave her goosebumps. The only other option was the monkshood, which made her suspicious of him. Still, she knew Bastian was talking about the former.

"No." She stated defiantly.

"Think about it. We could put a stop to all the power you have from the pack and Flint. All that would be left would be yours and the pups'." He explained.

"No. No to all of that." Eve glared at him. "Hell no."

Bastian sighed and stood. He met her gaze and a smirk pulled on his lips.

"Calm down, Evie. Remember what I said about not forcing you do anything. I meant that." He placed his hand on her head in a protective gesture.

For now. The she-beast growled.

Eve didn't respond. She didn't know what to say.

"I'll go get you something to eat." Bastian smiled at her, before he walked back into the cabin.

As she watched him, a knot formed in Eve's stomach. She was afraid of the moment that Bastian stopped listening to her. It seemed like that time was approaching quicker than she could prepare for. A feeling pulled inside her. The power building inside her suddenly swelled.

It felt like a weight was sitting on her chest. Her fingertips were nearly vibrating. Something was different. Something was happening. Eve just didn't know what. She stood on weak, shaky legs and climbed down from the deck.

The Luna circled the backyard, walking aimlessly toward the side of the house. Something was leading her, pushing her forward. She held her stomach protectively, following the call of her instincts. Eve froze as she driveway came into sight.

In the distance, nearly out of her sight, she saw something. Eve rubbed her eyes before looking back to the cliff. A large, muscular, white wolf was standing there. Her heart began to pound in her chest. She touched her sternum as electricity washed over her. It was Flint. He'd seen her.

Love! The she-beast was excited. She was jumping in place in Eve's mind.

He's here. He's alone. Like Bastian said. Eve replied silently.

He's still here! The Luna answered.

Eve heard Tyler and Onyx in the back yard. She had to return to the deck before anyone noticed that she was missing. It caused her physical discomfort to turn away from Flint. With every step away from him, she soaked in the feeling of his emerald eyes on her skin again.

She knew he had a plan to save her. She knew it would be happening soon. Still, she'd hoped Bastian was wrong. She hoped more than anything that Flint wouldn't come alone. It put him at a dangerous disadvantage. Still, seeing Flint and knowing he was close... It made Eve's heart soar.

The Luna climbed back up the steps. She gripped the railing, trying to steady herself.

"Let me help you, Evie." Leigh approached and took her by the arm.

"Thanks." She nodded.

"What were you doing out here by yourself anyway?" The rogue probed.

"I just needed some fresh air. I thought I could make it back." Eve shrugged, hiding the truth.

Leigh helped her sit on the swing before walking into the cabin. Eve inhaled and searched her mindlink. Flint was there. Just beyond the wall she'd put up months ago. The same wall that had been crumbling under her wolf's aggression.

We have to reach him without alerting the mindlink. Then Bastian won't know. She stated internally.

We do it slowly. That's the way. The animal silently replied.

Flint... Eve longed for him so much that she felt hollow and empty.

Love... The black wolf couldn't help but do the same. We're coming.