Chapter 31

Dante offers me a soft smile. “But I did. I’ll do anything for you.” Leaning in, he presses a kiss to my forehead, sending tingles blossoming over my body.

No one says anything as he transforms into his wolf form and darts away. Slowing when he gets a dozen feet from us, he turns his head and looks at me, releasing a low howl. I wave at him, wiggling my fingers. The others stand around me silently, watching and waiting. This feels so surreal.

“Dante said to head south toward shore. There’s a cave hidden where we can build our shelter. It’s near water and some fruit trees yet still beach accessible. We’ll be able to have a lookout in the trees. No one will be able to sneak up on us as long as one of us is always on guard.” Zev crosses his arms, broadening his body as if he can’t help himself from wanting to stand tall.

“Are you sure we should trust the guy? Convenient that he showed up and all of a sudden decided to help. What if it’s a trap?”

Dustin rocks on his heels. “What does he get out of it?”

Jeff scratches his fingers through his hair, mussing the strands. “We all know he wants Sasha. Maybe he sees how close we’re getting to her.”

Zev tightens his jaw and looks at me. “Don’t feel obligated to do anything with him. He deserves nothing.”

“I don’t,” I murmur, training my eyes on my hands. “I honestly don’t even know how to think or feel. This is all so confusing and complicated. I just want to figure out how to get out of this place.”

“And we’ll make it happen. There’s no fucking way I’m staying here. Starting tomorrow, we’re going to set a plan into action.”

Evan touches my hand, getting me to look at him.

“Hell yeah, we are. They can’t keep us here forever.” Breck adjusts me in his arms.

I don’t respond. I can’t.

If only I believed that to be true.

Strange neon colors paint the cave walls, illuminating the world around us. It’s unbelievable and magical. I’ve never seen anything like it. There’s no black light to set things a glow, yet it still does. I knew something was different about this island, but now it’s almost like another world.

“Do you think we’re still on Earth?” I can’t stop my voice from sounding out my thoughts. If I continue to think about it without answers, I might go crazy. “This island doesn’t make sense.”

“Who knows. I’ve given up trying to make sense of anything.” Zev strolls beside Breck, clutching a knife in one hand and his makeshift spear in the other.

Evan leads the way, slowly but confidently, as if he’s ready for any and all threats. “I can’t. I know there has to be a scientific explanation.”

“This island is like a gateway. It’s in between worlds, but not as if it’s another planet. You will find out eventually, but you can’t see it until you’ve been chosen.” Dante’s voice sounds from behind us.

Jeff aims his spear. “Don’t sneak up on us, asshole.”

“Dustin allowed me in.” Dante dangles a bag from his fingertips. “But perhaps you should still pay attention to your surroundings.”

I hold my hands up, stopping the two of them from arguing. I can tell that Jeff already goes on the defense with Dante around.

He has no reason to trust him. I don’t either... except that I can’t help it. I don’t know why. He has been around and has done a few things for us, but he still is with the packs who have kidnapped and abandoned us here. He is a lykoswulf.

“Dante, give us a break. We don’t have your super-hearing and whatever other abilities you have. You probably can turn on some sort of stealth mode.” I tip my head with my words, giving him a long look.

He flexes under my attention, unfazed by the fact that he strolls in naked. Now that the rest of us have clothing, it’s a bit odd.

He’s so comfortable in all his delicious, muscular hotness.

“Of course, he has super-hearing,” Breck mutters under his breath.

Dante smirks but he doesn’t respond. “I suppose you’re right, my love.”

I try not to react to his term of endearment. It’s not the first time he’s said it, but it doesn’t get any more familiar. I don’t know how I feel about it. Why is he calling me that? I know he thinks I’m his mate and he believes we belong together, but I don’t believe in that bullshit.

“Let’s not worry about that. You’re safe here, and I brought what I need to take care of you.” Dante tilts his head, training his eyes on me.

Evan holds his hand out. “I can take it from here.”

Dante doesn’t give him the bag and instead closes the space to me and smiles. “I brought some things that have been passed down through my pack. It’s not human medicine, but it will help you. You don’t need stitches or anything of that sort.”

“I think you should let the doc determine that.” Breck slides his fingers through mine, trying to tug me out of Kellan’s reach, but I don’t allow him.

It’s like my feet are glued to the ground. I’m caught in a magnetic pull, and I want to know more. It’s my curiosity that leaves me open and vulnerable to Dante. Hopefully, it won’t be my undoing in the end.

“What about them?” I ask, reaching for the bag next.