The Wolf You Feed Arc Read Online Free

child.”
    She couldn’t be, she must be mistaken. Tore leaned in, scenting the air. The change in her hormones was undeniable. “So what difference does that make Nea?”  
    She began to weep.  
    What did she expect him to do? Speak to Felix? Tore didn’t have time for that. “Look, it’s just a few days until you’re mated, no one will care that you celebrated early. We can’t take you with us.” Why was she making such a fuss, she wouldn’t be the first to be pregnant when she took her vows. “Annike, we have to leave now.” Tore grabbed her hand.  
    Nea hung her head. “Felix and me, we never…” She lowered her voice, “we never did it .” She blushed scarlet.  
    Tore’s mouth gaped open, “What? How is that possible?”  
    “It was last full moon, down by the river. I had a bit too much to drink. Felix left early after we argued about something stupid. This other guy came over. He was older, experienced. He was nice to me and I was drunk and upset…” She threw her hands over her face. “I’m so ashamed… I love Felix, please believe me Tore.” She was sobbing. “But this can’t be undone. I have to come with you.”
    “Who was it?” What male would do such a thing knowing she was promised to Felix?
    Nea shook her head, “It’s of no consequence. Telling you his name won’t remove my shame.”
    “Speak to Felix, maybe he can forgive you or go to the other guy, tell him to stand up to his responsibilities.” Tore didn’t know what else to suggest.
      Nea was his friend but so was Felix. It would tear Felix apart knowing what she’d done, but Nea had to think of her future and the well being of the pup. If Felix couldn’t claim it, then the other guy needed to.  
      Nea wept, “It’s not possible. He has other responsibilities.”
    Other responsibilities? Did she mean the guy already had a mate? What a mess. His father would crucify them. Her only way out was with Felix. There was no way she could go through a pregnancy unmated. It had never happened, ever. Tore looked at Nea. What she’d done was beyond forgiveness but he was fond of her and Annike loved her like a sister.
    “There’s no choice. I have to go with you,” Nea hung her head.
    Annike looked at Tore with tears in her eyes. She wanted him to help her friend.
    Damn, why does this have to be my call?
    It was getting light. They were out of time, they had to leave before the commune began to wake.  
    “Okay.” Tore regretted his decision before the words left his mouth.

    ***

    They made their way to the main road. Annike’s heart pounded as realization sank in. This was it. They were no longer part of the clan.
    Tore’s hand tightened around hers. “Are you sure about this Annike? There is still time for you and Nea to go back. Neither of you have to leave with me. I’ll understand.”
    How could she not be certain? Life without him was unthinkable, “I love you, Tore .”
    He pulled her into his arms. “I love you too, Annike.”
    Nea pushed passed them. “Oh please! You two had better not be this mushy all the time.”
    Tore rolled his eyes and called after her. “I hope you’re not going to be this much of a pain in the ass all the time either, Nea. You can always go back, you know.”
    “No, I can’t,” Nea’s eyes filled up and she walked on ahead.
    Tore ran to her and put his arm around her shoulder. “I’m sorry. You’re right. There is nothing back there for any of us.”  
    She gave him a halfhearted smile and shrugged. “Come on then, let’s not waste anymore time.”  
    They reached the edge of the woods and slipped through the trees.
    “From here, we’ll shift. Our wolves will cover the ground faster and easier. Once we reach town, then we’ll use our human forms again to blend in.”  
    Annike gulped. Could they pass for humans?  
    “We need to put as much distance between us and the clan before nightfall,” Tore said.  
    She removed the small drawstring bag from her