Chapter 34 · Call them

He looked ready to argue.

I pointed toward the wolves. "Call them."

He turned and raised his voice.

"Ironfang! Fall back to the nursery entrance!"

The wolves shifted into a tight wall.

I stepped in front of them and lifted my chin.

"No one crosses this passage," I told them. "Not hunters. Not soldiers. Not Cole's army. If the roof comes down, you hold the line until Rayne reaches the bridge."

A soldier stared at the pups in Rayne's arms. "And if he doesn't make it back?"

Rayne answered before I could.

"He will."

The soldier nodded. "Yes, Commander."

Rayne moved toward the exit.

I caught his sleeve.

"Come back with the detonator."

"I will."

"Come back with your heart still in your chest."

His eyes locked onto mine.

"You worried about my heart now?"

"Don't flatter yourself. I need it beating so I can yell at you."

"Good. Keep yelling."

He ran.

I turned toward the tunnel as the first wave of hunters appeared beyond the smoke.

Their boots pounded closer.

Their rifles flashed.

The wolves hit them before they reached the red line.

I raised my voice over the fight.

"Push them back! Don't chase!