Rise of the Phoenix (Return To Avalore #2) Read Online Free

back.” The resignation in his voice was clear.
    She wasn’t about to play a game with him, nor would she feel guilt over needing to go back to ensure her mate had made it out of that compound safely. She had already said she was coming back. Why was he now questioning her integrity? Her loyalty and honor should have told him everything he needed to know, and then some. If he couldn’t come to terms with her leaving, then so be it. They had no idea how much she had sacrificed in order to help them. How long and empty her life would be once they had broken the dark spell and she went back to Avalore.
    Already, some of the males were able to experience sorrow, and brief moments of joy. It wasn’t much, but it was better than what they had started with. Soon, if all went well, they would be able to experience all the emotions ripped away from them with the curse placed upon their species centuries ago.
    His dark eyes bore into her. “You would leave us after all of this?” His growl would have intimidated one of the cubs or even the beta males, but not her. He would never hurt her, even in his fury.
    “What choice do I have?” She paced two steps and rounded on him again. “Tell me, if it were Kendra out there in the hands of those monsters, would you sit idly by and wait while a mission was planned and executed?”
    Just as she had expected, he didn’t answer. “That’s what I thought. Don’t expect of me what you could not do yourself.”
    He stared at her, grinding his teeth. “Stop by my tent before you go. Kendra will have provisions ready for you as well as a gridom stone.”
    Without uttering another word, he marched away, head down and shoulders slumped. He didn’t believe she would be back, but she could never stay away. The pack was as much a part of her family as her own parents and siblings had been.
    On days like these, when the toll was so high, and the finish line loomed so far in the distance, she wondered if she’d made the right decision in coming to the Dark Lands. Argram had been convinced that she was the one professed to break the curse, and he had made her believe. Now he was gone, and she just wasn’t sure anymore, but she would not give up until it was done.
    Waiting until morning meant nothing in the Dark Lands. It was always dark. Even if she waited until dawn, she’d be just as weary. Knowing there was a chance the enemy might have her mate, she’d never get the rest she needed. With nothing but the clothing on her back, and the gridom choker she always wore, she headed out.
    News of her departure spread through the camp. By the time she reached Wesken’s tent, the entire pack had gathered. The females hugged her and wished her well. While the men kept their physical distance, some offered to join her on her mission, while others wouldn’t even look in her direction. Wesken had been the only one to voice his fear, but it was clear he wasn’t the only one doubting her intention to return.
    When she reached Kendra and Wesken, Miga stepped out of the tent to greet her. “Come back to us when you can.”
    Brienne fought to keep the moisture pooling in her eyes from spilling down her cheeks. “I will.” It was all she could utter as Miga wrapped her in a fierce hug.
    “May your Goddess keep you safe, Brienne.” Miga released her and turned away.
    “Thank you.” Only mated females resided with the pack. Unmated females created too much distraction and dissention within the ranks. Even she would not have remained had it not been for their need to break the curse. With Argram gone, Miga was unattached. Luckily, she was with cub, and the males had respected Argram too much to mess with her even after his death. No other male would encroach upon her at this time. Wesken would take her under his wing, but he couldn’t be with her at all times to protect and keep her safe.
    Kendra handed her a small pouch of dried fruit and meats before giving her a tight hug. “If you’re to return