Big Bad Wolfie novel Chapter 79

The footsteps got closer fast, and I could tell some of them are on four feet.

The scent is jumbled and bloody, so I can't tell if it's hybrids along with warriors on our side, or just hybrids.

I really don't want to stick around and find out, but I can't just leave all these people.

I panted heavily in anxiety as I gazed at all of them, trying to figure out a solution. Something finally came to me when I saw Desi consoling I crying child.

My stomach churned at my own thoughts, and I immediately started wracking my brain for other options, but the approaching footsteps were reminder enough we didn't have time for such pleasantries.

I swallowed the painful lump in my throat and called out to Destiny, "Desi!"

She glanced over, her hand still rubbing the child's back comfortingly. I went to proceed but her wide, innocent eyes made me change my course.

I shook my head, angry at myself for even thinking of putting so much responsibility on her fifteen year old shoulders. It just made me think of myself two years ago, or even now, swimming in sky-high expectations I either kill myself to meet or never will. I can't do that to her.

"You," I called out to some random wolf with a child on his hip instead.

"I need you to lead all the children and pregnant women to the eastern hideout while I, and whoever is willing to help, distract the hybrids, do you know where it is?"

The man shook his head.

My eyebrows drew together. "How do you not know where your own hideouts are?" It came out more aggressively than I wanted it to, but we're wasting time having to move so slowly to figure this out.

The man looked alarmed and shrugged skittishly, "We learn the ones closest to us. The eastern hideout is all the way across town."

I sighed, "Does anyone know where it is?" I rushed out to the group.

"I do from taking inventory of the buildings," Destiny jumped up from her place kneeling down next to the child.

"Great," I nodded, "Desi will tell you," I said to the man.

I ignored the slight frown that dawned Desi's face at my response.

"So, what you have to do is--"

"Wait, I'm sorry. I don't have any sort of training," the man stopped me.

"That's alright, I'm assuming none of you do," I glanced around at the group.

Everyone with military or fighting training is already outside getting ready for the hybrids.

"I do!" Desi spoke up again.

I ignored her. Again.

"No, no. I really think you should pick somebody else," the man disagreed with my statement about his lack of experience leading being alright.

"I can do it," Desi exclaimed.

"Yeah, let her do it," he agreed.

"No," I said succinctly.

"What?" I heard Desi cry sharply.

"C'mon man, You've got this," I tried to encourage the guy.

"Maria!" Desi called to get my attention.

"No Desi, you're not leading," is all I told her.

"Why not?!" She started getting aggravated. "What, you don't think I could do it?"

"Of course I think you could do it, it's not about that."

I promise Desi, it's not.

"Then what is it about?" she yelled as we kept making our way away from the sound of the hybrids.

"It's about how they kill the leaders first, and I'm not going to put a target on your head!"

The guy I had talked to about being leader blanched at me.

Sorry dude.

"I'm okay with that!" Desi protested.

Of course she's okay with that.

There was tense silence between us.

"Understand?" I finally asked.

"Yes," Desi whispered back.

If she were anyone else, I'd be concerned she didn't really mean it with how little determination was behind her voice in the statement. But this is my quiet, timid, and peaceful Desi, and the fire behind her eyes says it all.

"And one more thing," I said before I let go of my hold on her. "You stay safe. If things start to go south," I gave the rest of the group a glance to indicate what I meant by that, "you keep running, you make it to where you're going," I instructed seriously.

In fact, this is the most serious I've been about anything I've ever said.

And she was silent.

This time I was a little concerned.

"Promise me," I demanded severely.

She looked torn.

No, no. This is not a subject to be torn about.

Her hesitation scared me enough to let the panic seep into my voice and actions as I moved my hands to her shoulders and shook them to catch her attention. "Promise me!" I nearly screamed.

I need to hear her to promise she will try her best to keep herself safe.

She's too good for this world, but she's far too young to be taken out of it.

She's far too young to be fighting for it too, but good people always tend to find a way to put the world on their shoulders, and as much as I would like to deny her of it, this is war. And not even innocent angels like Desi get a pass.

She finally nodded her head, and the second I got any sort of confirmation I sent them on their way, "Go! Quickly! They're nearly on top of us," I yelled shoving most of my weapons into her hands. She needs them more than I do.

I'm sure I heard her mumble something while I watched parts of the group choose to leave or stay, but I just assumed it was words of encouragement to herself.

Destiny's POV

"No promises," I mumbled.