Ditched Cheating Alpha, I Led My Daughter to Life's Peak novel Chapter 270

There are kids here, too, obviously. I knew that, but still. It's too hard to swallow. It's hard to see them through the gaps between Aiden and the other guards, but they're there. Their tiny hands holding onto pants legs. Crying for Mommy or Daddy or sister or brother or anyone. Anyone. So many are just standing alone.

My first thought is, 'Can we take the orphans at least?' But I already know the answer. The answer is no. We don't have anywhere to put them. We can't encourage parents to disown their children to give them a better life. We have to look out for ourselves, because these people are dangerous, and these kids might not be as innocent as they seem. I already know Aiden's answer without him having to say it. It's the same answer I have myself, now, unfortunately. Now that I've seen all of this.

"Took you long enough," Coach Kenet says to Aiden and me when we make it to the front of the crowd. She's got a look in her eyes that's so unlike her-the intimidating woman that chuckles every now and again during our "intensive" breathing exercises, when she can't even take herself seriously. Now, she just looks cold.

Just like Bri and Krys, who turn to greet me quickly. Carson doesn't though. He won't break eye contact with the crowd, shoulders squared. Eyes narrowed. Part of me wonders if this is how the former luna passed? Is that why everyone's so on edge? Is that why he can't even move right now?

Did it happen on a day like this? During a conflict like this? Were Coach Kenet-the former beta-and the brothers' father-the former alpha-just a second too late? A reach too far? ...Did the brothers watch?

"Is that the luna?" someone screams from the refugee side. They don't do it in a hostile way. It's clear they just want to be heard, but I take a step back.

I don't answer. The brothers don't either.

There's a line of trucks parked across the highway, acting as a barrier between us and them. On our side, seven wolves are poised to attack. I know it would only take one word on Carson or Aiden's part, or maybe even just a random shout, for them to jump, looking for anything to sink their teeth into.

Do I have that power too? In this moment? In this place? If I scream, could it end somebody's life? I hold my breath. Suddenly it feels like I'm staring down the barrel of a gun. My finger on a trigger. My hands shaking. I don't want to be here anymore, or ever again.

I feel like I'm suffocating. It's too silent. It's too much. I stare into their multi-colored orbs. Some golden. Some blue. Some blood red. They watch me in the same way.

Is that the luna?

I feel like the answer is no. I feel like it always will be.

"Listen up," Carson's voice echoes across the highway.

My heart stops. Not because he scares me, but because I realize that whatever's about to happen is about to happen.

"For the last time," Carson says.

Some of the refugees yell over him, furrowing their brows and glaring indignantly.

He doesn't seem affected. "You need to leave." That shuts everyone up, and I know why. His eyes challenge anyone to keep talking, and no one's willing to risk it.

The only person willing to speak is a mother at the front who's way too close to begin with. I can't say I don't see why. If we let anyone in, she obviously wants her kids to be a part of that. But at the same time, she doesn't want them to be attacked. She keeps them behind her at all times, staring at our werewolves cautiously.