Shifted Fate (Amy) novel Chapter 494

Lynn was waiting with my mother outside. They both looked up as we left the house. She started to shake a little, but Toya and I both pretended not to see. “Ready to go?” I called.

My mom smiled and rubbed her shoulder. “Lynn wanted to ask a favor.”

I walked over and waited. “Okay…”

Lynn shuffled for a few seconds. “I know that this is just a bandaid. And it won’t help me process anything that has happened.” She was stalling and trying to explain herself.

“Just ask.” I tipped my head to the side and waited.

She met my eyes and I saw panic there. “I’m terrified to leave. So much so that my wolf is digging into me. She feels safe here, and we haven’t felt safe since leaving our pack.”

That was a kick to the stomach. “Understandable.” I looked at my mom. “I failed you.”

Lynn shook her head. “No. Amy you didn’t.” She grabbed my hand. “You had things you had to do.”

I nodded. “But I should have kept a better eye on you and what was happening.” I rubbed my thumb over the side of her hand. “I owe you.” She shook her head. “Just tell me what you need. Do you need to stay here? Done. I won’t make you leave.”

She shook her head more vigorously. “It’s not that.”

“Then how can I help?” I watched her fight with her words. My mom stepped closer to her and rubbed her back.

“You can do this.” My mom’s words seemed to bolster her.

Lynn met my eyes again, and I still saw the panic, but something else was there. A hidden strength she probably didn’t even know she had. “I want you to command me to not be afraid.”

Lynn sighed. “In my heart, I know you are right. Our pack is amazing, but in my mind.” She shook her head. “In my mind, in my wolfs mind, we are trapped. Cornered. And she is willing to kill anyone that comes too close.” She met my eyes.

“You are afraid of yourself.” My words surprised even me, but Lynn nodded.

“I don’t want to hurt anyone just because they patted my back. Or walked too close at night.” She stepped closer, and I watched a tear trail down her face. “You can remove the command after everything is done, and I swear I will go into seclusion until I am healthy enough to be around the pack safely. But right now, we don’t have an option.”

I looked between Lynn, Toya, and finally my mother. “Mom?”

She looked at Lynn. “While I have raised you to not command a wolf unless necessary. There are always exclusions to the rule.” She lifted a hand and I watched Lynn tense. “Her fear is doing her more harm than good.” She turned to me, waiting for my answer.

I swallowed past a lump. “Lynn, I command you to not be afraid.” The words felt like tar, but then her back straightened. The fear in her eyes vanished. And for the first time in a long time…Lynn smiled.