Taken by the Outcast Alpha (Whispers of Fate)

17. Finn

Chapter seventeen

Finn

I scan the rows of bikes one last time, my shoulders tense as I search for Victor's distinctive ride. Relief washes over me when I don't spot it, but the knot in my gut doesn't loosen entirely. Hiding in the rally seemed like a solid plan at first, but now I'm not so sure. If Victor finds us here, innocent people could get caught in the crossfire. That's not a risk I'm willing to take.

I return to where Sage is waiting, her eyes searching my face for answers. "Victor's bike isn't here," I tell her, keeping my voice low. "But I'm starting to think staying at the rally might not be the best move."

Sage nods, her brow furrowed in thought. "What about the Moonflower Nectar? I still need to collect it."

An idea starts to form in my mind. "The forest," I muse. "Victor wouldn't expect us to be out there looking for some magical plant." But then another thought hits me. "What about Damien, though? Would he expect you to be there?"

Sage considers this for a moment, then shakes her head. "No, I don't think so. Only Sylvie and my mother knew where I was planning to go."

I feel a weight lift off my chest. This could work. We could slip away from the crowds and potential danger, all while helping Sage complete her mission. It's not a perfect plan, but it's the best we've got right now.

"Alright," I say, my decision made. "Let's head for the forest. We'll be harder to track there, and you can get what you need."

I look at Sage, a question forming in my mind. "What about your car? The one we left by the side of the road?"

Sage's expression softens. "I texted my mother with the information. Told her I'd left it there because I thought Damien was on my trail."

My brow furrows. "But we saw Damien after we left the car?"

Sage locks eyes with me, her gaze unwavering. "And I decided to throw my lot in with yours." Her words hit me like a punch to the gut. There’s not an ounce of regret in her eyes, not a trace of deception. It’s honesty.

That's the kind of loyalty in the face of adversity that should be a part of a pack. The kind of loyalty I crave. Before I can stop myself, I bring a hand up to Sage's cheek. I want to show her how much I value that level of loyalty, but caution holds me back. My pack turned on me so quickly. Do I really deserve that kind of loyalty?

As if reading my thoughts, Sage places her hand over mine on her cheek. "I can see your doubts, but I will change your mind."

"My doubts aren't your fault," I murmur.

"No," she agrees. "The fault belongs to the one who you are searching for on every bike we pass. But you didn't turn away when I was looking over my shoulder every few minutes."

Her words make me pause, and suddenly I realize something. Sage stopped looking over her shoulder as we drove. I noticed because I didn't feel her move behind me on the bike. But at this moment, the significance hits very close to the center of my chest.

I take a deep breath, feeling a mix of determination and something else I can't quite name. "Let's go gather some moonflower nectar." My voice steady despite the turmoil inside me.