Chapter 30. A Way Out

Emma’s POV

My eyes widened in determination as I grabbed Bennett’s arm, my voice urgent. “Let me come with you! I can help!”

Bennett’s expression turned stern, his jaw clenched. “No, Emma. This is no place for you. You’re not trained for battle.”

“But I can—”

“No, Emma!” Bennett’s voice rose, his grip on my arm tightening. “You’ll stay here, where it’s safe. I won’t risk losing you.”

My face fell, but I refused to give up. “But I want to help! I can—”

Bennett’s expression turned icy, his voice cold. “Follow my orders, Emma. Stay put. That’s an order.”

He wasn’t giving me a chance this time. But I couldn’t also dispel the snake that curled in my stomach. I just couldn’t watch him go into battle while being utterly helpless. I was tired of feeling useless and I wanted to be helpful just this once.

The fear was creeping in and cold dread seeping into my bones. I just wanted to help him, I wanted to protect this pack as well. It was