When I reached the long rutted drive to the Compound, I slowed considerably. Bethi was in no shape for a rough ride. The woods remained eerily quiet. No bird song or other natural sounds echoed around us. Only the rumble of the bike engine and the thump of the wolves’ feet broke the silence. Nothing made sense to me. Why would the Elders come to aid our fight against the unmated instead of ordering the unmated to leave Bethi alone until she reached the Compound for an official Introduction? So many had died because of that decision. The Elders were supposed to protect our race, not destroy it. When we reached the ramshackle buildings, I pulled to a stop beside the car that had passed us. It was empty, but I was sure I’d see Emmitt soon enough. I cut the engine and listened to Bethi’s shallow breaths. The silence seemed to rouse her because she lifted her head in time to see the woman who stood on the porch throw a robe to the white wolf. The rest of the wolves kept their fur on, probably a consideration to Bethi.
