Chapter 60

• “Colton isn’t weak ... he’s confused. Even I can see that. What do you think Juan would do if he defied him and marked me on the full moon? Do you think Juan would send him away, send us away?” I have to know if there’s any hope of changing his mind, that maybe Colton will still come through for me. Even if his behavior tells me that he’s already pushed all indecision aside and chosen a path to take. I need to cling onto a tiny little ray that there’s still time to sway him.
• “I didn’t until Cole told me he believes his father would find a way to take you from him if he defied his decision. Juan hasn’t said it outright, but he’s implied it. Cole worries that they’ll take you in the night the way his mamá was and kept from him, with no way of finding you again. God knows he hasn’t stopped trying to find her, but there’s no trace, and those who know, don’t speak about it. He’s no idea which of the elders helped. The Shaman had no part in it. He’s also baffled as to where she is and has been helping to trace her.”
• I always wondered about the Shaman. Colton seems to trust him, and he doesn’t seem to spend his days by Juan’s side, as the elders do. The Shaman hides away until the turning ceremony each month and rarely comes out.