Chapter 490
Nina's pack saw the news of the London bombing. By now the rain had come and washed the radiation out of the air, and right down on the people of London. Over 10,000 men, women, and children were already dead. Others would die later from radiation poisoning. As many as another 10,000 within five years. That didn't even factor in birth defects and sterility. The news was showing people asking about their missing parents, friends, lovers, siblings, children. Most would never see these loved ones ever again. Nina had been trying to convince her pack to join in the fight against the First evil. She'd only gained a few soldiers, but after this London attack many of them wanted out. They had survived the war in Sloboda, none were too eager to see another. One night Nina gathered te entire pack together. She explained the situation as best she could. Wolves were known for protecting the pack, even when that meant their own death. This pack should survive, soldiers were needed. Nina gave them all a choice, go with her to Sunnydale, or to Oregon with Esau. Most went with Esau. Only Oz chose Nina outright. Veruca was undecided. She understood the importance of this, but she was scared. Veruca hoped that after Sloboda she and Oz could live peacefully in the Oregon woods, free of hunters, a fairly accepting local populace. Maybe they coud even have a cub or two. But Oz was risking his life for the greater good. She had to choose between more battles or iding in peace. And so Veruca made a choice.