Page 61 of Alien Warlord's Fury
I felt Claire's determination through our bond, steady and fierce. "We can get in through the eastern access. With the power fluctuations we caused, their internal security should be compromised."
Ravik studied us both, his gaze moving between the silver glow of her markings and the gold of my lifelines. "Your bond—it's strong for being so new."
"It served us well," I replied simply.
He nodded, something like approval in his eyes. "Then we use it. The four of us take the eastern approach while the other teams create their diversions."
"When?" Claire asked.
"Two hours," Ravik answered. "We need to coordinate timing with the other teams."
Claire tensed beside me. "The children?—"
"Two hours gives us time to prepare properly," I reminded her gently. "We'll only get one chance at this."
She relented with a short nod, though frustration still simmered through our connection.
Zara touched Claire's arm. "Come help me check our supplies. I want to make sure we have enough medical kits for the younglings."
As the women moved a short distance away, Ravik turned to me, his voice low. "A mate bond, Nirako? In the middle of this undertaking?"
I met his gaze steadily. "It wasn't planned."
"They never are." His expression softened slightly. "But the timing..."
"I know." I glanced toward Claire, feeling the pull of her even with this small distance between us. My tail gave a slow, unconscious sweep behind me.
"But I couldn't let her face this alone."
Ravik followed my gaze. "She's unstable. Her markings?—"
"Are powerful," I finished. "And yes, unpredictable. But necessary."
"The council won't be pleased."
"The council rarely is." I turned back to him. "Would you have done differently? If it were Zara?"
His silence was answer enough.
Across the small clearing, Claire and Zara spoke in hushed tones, heads bent together. Claire's shoulders had lost some of their rigid tension. Zara placed a hand on Claire's arm, saying something that made Claire nod.
"She's strong," Ravik observed.
"Stronger than she knows."
"And reckless."
I couldn't argue with that. "She's learning."
Ravik's mouth quirked. "As are you, it seems." He rolled up the map, securing it in his pack.
"The bond changes things, Nirako. Not just between you two. Your priorities shift."
"My priority is stopping Hammond," I insisted.
"And protecting her." Not a question.
I didn't bother denying it. "The two aren't mutually exclusive."
