His eyes searched hers for her reaction.
Despite the burn in her heart, his newfound revelation had the potential to upend their world in ways they were yet to discover.
Racing headlong into uncharted territory would only lead to extra chaos and confusion.
‘I get it,’ she whispered, defying the churn in her chest. ‘This isn’t something we can rush.’
Mak’s shoulders relaxed, and they exchanged long gazes, finding some measure of peace with each other in this fragile moment of uncertainty.
His arms fell away, and she stepped back, respecting the emotional gap he needed to bridge on his terms.
‘Take all the time you need,’ she added and turned to leave.
At the door, she cast one last glance back at Mak, his silhouette framed by the dim light filtering through the expansive windows of his office.
Their eyes met, a blazing storm passing between them that transcended language.
He raised his chin, and with a churning heart, she ventured out into the cool corridor.
MAK
The Signet pack was the protector of the flotilla.
To stay conditioned, Mak sparred with hishermanoson the beachhead ofSombra’slake one early morning, fueled by a bitterkahawaand a series of warm-ups.
They started with high-intensity paired sparring sessions and workouts.
Mak stood across his brother Kaal, who loomed tall and imposing, muscles rippling.
Around them came grunts, slaps, and curses from Xander, Santi, Rigo, and Zev.
Boaz was caught up in some engineering drama and MIA for the day.
Even clad only in shorts, the pack was formidable; every one of them a combat master, with skills honed through years of drilling and battle experience.
Their loyalty to each other was unwavering, their allegiance unquestionable.
Yet behind their facade of strength lay a foundation of unyielding honor that even the most astute attacker would fail to unravel or penetrate.
Sparring with Kaal, Mak matched his younger brother in impenetrable potency and power.
Which only served to challenge and drive Mak harder, fueling his lightning-fast conditioning.
Mak lunged at Kaal, who flew into the air with a roundhouse kick with the uncanny ability to appear light as a feather despite his brawn.
It hit Mak dead in the chest, and he lifted a hand to call a halt to catch his breath.
‘I win, again.’
Mak raised a middle finger to his brother. ‘That’s because I let you.’
Kaal’s eyes narrowed. ‘Nada, that’s because whatever you’re thinking about messed your reflexes. Want to talk about it?’
Mak took a drag of water from his bottle before turning to him.
‘Nope. I do want to discuss business. Any word on Nightshade and Phantom Codex?’
Kaal and the rest of the Signet pack had embarked on a covert operation in the last few weeks, working tirelessly to gather intel on the nefarious organization.
