“I tried to do all the research I could,” Zaid tells him. “But unfortunately, there’s not a lot of information to go on. Most people who entered the Labyrinth?—”
“—never made it out,” Rafe finishes, absently twirling his butter knife. “How interesting.”
I swallow down the razor blade lodged in my throat.
“Maybe we should just search for a new lead,” I say quickly.
The last thing I want is for anyone to get hurt trying to help me—especially one of these men. The mere thought makes a fist squeeze my heart.
The frog hops off Zaid’s shoulder and moves across the table towards Everett.
No one acknowledges it.
“There’s actually something we want you to consider,” Zaid tells me earnestly, placing his arms on the table and leaning forward.
His grayish-blue eyes ensnare my own, holding me captive. I can’t look away.
“Yes?”
“You could potentially stay behind,” he says, and then hurries to continue before I can protest. “You’ll be safe here. No one but one of us can get past the wards. We’ll be back before you know it?—”
“No way in hell!” I snap, scowling. “You just said that this mission will be dangerous.”
“Which is why you should stay behind,” Everett points out stoutly.
“You’ll need me,” I protest. “I refuse to remain here while you guys risk your lives for me. This ismyproblem. Now, I would completely understand if you guys want to remain behind whileIgo on my own?—”
“No way in hell,” Krystian growls adamantly.
“Not happening,” Everett scoffs.
“No, sweetheart,” adds Zaid.
Rafe simply says, “No.”
“Then we’re doing it together.” I flick my gaze between the four of them, allowing them all to see how serious I am.
I refuse to back down. If they think I’ll allow them to go on their own, then they have another think coming.
And yes, it’sthink, not thing. I’m literate, bitches.
The frog hops up and down in front of Everett, its long tongue extending.
Everett ignores it and turns to me.
Umm…
“If you’re going, then you need to listen to everything I say. If I say jump, you fucking jump. Don’t ask me how high. We won’t have time for that shit. This isn’t just to protect you but the rest of the team as well. Do you understand?” He levels me with a dark, penetrating look.
I nod wordlessly.
Everett’s job on this team is to protect the others. He’s the leader—whether officially or unofficially, I don’t know. I have to trust that he’ll do what’s best for all of us.
And…Idotrust him. Despite his cantankerous, combative nature, I know he’ll never hurt me or put me in harm’s way. He’s an asshole, but sometimes, that’s the only way to get people to listen. You can either have everyone love you or keep everyone safe. He chose the latter. I can respect that, and him, even if I don’t entirely understand it.
Everett’s mouth molds into a frown, but he seems satisfied with my answer.
The frog moves onto his hand and climbs up his arm.
