Through our bond, I feel Ryker’s warring emotions—pride versus protective instinct, approval alongside concern.
All will be well,I tell him silently.
I can’t risk you,he responds.I’m sorry, Kitara.
What? No!
“We’ll establish a guard for Kitara,” Ryker says, despite my silent protests. “If the worst comes, they will take her to the European packs. She should be safe there.”
“As you wish,” Lithia acknowledges after a moment, inclining her head.
I sit silently, seething as the council continues to discuss specific tactical decisions. I listen intently, occasionally offering insights based on what I’ve seen in my visions. Thesenior wolves consider my contributions seriously, integrating them into their planning without hesitation.
Their confidence makes Ryker’s decision even more infuriating.
By the time the meeting concludes, the hour is late. My head throbs with information, even if my heart is sick at Ryker’s lack of faith.
We have a plan. We have allies. We have a chance.
If only Ryker could trust in me.
As the council disperses, my mate keeps me at his side, his hand a warm presence at the small of my back. Zella approaches, bowing.
“Alpha Female,” she addresses me formally. “I’ve been assigned to your security detail during the preparations. If you’re willing, I’d like to begin training you in basic defense techniques.”
“I need a security detail?”
She grins. “Not when I’m done with you. But in the meantime, we’ll work together on how to protect yourself in human form,” she counters. “You don’t need claws to be dangerous.”
“When do we start?”
“Now, if you’re not too tired,” Zella suggests. “The training hall should be relatively empty at this hour.”
I can feel Ryker’s desire to keep me near, but my anger at him overrides any wish I have to be near him right now.
“Let’s do it.”
As Zella leads me through the corridors toward the training hall, I’m struck by how different I feel from the wolf I was just days ago. In Silvercrest, I would never have been included in war councils, never offered combat training, never treated as an equal.
“Something amusing?” Zella asks, noticing my smile.
“Just reflecting on how quickly life can change,” I reply honestly.
Her answering smile is warm. “For the better, I hope?”
“Definitely.” The certainty in my voice surprises even me. Even in my anger, I know that Ryker is only doing what he thinks is best.
I forgive you, I tell him.
It doesn’t feel like it, he responds, his tone wry.
Well, you’ve yet to apologize for being an ass.
His chuckle is warm in my mind.I won’t apologize for protecting you, Kitara. I love my pack, but I cannot live without you.
His response douses some of the heat from my anger.
Next time, speak to me before making decisions about my future. I might not convince you of a different path, but surely we can come to some kind of compromise?
