“You’re talking about war,” Ethan whispers. “You’re using her to start a war.”
“I’m talking about preventing genocide.” I turn back to face him. “Do you see another option? Because we’ve been doing this for years without any success. We tried everything else. This is the only play we have that will work.”
Ethan’s jaw works silently for several beats. When he finally speaks, his voice is deadly calm. “Does she know?”
“No.”
“Does anyone else know?”
“Damien.”
“That’s it?” Ethan’s eyes flash with renewed fury. “You’ve put us all at risk based on your grand plan, and you didn’t think to consult the pack?”
“I’m consulting you now.”
“After the fact.” He runs both hands through his hair, pacing to the window. “Christ, Hudson. This is going to destroy us,” Ethan says. “When Conrad comes, when the fighting starts, people will die. Our people. The tenants. Maybe her.”
“Not if we do this right.
“And if we don’t?” He whirls on me. “If your perfect plan goes to shit? What then?”
“She’s safer with us than anywhere else.”
“That’s what you think.” He’s pacing now, back and forth like a caged animal. “You think he’s going to walk into this without a plan of his own?” Ethan stops and turns to me. “You’re willing to lose everything to get him?”
“Yes.”
Ethan stares at me, disbelief and anger warring in his eyes. “You know Axel is going to kill you for this.” He walks back to the door and turns back. “I hope you know what you’re doing.”
I watch him go; the door slamming shut behind him.
I hope so, too.
21
Damien
She shouldn’t fucking be here.
I told Hudson from the start that I was against this plan. Bringing her into this house was a mistake. A bomb waiting to go off. And now? It’s already ticking.
She should run as far away from us as she can, but it’s too late now, isn’t it? The worst part is, everyone else is fucking enthralled with her.
Of course, they are. She’s strong, beautiful, and has a fucking mouth on her that snaps back every damn time.
Fuck that mouth.
Fuck those lips.
I lost control.
I didn’t mean to.
I wanted to stay away from her, but her scent, her fucking arousal, those lips, that smart mouth.
I just lost it.
I swore I wouldn’t touch her, that I’d be the one who stayed clean. But every time I breathe her in, I’m breaking that promise.
