“Skender helped Alston,” he said. He didn’t ask because there was no other explanation. “I should have killed him when we had the chance. Costin’s decision be damned. Skender should not have lived any longer than it took for him to step foot out of the car when he arrived.”
“At the moment, I can’t disagree with you,” his mate replied. “I just don’t understand how he could do this to his pack. He always seemed so loyal to Vasile, to all of you.”
“The Order has brainwashed him. That’s the only explanation for such evil behavior from someone who has never exhibited anything remotely similar in the past.”
Fane felt his mate pushing her love and comfort through their bond. She understood him, knew he needed more than words. He needed her. She was a part of him. Being apart from her was like having one of his body parts removed—heart, lungs, and brain. He couldn’t live, breathe, or think without her.
“We’re going to be alright,” she reassured him. “We will get through this, just like we’ve gotten through all the other crap we’ve faced.”
He took another deep breath and let it out slowly. “I love you. Never in my wildest imaginings did I think I would ever have the honor of having one such as you as my mate. I won’t lose you because we will always be together, but I’m not ready for this to be over, Jacquelyn. I’m not ready to leave this life. I want to see Slate grow up and find his own mate. I want to see Thia drive Decebel crazy. I want to see Titus become president, because what else could a child that intelligent become? There’s no other option than for us to get through this and for you to be back at my side.”
“Then that is what will happen.”
He could hear the tears in her voice. He hadn’t meant to make her cry, but he needed her to know just how much he adored her and the life they had. He didn’t care about the fights they’d had or would have. It didn’t matter how hard it was to be mated and married to a person who was just as flawed as he was. He refused to let this be how it ended.
“I love you back, wolf-man. Please try not to worry too much.” She sounded so brave, so in control.
“Stay safe for me. Don’t do anything to piss Alston off.”
She laughed. “I think Jen is the one who needs to hear that. I’m going to wait and watch. Maybe they will make a mistake somewhere and we will be able to escape.”
“We will get you, Luna. Don’t do anything to jeopardize you or Slate.” He was growling, but he couldn’t help it. She and Slate were everything to him.
“I promise,” she said quickly. “I will stay safe and keep Slate safe.”
Fane imagined wrapping his arms around her and pressing his lips to hers. He heard her sigh and knew she felt him.
“Where are you?” she asked. “I’m assuming you guys aren’t just hanging outside the compound. Although, I wouldn’t be surprised if you were.”
“I’m with your father’s pack, as is Decebel. We refused to leave the continent. My father and the rest of the pack returned to the Keep to check on the others. And the other supernaturals also returned to their people. They are going to be reconvening as soon as possible to plan a rescue mission,” he said. “My father would not let me stay outside the compound,” he added sullenly.
She laughed and the sound soothed him. “Your father is wise.”
“He is.” Now that his mind was clear, and his wolf was somewhat calm because he could still communicate through the bond, he understood his father’s reasons. Vasile hadn’t held his position as alpha of the largest pack in the world because he acted on a whim. He planned, he waited, he watched. Like any good hunter.
“My mom?” Jacquelyn asked suddenly, as if she’d just remembered that her mother had been fighting alongside him and the others.
“She is fine. Cypher has done well in training her. Not to mention she has her own powers considering she is a sprite.”
“And everyone else?”
“As far as I know there were no casualties on our side,” he assured her.
“Thank the Great Luna for that.”
Fane felt alarm through the bond and went still. “What’s wrong, Luna?”
“There’s someone coming in the room.” Fane imagined she probably didn’t even realize