“Why keep this a secret?” he asks. “Wouldn’t more on the team be better?”
“You can’t really be covert with a massive number of paranormals. The smaller team allows us to get in and get out of dangerous situations. We neutralize the enemies, save who was taken, and reunite them with their loved ones. That’s not to say there aren’t other situations—ones the team isn’t needed for—where more of the pack is involved. They’ve helped in many instances. But when we’re dealing with delicate situations, paranormals who don’t care who they kill to get to their endgame, we have to go in as quietly and efficiently as possible. That’s the team.”
“This is so much to take in. I’m grateful I’m on the inside now.” I am, too, though I don’t voice it aloud.
It never bothered me before to keep our team a secret. It was second nature. But then Whit and I started getting close. Well, I’m not sure how close we actually are. I was letting him in more than others. I was hoping to have a friendship with him. At least he isn’t mad at me anymore. I told him everything. Almost, at least. I wasn’t about to spill how I feel something toward him. This desire to get to know him better. To be close to him.
“Tell me about those in the other pack. I didn’t get to meet them tonight.”
“Austin is the beta of the Quivakond Pack. Obviously, we couldn’t have both an alpha and a beta from the same pack on the team. That’s also why Dante and Mira know about us. He’s aware of our movements. He always knows when we go on a mission and where we’re headed. Same with Merrick. Austin is a genuine male and wolf. He’s kind and caring. He always wants to fight for what’s right. Dathan, or Thay for short, he’s a wolf and fae. His aunt is Echo’s mate and she’s fae as well. Echo is the other member of the pack on the team. He’s a Pennsylvania State Trooper, a wolf, and Thay’s best friend. You should see the tech that male has. You think ours is advanced. It’s nothing compared to what they have.”
Aries is in the process of having Echo work with Carter and Cash to upgrade our systems. We’re advanced. We have great technology, but Echo’s is a step above. Whit’s eyes widen. I figured he’d like that information, seeing how into security he is.
“When Aries first came to my room, his pants did this weird thing.”
I smile. “Echo’s mate made our tactical clothes. They’re designed to blend in with their surroundings. Fae magic and all.”
“It’s smart. Nothing I would have thought of.”
The weight of everything that went on tonight settles over me. I’m exhausted and I’m starving. “What do you say we get something to eat? I want food and a good night’s sleep.”
Whit’s stomach growls as soon as the words leave my mouth. He gives me a shy smile. “I could eat.”
I chuckle and stand. “Come on. I’m sure there’s something good downstairs.”
It’s midmorning. The sun is up, the pack is moving around, and I feel like I haven’t slept in a week. I drag myself downstairs. The one thing making me put one foot in front of the other is Whit ahead of me. The way his lean, strong legs move as he takes each step. I shouldn’t be watching him like I am, but I can’t help myself. I’m drawn to him in an inexplicable way.
The mission we just returned from could have been my last. I could have died. I could have left this world never having the chance to spend more time with the male in front of me.
And Caiden? He’s still out there somewhere. No, I’m not actively looking for him but that doesn’t stop me from wondering when our paths will cross again. I doubt I’ve seen the last of him.
Whit stops three steps from the bottom and spins to peer up at me. “You lost a lot of blood tonight,” he says in my mind. “Aries told me he had your blood on him. Was that your blood on the floor of the house?”
“Some.” I don’t want to say too much for others to hear us. Luckily, no one can read this conversation in our minds. It’s tucked in that reinforced vault where all the team stuff is.