Nissa stepped out of the crowd. “Injured or not, Peri would not have left unless it was absolutely necessary. She doesn’t abandon those in need.”
Vasile looked at the high fae. His eyes that had been fierce only moments ago now looked tired. “Can you trace her?”
“I’ve already tried,” Cyn spoke up. She looked shaken. “I can’t even feel her.”
“Does that mean she’s dead?” Lilly asked.
“Not necessarily,” Nissa answered.
“That’s not very comforting,” the warlock queen said with some bite in her words. Cypher placed his large hand on her shoulder.
“Easy, love,” he said to her gently. “We will get them back.” He was reassuring her about Jacque and Slate. Lilly was hurting as much as he and Dillon, and she was taking her fear out on whomever she could. Decebel could relate.
“As some of you know,” Vasile said, “Peri has been dealing with another foe. She is stretched thin, and the fact that she was able to be here at all was simply by chance. I do not think she would have left in the middle of a battle unless she had no other choice. The healers under her protection must have needed her.”
“I agree with you,” Cyn said. “I’ve known Perizada for a very long time. She wouldn’t have left without good reason.”
Drake spoke up. “I’m playing the devil’s advocate here. But it seemed convenient that she disappeared just before Alston showed up. Could he have somehow trapped her?”
“Why the hell does it matter?” Fane suddenly barked. “Peri can take care of herself whether here, with the Order, or with her charges. They”—he pointed to the compound—“have my mate and child. That’s what matters.”
“And my daughter and grandson. They are who we need to focus on.” Chris Morgan stepped forward. Decebel had completely forgotten the human male had joined them. His focus had shifted from battle to protection mode the second he’d seen his mate and child.
“We will keep trying to trace Peri,” Nissa said gently. “Your son and the healer’s father are correct. You need to think about how you will rescue the females and their young.”
It was quiet for a moment before Cyn spoke. “The fae can flash everyone where they need to go, Vasile. As soon as we’re ready to meet in the sprite realm, contact us via cell phone, and we will come to retrieve you all again.”
Vasile nodded. “We thank you for your help.” He looked around at each of the fae. “All of you. Truly.” The sincerity in his voice was strong, and Decebel knew it was one of the reasons he was so respected. Vasile held power not simply because he was strong, but because he respected others, and they in turn respected him.
“Wait,” Decebel said quickly. “I’m sorry, Vasile, but I cannot go with you. I won’t leave my mate and my child on a completely separate continent.”
“Decebel, there is nothing you can do at the moment,” Vasile pointed out.
“If you get yourself injured or captured, Jen will have you building hundreds of doghouses,” Cyn warned. “Not just the two.”
Decebel shook his head, his jaw clenched tight. “I don’t care. I’m not leaving. I’d build her a damn doghouse every day of the week if that’s what she needs.”
“I’m staying, too,” Fane joined in.
“Of course you are,” Vasile said, sounding resigned.
“They can stay with us,” Dillon offered.
Dillon glanced at Vasile and then looked at Decebel and Fane. “You both agree to be under my leadership?”
“Yes,” Decebel and Fane said in unison.
Vasile let out a tired sigh as he met Decebel’s eyes and then Fane’s. “I will allow you to stay because I understand, but I am ordering you both to go to the Colorado pack. You cannot stay here. You will wind up doing something impetuous.”
Decebel’s wolf wanted to lash out at Vasile, but the man kept him from doing so. “I will agree to that. We need to figure out a plan. I cannot stand the idea of my mate and pup in the enemy’s hands.”
Vasile gave a sharp nod and then turned to Fane. “Are you going to be alright?”
Fane’s eyes had not stopped glowing with the presence of his wolf. “I won’t do anything stupid. I know that’s what you’re really asking.”
“Your history doesn’t exactly instill confidence,” Cyn pointed out.
“Filling in on Peri’s role of smart-ass comments?” Fane growled at the fae.
