Her face softened. Thank God for that. He wasn’t sure he could withstand her fury, even though it was a major turn-on.
“I’m not saying I should do this alone.” She squeezed his hand. “Obviously I’d have back up, people watching me. You could be close by, in hiding, ready to take him out. I need to do this, Connor. I need to fight back.”
“But…”
“When Lloyd was killed, I couldn’t be there. When all of you were fighting at the Brethren compound, I couldn’t be there. Every day I’ve been raging at the sense of helplessness inside me. All my power was taken away. I want it back.” She squared her shoulders. “I am a woman of the bear race. I am proud and strong, and I will defend my family until the day I die. My heart might have weakened for a while, but it’s still pumping. And while I have blood in my veins, I will help keep our home safe.”
Although every word of Elaine’s brave speech made him want to throw her up against the nearest wall and kiss her hard, two particular words struck deepest. “Ourhome?”
“Yes. Gemini Island will always be my home.”
“No more Alaska?”
“No more Alaska.”
Connor didn’t wait until they were alone. He hauled her up against her body and claimed her mouth, right there in front of all their friends. Only when he was good and ready, after having given Elaine the kiss of a lifetime, did he turn to the others. “If anyone here has a problem with this,” he said, gesturing between him and Elaine, “you know what you can do with it.”
Ryland smiled. “No problems here.”
“Good.” He took a deep breath and addressed Elaine again. “You know this idea of yours scares the shit out of me.”
“I know.”
“Before we do anything, we’ll need to talk this through. We don’t make a single move until every possible outcome is plotted. Obviously, I want a plan to keep you safe.”
“Obviously.” She smiled. “I trust you.”
Connor hugged her, holding her tightly. He trusted her too.
He just didn’t trust Page.
