"Layla?" Kayden noticed the shift. "What's wrong?"
"I..." I pressed a hand to my chest. The feeling grew stronger. "I can feel him."
"What?"
"Kai." I closed my eyes and focused on that strange pull. "I can feel where he is."
The thread tugged me toward a direction—east. Far, but clear.
"Blood bond," Kayden murmured, surprise crossing his face. "But that kind of connection is usually weak unless the child is in extreme fear or danger." Kayden's expression darkened. "Kai must be terrified."
My heart clenched. The pull intensified.
"East." I opened my eyes. "He's east. Far away."
"That's the abandoned mining district." Kayden's voice roughened. "Where Evan tracked the signal source."
He fell silent for several seconds, then made his decision.
"Evan." He spoke into the phone. "Gather ten of our best warriors immediately. Full combat load. The target is the abandoned mines. We're extracting Kai."
"Yes, sir!" Evan's voice crackled through.
"And," Kayden looked at me, struggle and worry warring in his silver eyes, "Miss Ross goes with you. She can sense Kai's location."
A pause on the other end.
"Understood. I'll keep Miss Ross safe."
He hung up and turned to me.
"Layla, you stay with Evan. He's my most trusted second and one of Silver Moon Pack's finest warriors." He gripped my hand. "You just guide the direction and find Kai. Everything else—leave it to Evan and the team."
"Don't take risks. Don't try to fight." His gaze was serious. "Promise me."
I knew he was right. I had no combat experience. Acting rashly would only make me a liability. But the blood pull wouldn't let me rest. I had to go. Only I could find Kai.
"I promise," I said. "I'll follow Evan's orders."
"Take this." Kayden unholstered the silver bullet pistol from his waist, along with spare magazines. "Aim. Squeeze the trigger. Recoil's a bit heavy, but you can handle it." He demonstrated, then pressed the gun into my hands.
I fumbled through checking the magazine and racking the slide. Kayden watched me handle the weapon, complex emotions flickering in his eyes.
"Remember—only use it when absolutely necessary. Evan and the others will keep you safe."
I nodded and secured the gun. I didn't know if I'd even be able to use it, but at least I felt slightly less helpless.
Kayden looked at me deeply, his eyes full of reluctance. We stared at each other, moonlight flowing between us. Then he stepped forward and pulled me into his arms, holding tight.
"Come back alive." His voice trembled against my ear. "Layla, promise me."
"I promise." I held him just as tight, burying my face against his chest. "You too. Hold the pack, and then..."
"And then wait for me to bring Kai home."
He released me and cupped my face. His thumbs swept across my cheeks, catching the tears still falling. Then he bent and kissed me. Hard. The kiss tasted of desperation, like he was drawing courage for what came next. I kissed him back, fingers clutching his shirt.
This might be the last time.
