If one of us didn't make it back...
At least we'd kissed each other.
When we broke apart, we were both breathing hard.
"Go." He pressed his forehead to mine. "I'll be waiting."
"I love you," I said it—the first time I'd said those three words so directly. "Kayden, whatever happens, remember that."
Kayden's eyes reddened.
"I love you too," he said. "Always."
One last kiss, feather-light on my forehead. Then he released me and ran toward the border. His silhouette vanished into the forest.
I stood there, gripping the gun.
Wait for me, Kai.
Mommy's coming.
The estate was in chaos.
Warriors assembling. The clang of weapons. The air reeked of gunpowder and blood. I found Evan directing the defensive positioning.
"Miss Ross." He saw me and strode over immediately. "Team's ready."
He led me to a group of fully armed warriors. Ten men, all young and strong. Sharp eyes. Ramrod posture.
"Silver Moon Pack's elite strike team," Evan said. "Alpha specifically ordered your protection as top priority."
I looked at those ten hard faces and said quietly, "Thank you."
Evan looked startled, gave a small laugh, and shook his head. He turned to the warriors.
"This mission puts us face-to-face with vampires—likely their strongest."
The warriors' expressions shifted, but no one flinched.
"We'll meet heavy resistance. But remember—we have one objective. Retrieve Kai."
"No prolonged engagement. No unnecessary risks. Find him and extract immediately."
"Yes, sir!" they answered in unison.
"Move out."
We cut through the forest heading east. The warriors moved with fluid precision, nearly silent. I stayed close to Evan. The pull in my chest grew stronger.
"That direction." I pointed ahead. "Straight on."
Evan nodded and adjusted the team's course.
The forest was dark, moonlight mostly blocked by the heavy canopy. We moved swiftly between trees, footsteps light. In the distance—sounds of fighting. The main force engaging the invaders. Firelight lit half the sky. Explosions. Wolf howls and screams.
"Circle around," Evan ordered quietly. "Flank them. Avoid the main battlefield."
The team immediately changed direction.
