Scout
Scout hadoverheard Killian and Stark’s conversation. Every hair on his body stood on end.
Whitewood pack was about to be attacked.
He bolted out of bed and ran to the window. From the manor, he could see all of the pack’s territory below. His breathing slowed considerably when he saw that nothing was out of the ordinary — there were no fires, or screaming, or sounds of battle. Not yet.
He dashed back to Killian’s side. “What are we going to do?” he cried.
Killian’s narrowed gaze flickered back and forth as his thoughts raced. “This isn’t good. We have to warn the pack — fast.” He dressed quickly. “I have to go tell the rest of the guard.”
“I thought they were all in Silvercreek territory, rescuing the omegas?” Scout asked.
Killian shook his head. “Not all of them. I sent a small, elite team, so most of the guard is still here.”
As Killian headed for the door, Scout leapt forward and grabbed his arm. He gazed deeply into his eyes. “Killian,” he said. “Tell me what I can do. I don’t want to sit around helplessly.”
Killian was about to object, but realized if he left Scout behind he would constantly be worrying about him. He grimaced. “Come with me. Stay close. And if it comes down to it, whatever you do, don’t engage any enemies.”
“But—”
Killian growled. “No buts. I’m your alpha. It’s my job to protectyou.Do you understand?”
Scout swallowed hard. Standing tall in the doorway, his mate radiated pure power. Scout could only nod in agreement.
“Good,” Killian said. “Let’s go.”
* * *
Scout followed closely behindas Killian ran around the manor, summoning guards and barking orders. He was aware of how tense the prince was — his grip on Scout’s hand was tighter than usual. Scout only wished he could help more.
Once the royal guards received the news that Stark’s team of rescuing the omegas had not only failed, but ignited a battle between the packs, they went all out. Howls and battle cries filled the air. All class rings had their own set of guards — and every single one of them was ready for war.
Killian had reassured him that they would be safe, since the upper ring was physically the hardest to reach.
“They would have to climb all the way up here,” Killian explained as he and Scout took shelter in a section of the courtyard. “Besides, they would have to get through all the guards first.”
But Scout didn’t like it — any of it. He didn’t want the guards in the lower ring to be used like meat shields. How much training did they get, compared to the middle and upper rings? Were they even trained at all, or just newly appointed soldiers thrust into combat?
Killian’s hand tightened on his own. “I know what you’re thinking,” he growled softly.
Scout spun around to gaze at him, wide eyed.
“You’re worried about the guards in the lower ring,” Killian continued.
“How did you know?” Scout asked in awe.
“I can just sense it.” He put a firm arm comfortingly around Scout’s waist. “Plus, you keep staring at the lower ring like it’s going to burst into flames at any minute.”
Scout sighed heavily, unable to deny that.
“But it’s not like that,” Killian said. “That’s not how the guard works. It’s only as strong as the weakest link — and the lower ring is by no means the weakest.”
Scout, slightly comforted by his words, waited for Killian to continue.
“The lower ring guard is just as highly trained as the upper ring and royal guard. Everyone goes through a rigorous regime. It’s not just a job you can apply for and get in. It’s not that simple,” Killian explained. He pressed a kiss to Scout’s temple. “So don’t worry. If anything, they have an even better chance of fighting off Silvercreek as the first line of defense, since there’s so much more of them.”
Scout sighed. “Thanks, Killian.”
