"Who took him?" Kyle cried. "Not Silvercreek again?"
Killian nodded. "If my gut's right, then it's not just Silvercreek. It's their alpha himself."
The king's face twisted into a scowl. "That bastard!"
"I have a score to settle with him," Killian growled. " I'm going to help rescue Stark."
While Kyle stood trembling, halfway between crying and fainting, Scout took a step firmly forward. "You're not going without me."
"Yes, I am," Killian said. "You're staying right here where you'll be safe. I'm not letting that scumbag put his hands on you ever again."
Scout barked out a humorless laugh. "You think I feel safe here without you?" he asked. His voice cracked with grief and bitterness, and some of the tension evaporated from Killian's shoulders. The omega shook his head. "Killian, the safest place I can be is by your side, especially with the baby. Please... you have to understand."
Killian broke under his mate's watery gaze and a fire sparked inside his heart.
He realized that he didn't trust his mate to be out of harm's way unless he was with him. Killian's alpha instincts took over. Intense affection and a surge of power flowed through him. He would do anything to protect his mate and their baby.
He nodded to Scout. "Okay. Come with me, but don't leave my side, alright?"
"Of course not."
"I'm coming too," the king said. "I should have never looked to Silvercreek as a solution for my imagined problems..." He lowered his gaze shamefully, crushed under the weight of what he had put his family through. But Scout reached out wordlessly and put a hand on his arm. When the king met his gaze, they understood each other. Scout had forgiven him, and the king was determined to make up for his mistake.
"Anyone else?" Killian asked.
"Not me," Dr. Morris said, holding up his hands. "I'm a healer, not a fighter."
"Alright then," Killian said. "Let's go."
"W-wait!"
He stopped and looked down at the omega who had spoken up. Kyle's eyes were filled with fear and determination. "I want to come too."
"Kyle, are you sure?" Scout asked gently. "It could be dangerous. And you were just held captive there..."
"I know," Kyle said. "But I want to do it, for you guys... and for Stark."
Killian understood without Kyle having to continue. He could feel the budding affection the omega had for the royal guard alpha.
"Okay. Let's bring Stark home."
* * *
They metAmy at the border, alongside the rest of the royal guard she had gathered. She bowed her head to acknowledge the king and prince's arrival. "Your majesty."
"None of that now, Amy," Killian said. "Right now, we're brothers and sisters in combat."
The corner of Amy's lip curled upwards in a slight smile. Then she addressed the group. "Alright. Stark's scent leads this way, right into Silvercreek territory. We don't know what awaits us there." She cast a concerned glance at Scout and Kyle. "Are you sure about bringing them?" she asked Killian in a soft voice.
"Yes," he said. "I'll protect Scout with my life. As for Kyle... I think this is something he needs to do."
"Understood." Amy lifted her head. "Come on."
With Amy in the lead, the group headed into the darkening woods. Scout stayed close to Killian and tightly intertwined their fingers. Beside them was Kyle, who looked equal parts fearful and determined.
"What if we don't find him?" Kyle whispered to Scout.
Killian overheard and answered, "We will. Amy is the best tracker in the whole royal guard. If anyone can pick up Stark's scent, it's her."
