"No." Dad and Shadow say it at the same time.
"She stays here," Dad continues. "Protected. Safe."
Shadow nods. "Agreed. I can't focus on ending Flint if I'm worried about Grace being in danger."
I want to argue. Want to demand to be there. Want to see Flint's face when he realizes he lost.
But looking at my father's face, at Shadow's face—I see the fear underneath the anger.
The terror that something might happen to me.
"Okay," I say quietly. "I'll stay."
Relief floods Shadow's expression, and Dad’s shoulders relax slightly.
"Siren and Sakura will stay with her," Shiver says. "And we'll leave a few prospects for security."
Damon nods. "Three brothers stay back. Armed. Alert. Everyone else rides."
The planning continues.
Positions, weapons, contingencies.
I watch Shadow's face as he discusses strategy—cold, focused, dangerous.
This is what an enforcer is—the man who eliminates threats.
The man I married.
An hour later, the meeting breaks up.
Brothers dispersing to prepare.
Shadow finds me outside, and for a moment, the mask drops.
He's just my husband again.
"I need you safe," he says, pulling me close. "That's all that matters."
"I know."
"This will be over soon. Tonight, Flint dies. The threat ends. And then we go home."
"Home," I echo. "Back to Texas?"
"Back to Texas. Back to the ranch. Back to our life, whatever that looks like now." He kisses my forehead. "Together."
"Together," I whisper.
Hours crawl by.
I try to sleep. Can't.
Try to eat. Can't.
Try to do anything except think about tonight.
Fail.
