“I know,” she sighed dejectedly.
“Once we get to Thunder Moon, I want the warriors in the SUVs to flank the pack house, while those on foot spread out in a one-mile radius,” I instructed. “That should give us the most coverage if Dark Moon decides to try anything.”
“Alpha Butch isn’t going to like that,” Dillon warned. “He’s going to feel threatened that we’ve brought so many warriors. With everything going on with Dark Moon, he may think we’re planning a takeover of our own.”
He’s right. Most alphas would see that many warriors and assume it’s a threat. I know I would be hesitant if an alpha showed up on my territory with a platoon of fighters, even if they were my ally.
“We’ll frame it as a precautionary measure to ensure Sunny’s protection,” I reasoned. “He should be thrilled with that. That’s what he’s been after with this whole thing anyway. Protection for her and his pack.”
“It will make it seem that you’re taking your courtship with Sunny seriously if you’re going to all these lengths to protect her. Which will make it all the more surprising when you leave her ass there,” Taffy snorted.
I couldn’t help but laugh at that.
Both of them are definitely in for a rude awakening tomorrow, but I don’t even feel sorry for them. They made their choices. It’snot right that Shade has had to shoulder the consequences on her own all this time.
“I’ll give him a call when we’re done here and tell him about the extra security measures,” I replied. “I’m sure he’ll agree.”
We spent another hour handpicking the eleven wolves who would be on convoy duty and the thirty-nine that would be on foot patrol with Oliver. I hoped it was enough.
After we convened, I called Alpha Butch and explained the reason behind our extra precautions. At first, he was reluctant, but he eventually agreed like I’d expected, gushing about how important it was to protect his precious Sunny.
I was glad that we weren’t speaking in person because I’d lost count of how many times I’d rolled my eyes during our conversation. I would need to be extra careful about schooling my expression at dinner tomorrow night.
***
We loaded up the SUVs after briefing the warriors about their roles the following morning. I wouldn’t put it past Dark Moon to play dirty, so we’d done our best to prepare for every possibility, including bringing actual weapons.
The eleven in the cars would be carrying guns loaded with silver bullets and darts laced with wolfsbane. And every warrior under my command was a finely honed weapon, all personally trained in hand-to-hand combat.
Shade was by my side the whole time, assessing our operation as we prepared to leave. Her sister hadn’t even come out of her room yet, claiming she had to look “perfect” for our big date.
She’s not even going to see this coming. I can’t imagine her taking it well once I reveal that Shade is my fated mate.
Shade’s hands shook slightly as she rested them on the tailgate. I could tell that she was tense, and I wasn’t sure if it had more to do with the threat from Dark Moon or the dinner with her father.
“You don’t have to worry,” I assured her as we closed the trunk of our SUV. “Everything is going to be fine. We’ve covered as much as we can think of. Dark Moon won’t get close to us.”
“I know,” she replied. “I trust that you and your warriors will be able to handle Dark Moon.”
“And everything with your father will be all right too,” I promised, running a hand along her arm. “Trust me.”
“NowthatI’m not so sure about,” she admitted, wrapping her arms around herself in a tight hug.
How many times has she had to do that over the years? How many lonely nights has she spent giving herself comfort because there was no one else around to offer it? Never again. She’ll always know she’s safe and loved in my arms.
“It will. I promise,” I insisted. “You deserve this, Shade. You are justified in wanting to be acknowledged, in not having to hide who you are any longer. What your father has done isn’t right. And quite frankly, it’s disrespectful to your mother’s memory. She wouldn’t have wanted this for you.”
“I suppose you’re right,” she sighed. “It doesn’t make me any less nervous, but I know she dreamed of a better life for me. I can do this.”
“Good,” I said, smiling as I held out my hand to her. “Come on. Your sister should be out any second. Let’s go meet your father.”
Dead to Him
SHADE
When we arrived at my father’s pack house, Caelan instructed his warriors to stay close but to keep enough distance so as not to alarm any of the Thunder Moon wolves.
My father came bounding down the steps with his arms open wide and a bright smile on his face.
