Harper nods. “Shadow Peak could provide backup, but they wouldn’t understand what we’re looking for. We need someone who’s experienced it firsthand.”
The women all look at Nova. She straightens, squares her shoulders.
“I’ll go,” she says.
She doesn’t look at me. Doesn’t check for approval or permission.
Good. I wouldn’t give it.
Not because I doubt her capability, but because I know exactly what happens when Nova enters a field designed to resonate with her signature. I felt it break her apart at the molecular level. Heard the sound her body made when reality tried to absorb her.
My hands still ache from how hard I gripped her to keep her tethered.
But I say nothing. Not here. Not with witnesses tracking every micro-expression.
“We leave at dawn,” I say instead. Simple. Final.
After the map is rolled up and the others drift back to their cabins, Nova finally looks at me. Not a glance—looks. Full-on eye contact. Meant to land.
“We leave at dawn,” she repeats softly. “But I’m sleeping in my own space tonight.”
I don’t ask why. Don’t push. Just give a small nod.
“Lyanna’s giving me something for the aftermath. I’ll be fine.” She pauses. “You should rest too.”
“I will.” A lie.
She hesitates, eyes searching mine for something. Then: “Thank you. For what you did. Back there.”
“Don’t thank me for that,” I say. “Just come back next time on your own two feet.”
A flicker of amusement crosses her face—just for a second. Then she turns and walks toward the far cabin, Lyanna falling in step behind her with a whispered chant and a protective circle of herbs already in hand.
The women disperse. Harper heads toward her vehicle with Kari to discuss transport logistics.
Ben approaches from the side, purposefully making enough noise that I know he’s coming. He obviously waited until Harper was out of sight.
“The Silverwood team,” I tell him. “You, me, Callum, Wyatt, and Reyna. First light tomorrow.”
He raises an eyebrow. “All of us? For a town run?”
“The women are investigating a possible disappearance. We need some supplies anyway.” I keep my voice neutral, but Ben catches my meaning.
“You think that convergence is active. Ready to take someone else.”
“I think I’m not letting them walk into one alone.”
My voice stays steady. My posture remains Alpha-solid. But my awareness narrows to Nova at the edge of my periphery. Tothe slight hitch in her breathing pattern. To the careful way she moves, like something inside her hasn’t fully reconnected.
I stand in my yard. I give my orders. I maintain control.
And I watch the woman who just claimed me prepare to walk straight back into the fire that nearly burned her out of existence.
The lodge has gone quiet—most of the pack finishing their prep work for tomorrow’s mission. I step onto the porch, scanning the perimeter one last time. Everything looks normal, except it’s not. The energy signature from Caleb’s report worries me more than I let on.
A light footstep catches my attention. Harper approaches from the guest cabin, her steps deliberate—not sneaking, but not announcing herself either.
“Alpha.” She stops at the bottom of the steps, maintaining a respectful distance.
