“It's only a few hours’ walk away and I'll be with Blaze the whole time."
This trip is quick and easy, a chance to help the cause without taking a real risk. I’m excited to have the opportunity to save lives today. Besides, if I do get into a scrape, Blaze will end the threat before I even see it coming.
Prime Alpha Zero's patrols have reported a small camp of reluctant citizens half a day's walk away. The patrols have not been successful in convincing them to move. If they linger for even a few more days, they'll undoubtedly die.
I can save them.
I am not just a pretty face. I am not a fragile thing meant to be tucked away.
I am not useless.
“Also, it will be the perfect chance to test the range of my powers. A real field trial. How far apart can we get before they weaken? Will I still hear you in my head? Will my Command work without you close? These are things we need to know.”
Shade tilts his head, and I know I’ve got him. Or at least swayed his opinion slightly.
The Pack grumbles, eyes locked on each other. Their silent conversation hums just beyond my reach. I hate being shut out, but I keep quiet.
The silence stretches, filled with low growls and the snap of teeth. Knox finally exhales, thumb brushing his lower lip.
"Answer this, princess, is there anything we can say which will stop you from going?"
"No."
Shade throws his hands up and begins pacing, muttering "too stubborn for her own good."
I bite my lip, guilty but not sorry. I am needed. I am important. Lives are at risk.
Knox finally nods, and his lips curl as if the words on his tongue taste foul. "Blaze will keep you safe. Listen to him. He's a fucking cockwomble but the best there is for a reason. He has good instincts. If he tells you to run, you run. Copy?"
My heart stutters in relief and surprise. I was expecting more of a fight. "Copy."
Viper slams his fist into the breakfast table and the wood cracks, splitting in two. He stands, points a thick finger at Blaze and snarls, "If she comes back with a hair out of place, I promiseeven youwon't like the consequences."
Blaze just grins, showing all his teeth. "Don't worry, LT. Sparkles and I are going to have lots of fun on our date."
I internally cringe. Sometimes I think he's sharp, cheeky, and almost himself. Other times he's one sandwich short of a picnic.
Shade pulls me into a tight embrace, his face buried in the crook of my neck.
"If I can't convince you to stay, then you'd better keep yourself safe, baby girl. We promised we'd support you in achieving your goals. If this is one of them, and you need us to wait for you to come back, then that's what we’ll do. We will wait and trust that you’ll be clever enough to come back unharmed."
Something catches in my throat as I swallow.
So that is what they decided in their silent little meeting. To support my dreams.
They listened. They heard me.
My Pack vowed to trust, believe, and support me. And now they are keeping that vow at great cost to themselves.
Blaze’s fingers lace with mine as we walk, his hand warm and steady. He swings our joined hands between us like we are a love-struck couple out for a lazy afternoon stroll. When he told Viper we were going on a date, I thought it was a joke. It turns out he meant every word.
A quiet thrill washes through me.
My first date.
I steal a glance at him through my lashes, wondering if this is his first too.
The sun catches in the white streak of his hair, turning it into a silver ribbon, and his pale eyes gleam with a light that feels almost otherworldly.
