That sounded like Silas. He was powerful, sometimes terrifying in what he could see. But he was also kind. Patient.
He was Rae's mate. Which made him family. Which made this complicated.
"He says there's more you need to see," Rae continued. "More that's coming."
"What kind of more?"
Rae sighed. "You know how he is. Cryptic as hell, even with me. He just said you'd understand when the time came." She rolled her eyes, but there was fondness underneath. "I told him that's not actually helpful information. He said—and I quote—'It will be.'"
Despite everything, I almost smiled. "That does sound like him."
"Infuriating, isn't it?" Rae's expression softened. "You don't have to say yes, Lumi. He wanted me to make that clear. This is your choice. He'll wait until you're ready."
I thought about it.
"I'll do it," I said. "Set it up."
"You sure?"
"No. But I need to know what he's seeing."
Rae nodded slowly. "I'll tell him. He'll be glad." She stood, came around the desk, and pulled me into a hug. "Take care of yourself, okay?"
She pulled back, hands on my shoulders, eyes searching mine. "From where I'm standing, you're juggling about fifteen things that would crush a normal person, and you're acting like it's nothing."
"It's not nothing. I just—"
"Don't have a choice?" She squeezed my shoulders. "You always have a choice, Lumi. Remember that."
I didn't know what to say. So I just hugged her again.
Chapter four
The morning of the run dawned cold and clear.
I met the others at the eastern edge of campus, where the manicured grounds gave way to dense forest. The trees stretched endlessly, a sea of green and brown that disappeared in the distance.
Rae was already there, clipboard in hand, looking like she hadn't slept. Ash stood beside her, one hand resting on her lower back—a casual touch that spoke of years of intimacy. He caught my eye and winked.
"Lulu," he said. "Ready to wrangle some wolves?"
"As ready as I'll ever be."
Cole arrived next, flanked by two security officers I didn't recognize. Damn he looked hot in full tactical mode—black cargo pants, fitted long-sleeve shirt, earpiece tucked into his left ear. A tranquilizer rifle hung from a strap across his chest.
He didn't look at me.
I tried not to let that sting.
"Security protocol," he announced, addressing the group. His voice was flat. Professional. "We'll have a perimeter established within the first five minutes. Sensors are already active in a two-mile radius. If any feral breaks containment, we'll know immediately."
He gestured to the officers beside him. "Martinez and King will be stationed at the north and south points. I'll be mobile, tracking from the center." He held up a dart gun. "Tranquilizers are loaded and ready. Fast-acting. A feral goes down within three seconds of impact."
"Let's hope we don't need them," Rae said.
"Hope isn't a strategy." Cole's jaw tightened. "But I'll do my best to make it unnecessary."
Neal arrived a moment later, medical bag slung over his shoulder. He was wearing jeans and a henley instead of his usual white coat, and the casual look did things to me. Made him seem younger. More approachable.
