“I know.” He steps closer, and I have to fight the urge to step back. “Lithia.” His voice is gentle but firm, cutting through my spiraling retreat. “What’s wrong?”
I look down, recognizing the pattern even as I’m trapped in it. “I don’t know how to do this.”
“Do what?”
“This. Whateverthisis. I don’t know how to… stay close to someone without panicking.”
He touches the scar at my temple, studying my face. “What if I told you I don’t know how to do it either?”
“You seem to be managing fine.”
“Do I?” He lets out a quiet laugh. “I spent three years talking to people who weren’t there. I’m not exactly the poster child for healthy relationships.”
Despite everything, I almost smile. “We’re quite a pair, aren’t we?”
“Disasters attract, apparently.” His thumb traces along my cheekbone. He grins—that crooked, self-deprecating smile that always catches me off guard. “Can I admit something?”
I nod.
“I’m terrified. Tomorrow I’m walking back into hell. I could really use the Shadowmist Beta to wrap herself around me tonight and keep me safe.” The vulnerability in his admission, disguised as a joke, breaks through my defenses more effectively than any argument could have. He’s asking for comfort, making it about his need instead of mine, giving me permission to care for him instead of having to admit I need care myself.
“You need me to be the big spoon?” I ask, forcing a lightness into my tone.
He nods. “I definitely do.”
I reach for the doorknob behind me. “Then I guess I better stay.”
Chapter
Twenty-Six
Dawn arrives gray and cold, with mist clinging to the mountains like smoke. I dress in tactical gear—dark clothing that won’t catch light, weapons secured but accessible. Everything I’ll need for what’s coming.
The team assembles in the main courtyard as the sun breaks over the peaks. Twelve wolves total, each one chosen for specific skills that complement our mission objectives. Kier stands near the equipment packs, checking and rechecking gear with the methodical precision of someone who’s survived by being prepared.
Levi arrives last, his expression carefully neutral as he approaches our group. If anyone notices the tension between us, they’re smart enough not to mention it.
“Final intelligence update,” I announce, unrolling the facility map one last time. “Guard rotations confirmed as of last night. Entry point here.” I tap the service tunnel Kier and I had used for our escape. “Primary objective is prisoner extraction. Secondary objective is intelligence gathering. We’re not there to fight a war—we’re there to save lives and get out.”
Nods around the circle confirm understanding.
“Questions?”
“Rules of engagement?” asks one of the senior wolves.
“As minimal force as necessary to complete the mission. We’re not executioners, but we’re not martyrs either. Protect yourselves and your teammates.” I look each of them in the eye. “Everyone comes home.”
I roll up the map, tucking it into my pack. “We leave in ten minutes.”
As the team disperses to make final preparations, I find myself alone with Kier and Levi—the three of us forming an uncomfortable triangle of unresolved tension.
“Lithia,” Levi starts, but I cut him off.
“Professional conduct only,” I say firmly. “Whatever personal issues we have get resolved after. Understood?”
Both men nod, though the look that passes between them could power the den’s heating system for a week.
“Good.” I shoulder my pack, checking the weight distribution one final time. “Let’s go save some lives.”
