I walk her gently, murmuring nonsense until she quiets. When Laney sits up, sleepy and beautiful, I hand Emmy over and sit beside her while she feeds her.
One hand rests between her shoulder blades.
Not holding.
Anchoring.
When Emmy goes back to sleep, Laney lies down again. This time she doesn’t curl away.
She moves closer.
That’s when the decision finishes forming.
Not begins.
Finishes.
They’re not guests.
They’re not temporary.
They’re not something fragile that might disappear if I touch it too hard.
They’re mine.
And anyone who comes for them is going to learn what Rangers do when lines are crossed.
Laney dozes off again.
I don’t.
I slip out of bed, dress quietly, and step into the hall.
Wolf is already up.
So is Havoc.
Nora is in the kitchen with coffee strong like we all like it.
“Morning,” Havoc says. “You look like you’re about to start a war.”
“Not start,” I say. “Finish.”
We gather in the office.
I show them Marco’s message on my phone.
Proof.
Real proof.
“Today,” I say. “We lock the net.”
Wolf nods. “Mildred’s attack changes the urgency.”
“It changes the rules,” I say. “No more waiting. No more watching.”
I start assigning.
