Lena remained home with Nyx. It’s a small comforting thought to know they are together, safe and guarded by Daxton. Hard as it is to trust another Alpha when our instincts are solely focused on protecting our own, I know him well enough to truly be confident that he protects his pack to the same standard that I do.
It helps being able to mind link Nyx, albeit we have an audience most of the time. Often, I see Beau lost in thought, staring into the distance and I know he’s doing the same with his mate.
Nyx reassures me that everything is quiet in Shadow Creek and that she’s being sensible. Except for the minor communication from Daxton that she had asked to return to monitoring. Thankfully, he shot that idea down before any of us could rip him limb from limb.
She’s getting stronger every day. I know in my mind and our bond that she can hold her own, but that’s irrelevant. I need to be the one to protect her.
Part of me wonders if perhaps I slipped into acceptance of our situation quicker than anticipated because it meant Nyx was protected by more than one alpha. Of course, that only became a comforting thought once Maverick removed his head from his ass.
For a while there, I was fully prepared for a war different to the one we are bracing for. More than once I voiced irrational thoughts to Knox and Beau about wiping out Maverick and his pack.
Initially, I had kept that information secretive, especially since it appeared that Maverick was determined to uphold his beliefs. There was no sense in worrying my pack about a situation that would rectify itself in due course.
But as time went by, slowly, I watched both of them begin to crumble. Nyx, more obvious, though she was trying her best to hold onto the anger and hatred she felt. That’s the problem with nature and cosmic bonds though—you can’t fight them forever.
As their slip ups became more recurring, I knew it was only a matter of time. I prepared myself before they did, ready to step up and support Nyx when they both came to the same conclusion I had.
After the situation with Cade, there was no possible way to conceal the information any longer. Maverick had clearly cracked, and truthfully, he should thank Cade for it. Perhaps he would have held on longer, placing distance between them and avoiding it. The attack and kidnapping of Nyx forced their connection to solidify. That, coupled with the fact I was heading into unfamiliar territory to retrieve my mate, meant it was time to disclose the truth.
Surprisingly, Knox didn’t react at all. In fact, if I had to wager on it, he already knew.
Nyx had already made comments about Knox and her concerns about his feelings toward her. He’s protective, having been there when my mother lost her mate, sending our pack into chaos.
His own father stepped down as Beta to allow him to take his place with me. And I think that instilled the sense that he wasn’t prepared to handle a repeat of the situation.
Regardless, Knox hasn’t made his opinions known—it isn’t his place. So, he’s continued following orders, being my eyes and ears while I’ve been in Shadow Creek.
“We need to arrange an immediate town meeting,” I tell him, noting how stale my office smells due to my extended absence. Rosalee has kept it tidy, but it’s obvious it’s been empty.
“Already done,” Knox replies bluntly, flipping open a notepad. “This afternoon—3.00pm. I’ve ordered a complete shutdown of the town and requested the hall be set up.”
Nodding, I fire up my laptop. I dread to think how many emails I have waiting for me. “I’m going to visit my mother beforehand. Beau and I have kept her up to date, but I’d rather she hear everything in full detail from me first.”
Knox nods once. “Noted. When do you anticipate returning to Shadow Creek?” His voice is void of expression, face emotionless as he waits for my answer.
“As soon as possible,” I answer. “Preferably in the next day or two. Have you assembled the group?”
“Yes.”
He’s a man of few words, but it gets the job done and straight to the point.
“Knox.”
“Yes, Alpha?”
I wait for him to glance up from his notepad, needing his attention fully for this next conversation.
As much as I understand his reasoning, we need everyone to be prepared. I don’t care what people think of me or my situation. But I cannot allow people to be influenced by feelings or concerns if a fight comes. There can’t be room for hesitation or second guessing. One wrong move and lives will be lost. It would create a domino effect. Whole packs have been exterminated due to being underprepared and having the wrong mentality.
“We need to discuss Nyx,” I say firmly, watching his expression for micro movements.
“Your mate?” He clarifies. “How so?”
“You don’t approve of her,” I answer, cutting through the bullshit. “I understand why, but I need to know that regardless, you’re fully prepared to defend me and our pack.”
Knox straightens up at that. “Of course I am, Alpha. I haven’t given you a reason to doubt my loyalty.”
And there it is. A hint and quick micro-expression that gives away his feelings. It vanishes just as fast as it appeared—a touch of fear, concern and guilt.
