“It’s whatever, I figure there’s no point making a big song and dance until I’ve at least found a mate, or like my first non-fated-for-life boyfriend.”
“That’s fair. Is he on board with Mia and Olivia?”
Mason stares over at his father with squinty eyes. “Not sure. He seems cool about it, but that could simply be because his alpha commands it so.”
“Right.”
Things seem to be wrapping up with Mason’s dad and Salazar, they shake hands and while Salazar heads toward Morven and Olivia, Mason’s dad approaches us.
“We’re heading back to the pack, son,” he says, his voice deep and raspy.
Mason looks shocked. “Already?”
“We’ve got to rally our forces and get them situated at the Elite Pack retreat. Say your goodbyes, it’s time to go.”
He doesn’t wait, just turns and heads for the door, tapping his alpha on the shoulder on the way.
Mason shoves his hands in his pockets. “Guess I’ve been given my commands too.”
“It’s good to see you,” I say. “And I’ll see you at the retreat, before all this”—I gesture vaguely, waving my hand through the air—“gets going.”
“See you.”
Mason turns and sulks off after his dad. Morven, Salazar, Mia, and Olivia aren’t far behind. I guess the parents are meeting. Olivia looks back over her shoulder as she heads for the elevator, and I give her an encouraging smile. The other men disappear into a room, probably going over the logistics of this pretty major plan some more, and Jasper, finally alone, comes to speak with me.
“All set?” I ask.
Jasper thinks for a moment, tilting his head to his shoulder then shaking it. “It’s still a long shot, but it’s the best chance we’ve had since this whole thing began.”
“You think we can actually win?”
“I don’t know. I’d feel better if the rogues were standing with us but ... guess this’ll have to do.”
He stares at my chest, his hands closing into loose fists.
“You okay?”
“I’m doing the right thing, aren’t I? What if moving my father is the wrong decision? What if ...”
“Hey.” I take his face in both my hands. “Don’t do that, you’ll drive yourself crazy. You’re doing what you think is best and all thoseveryimportant,verypowerful wolves in there agreed with you. It’s like you said, best shot we got, right?”
Jasper puts both his arms around me and pulls me a little closer.
“I’m just glad you’ll be there with me.”
I pull my head back a little and stare at his face. He crinkles his brow.
“What?”
“Nothing,” I say, shaking my head and beginning to grin. “It’s just not that long ago you probably would have wanted me to be anywhere but near a war zone.”
He chuckles to himself, then his expression turns serious.
“I trust you, Max. You’re more powerful than any of the wolves in that room. You’re the linchpin to making this whole thing work. And ... and you’re my strength too. I used to think I was better off not being distracted worrying about you, but ... but actually you’re the reason I’m going to fight and win this war. You’re the reason for everything.”
Okay, now I’m starting to well up. I have nothing left to say so I plant a kiss on his lips.
“We’re heading upstate in the morning,” he says when we’re done smooching.
