“I can’t say I’m surprised at the frontline being back. I’m glad the treaty is still in place.”
“It’s a good thing,” Flint says. “But the Mistveil Council was very clear that those males were acting without sanction. They’ve made sure everyone knows it. They weren’t prepared.”
“Destabilized males with no oversight,” I say. “No leash. It’s a big problem they have given themselves and inadvertently to us, too.”
“Ain’t that the truth.” Ridge’s mouth tightens. “The Mistveil Council is furious about it. And our side isn’t far behind. They think that someone tipped them off.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“They think that someone on the inside let those feral males know that the frontline was being moved and that the borders were open. How else would they have known?” Flint looks pissed. “They live completely separate from the rest of the Mistveil society.”
“So it was intentional?” I ask, sounding shocked.
“It sounds like it might have been,” Ridge says.
“What the fuck?” I mutter. “Could it be the Mainland trying to railroad our peace agreement?”
“Who knows?” Flint shrugs.
“Interesting. At least it didn’t work.”
“Not this time,” Flint says, looking worried. “We can’t let them win.”
“No, we cannot,” Ridge says.
He shifts in his chair after a while and glances at the door. I know that look. He’s got somewhere to be.
“I should get back,” he says, and gets up. “Robyn’s got an early start tomorrow. The hangar took a hit, and there’s a lot to sort out. They’re going to spend weeks cleaning that up.” He shakes his head. “She’s visiting with Carla, but I’m sure she’ll be ready for me.” He looks at his watch.
“Give her my regards,” I say. “Both of them,” I quickly add.
He grips my hand once, firm, and then lets go. “Get some rest.” He looks at me for a second longer than he needs to. “You did good, Magma.”
“Get out of here,” I tell him.
He leaves, and the room is quieter without Ridge in it. Flint doesn’t rush to fill the space. He walks over and sits in the chair Ridge vacated, elbows on his knees, and we sit for a while.
“How is Carla doing?” I work at sounding casual and pray I pull it off.
“As far as I know, she’s doing well,” Flint says.
I nod. “Good. Have you been to see her?”
“Not since I dropped her at the emergency room earlier. I got pulled straight back into duty.” He rubs a hand over the back of his neck. “The Reds who flew us here are staying the night. I had to see them settled. I grabbed something to eat and then came here.”
I look at him. “Go see her, Flint.”
“I will?—”
“Tonight. When you leave here.” I keep my tone easy. “She is a good female. She is kind and sweet and smart too. She is also tougher than she looks.” I pause. “She would make a good mate.”
Flint raises an eyebrow. “Is that right?” His mouth pulls up in the start of a smile. Amusement makes his eyes brighter.
“That’s right.”
He gives me a look. “Maybe you should mate her, then. You sound interested.” There is an edge to his voice.
Shit!
