Page 44

“Anyway, Lexi and I both agree we need to do something more proactive about Ramsey,” Grey says, sobering. “So if you think this mission with Nash has potential, we don’t want to waste that. And we don’t want to give Ramsey another chance to hit us like that again.”

“Exactly.” I shoot him a look, relieved that he sees the strategic merit.

This has nothing to do with wanting to be alone with Nash. It’s work, nothing more.

“It could be a waste of time,” Lexi says thoughtfully. “Days with no activity.”

“Could be,” Grey agrees. “Or it could be the break we need.”

“It could be, but if you need me here⁠—”

“I need you to find Ramsey,” Grey says simply. “Everything else, we can manage.” He looks at me steadily. “Besides. Your wolf could use some time out of the city. Away from the noise.” He says it matter-of-factly, like it’s tactical, but there’s something underneath it that’s more like concern.

Defensiveness creeps in. “You say that like I’m losing my edge.”

“Relax,” he says. “You’re still sharp—anyone can see that—but when did you last shift and just run? Not a patrol. Not a mission. Just run.”

I open my mouth.

Close it.

He nods like that’s the answer he expected. “You and Nash take three days. Marcus can run point on the Crossvale pack for us while you’re gone. Find us something we can use.” He glances between Lexi and me. “Any objections?”

I think about what he’s offering. Deep in the northeast woods. Alone with Nash. Days of letting my wolf have her freedom. My wolf, who has been prowling restlessly under my skin for weeks, pressing toward something I keep refusing to let her have. Even the Null hasn’t fully quieted her lately.

Lexi shakes her head. “I think it’s worth a shot.”

“Good.” Grey reaches for his laptop. “I want a map before you go, with the coordinates for the camp. Just in case we need to locate you.”

“You’ll have it.” I stand.

Lexi catches my eye on the way out—just long enough to convey something that I decline to interpret too specifically. Something knowing. Ugh.

In the hall, I check my phone and find multiple texts from Dutch.

Dutch: New update on the suit guy. He just asked Razor what kind of food you like. For “operational purposes.” Those were his actual words.

Dutch: OPERATIONAL PURPOSES, MIA.

Dutch: I need answers!

Suddenly, a new one comes in from an unknown number.

Except I know exactly who it is.

Nash: Just heard you greenlit the stakeout. We leave tomorrow at first light. I’ll drive.

I stare at it for a moment, wondering how he got my number. And how he heard the news so fast. But all roads lead back to Dutch—whom I’ve just decided to kill.

I type back: I’m driving this time.

His response comes in seconds.

Nash: I know when to pick my battles.

Smug, I pocket my phone and go find Echo before Elena makes good on her pest control threat. If she finds him first, though, I’m blaming it all on Dutch. He deserves it.

10