I frowned, bristling at the idea of relying on Liam for anything. As much as I loathed admitting it, Liza was right. Liam’s name held power and influence we could use to our advantage.
“Fine,” I said grudgingly. “We’ll utilize Liam’s... reputation when necessary. But we can’t assume everyone will back down just because they’re afraid of him. We need to be prepared for anything.”
“Agreed.” Liam nodded, the seriousness on his face mirroring mine. “We’ll divide and conquer, approach each of these alphas individually or in pairs if needed. We don’t have time to waste, so we need a plan to approach them. Some may be willing to listen to reason, while others…” He shrugged. “We might have to get creative.”
I raised an eyebrow. “Creative?”
“Subtle manipulation, bargaining, threats if necessary,” Liam said, devoid of emotion. “Whatever it takes to secure their loyalty or, at the very least, keep them from aligning with Castro.”
“Fine.” The words tasted bitter in my mouth. “Let’s be clear on one thing, though: Liza’s safety is our priority. We’re not starting a war here.”
Dominic pulled out a notebook and set it on the table, ready to make a list. We spent the next hour discussing potential adversaries, becoming more urgent as we delved into old grudges and simmering feuds.
“Maximus Langston is one we need to watch out for,” I said, tension strumming my nerves. “We’ve had a few business run-ins. He’s a brute who attempted to take Liza. He let everyone know he wanted her, and he’d do anything to get what he wants.”
“Then there’s the Redwood pack,” Liza added. “Didn’t you mention their alpha, Malcolm, being jealous of our territory and resources? If Castro convinces him we’re vulnerable, he could use him as a pawn in his game.”
The list grew longer with every potential threat we added, but we were making progress. We needed to be prepared for any eventuality, and understanding our enemies was the first step.
With our list completed, Liza excused herself, leaving Liam, Dominic, and me to pore over our plan of action. While I didn’t trust Liam completely, the shared objective of keeping Liza safe from harm bound us together.
That was enough for me for now.
“Excuse me,” Liza murmured, with her head bowed as she stood up from the table. “I’m tired. Between last night and this long morning, I need to rest.”
“Of course,” my father said gently. “Take all the time you need.”
As Liza left my office, worry settled in the pit of my stomach. She’d been through so much lately, and although she appeared to be holding up well, I could tell it was taking a toll on her. I wanted to be there for her, to comfort her, but there was still work to be done.
“Let’s keep going over this list. We can’t afford any mistakes,” Liam said, snapping me back to the task at hand.
Time stretched on endlessly as the three of us hunched over our makeshift war table with a combination of files, hastily scribbled notes, and photos of the alphas we believed Castro might try to recruit in front of us. It was exhausting work, trying to predict the unpredictable, but we had no choice. We needed to stay one step ahead of him if we wanted to protect Liza and our packs.
“Ty,” my father said after a while, placing a hand on my shoulder. “You need a break. Go check on Liza.”
My muscles tensed, torn between my desire to be with her and my duty to protect our territory. But he was right. I would be useless if I couldn’t focus.
Nodding reluctantly, I stood and stretched my stiff limbs. “I’ll be back soon.”
As I walked down the dim hallway, my senses heightened despite my weariness as I neared the gentle, rhythmic sound of Liza’s tranquil breathing. I stopped outside our bedroom and listened, then pushed it open.
The sight that greeted me was one of such vulnerability, it nearly overwhelmed me with emotion. Liza lay curled up on the bed, her delicate frame half-hidden under a pile of blankets. Her breathing was slow and even, the rise and fall of her chest a comforting sight. I didn’t want to disturb her rest—she needed it—but I wanted to get to the bottom of her lethargy. What if she was sick or something?
“Hey,” I whispered, reaching out to brush my fingers against her cheek. “Time to wake up, babe.”
Her eyelids fluttered open, revealing sleepy, fathomless blue eyes that warmed as they met mine. “Ty?” She stretched languidly, raising her arms over her head. “What’s going on?”
“Nothing to worry about,” I assured her, running my hand through her tangled hair. “I just... You’ve been so tired since you got back home. Are you okay?”
She sank into the mattress, the sheets pulling around her waist. “I didn’t sleep too well at Liam’s place. The nightmares were worse there.”
I knew all too well the dread that could grip you during a nightmare, and the way it could leave you gasping for breath, your heart pounding like a jackhammer in your chest.
“I’m sorry.” I brushed my thumb over her cheekbone. “I wish there was some way I could eliminate them for you.”
Liza smiled weakly and covered her hand with mine. “Just being here with you... it helps. I feel so safe around you.”
“Good,” I said with a smile. “That’s how it should be.”
