“Right.” Liam nodded; his lips pursed. “To start off, let’s examine all the facts again, cross reference everything. Perhaps we can uncover any links.”
While we delved into the tangled web of our enemies, I thought of Liza. She was the reason we were all here, putting ourselves in danger. It didn’t matter who we were up against. She was my mate, she completed my soul, and I would do whatever it took to keep her safe.
“Ty, what about this one? The Vipers are renowned for their ruthless tactics and willingness to take on anyone for the right price.”
“Possible,” I said, scanning the list of names of notorious gangs he held in front of me. “But we can’t rule out any of them yet. We’ll have to look into each one and determine which is the most likely threat.”
“Fine,” Liam said, his jaw set with resolve. “But time is not on our side.”
I was fully aware that time was of the essence. As we continued our investigation, the taste of fear and desperation lingered on my tongue as a bitter reminder of what was at stake.
“Ty,” Liza said from the doorway. She looked and sounded so vulnerable. “I... I can’t sleep. Can you come sit with me for a while?”
“Of course,” I said, my breath catching at the sight of her. I shot Liam a look that told him we’d continue this later, then followed Liza back to our bedroom, leaving the chaos of the day behind us for now.
As I settled into bed beside her and held her close, I made a silent vow to protect her from the lurking danger that threatened our peace. I would do whatever it took to keep Liza safe, even if it meant walking through the fires of Hell itself. Because she was my mate, my other half, and nothing would ever come between us again.
“Sleep now.” I pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. “I’m here, and I won’t let anything happen to you.”
While Liza drifted off to sleep in my arms, her breathing becoming slow and steady, I held on to that vow like a lifeline—a beacon of hope in the darkness.
105
LIZA
Recent events pressed down on me, making it difficult to breathe. My wolf’s anxiety bled into my bones, leaving me on edge and restless. I paced the living room, my footsteps echoing off the walls like a restless animal. The air inside the house was stagnant and oppressive. Another minute in the place, and I’d suffocate. I couldn’t stay still any longer. I needed to run.
“Ty!” I called from our room, the sound of my voice echoing through the empty hallway.
Liam and Ty appeared in the doorway, wearing twin expressions of concern.
“I need to go for a run. Clear my head.”
“I’m not sure that’s such a good idea, Liza. Not right now,” Ty said, rubbing his hand on my shoulder. The warmth of his touch was comforting, but it wasn’t enough to chase away the dark thoughts swirling in my mind.
Liam turned to Ty. “I think she’ll be safe enough. Between your guys and mine, no one is getting on the estate without us knowing.”
“I don’t know, Liam. What if?—”
“You can’t live with what ifs. You’ll give yourself an ulcer. Either you trust the security we’ve set up or you don’t.” Turning my way, Liam gave me a wink.
Part of me wanted to laugh in his face. Wasn’t he the one who had kidnapped me and kept me locked up? But I chose to ignore that part. My wolf really wanted that run, so if Liam could talk Ty down, then by all means.
“Promise me you’ll take a guard with you? You won’t go off without Robin or Jamie?” Ty stepped closer, worry lines creasing his forehead. As much as it frustrated me to have to take someone with me wherever I went, I knew he was only trying to keep me safe, so I nodded in agreement. After all, it was as much for my safety as it was for Ty’s peace of mind.
“Thank you,” he said, relief smoothing out some of the worry lines when he pulled me in for a quick hug. Even in that moment, with my brother standing right there, I was acutely aware of how well our bodies fit, and the warmth of his touch sent tingles through me, making my nipples erect.
When I stepped outside, the crisp fall air brushed against my skin, causing goosebumps to rise along my arms. The scent of damp earth and fallen leaves filled my nostrils, grounding me in the present. The gray sky overhead threatened rain, but I needed this run. I had to clear my head and let my wolf run free.
Robin was one of the guards who’d been assigned to accompany me. Normally, we had an easygoing relationship, but that was before. He was all business now as he waited at the edge of the woods, his posture rigid, and expression unreadable. It was clear he would rather be anywhere else, but I appreciated his dedication to duty.
“Ready?” I asked him, giving him a small smile as I approached.
“Always, Mrs. Keller,” he said, a slight nod accompanying his words.
I took a deep breath and allowed the shift to embrace me. My bones cracked and rearranged themselves, fur sprouting from my skin as my body transformed into its lupine form. It was a sensation both foreign and familiar, and a reminder of the duality within me. My wolf emerged, her senses sharper, ready to explore the world around her.
I took off into the woods, my powerful legs propelling me forward as I darted between trees and leaped over fallen logs. My ears picked up the guard following behind me, his own wolf’s form keeping a respectful distance, while still remaining within reach should danger arise. It was a delicate balance, and one I appreciated.
