“Good,” I said, a weight lifting off me now that I knew Rosalie’s sister was out of harm’s way. Despite everything, I couldn’t bring myself to hate her. She’d only been trying to protect her family, just as I was trying to protect mine.
“Is there any chance she’ll return?” Liza’s voice carried a tinge of sorrow as she reflected on her deceitful friend.
“I doubt it,” Liam said, his piercing gaze meeting mine. “She’s very much aware that coming back would only put her family in more danger.”
“Then, I hope she finds the safety and peace she’s looking for,” Liza said somberly.
I reached out and wrapped my arm around her, drawing her close. “We all do, Liza. We all do.” She glanced up through her long eyelashes at me. “Why did you let Rosalie go? She betrayed us.”
“Rosalie was just trying to protect her family.” She sighed and brushed her fingers over my cheek. “She made a mistake, but her intentions were never selfish.”
Liam nodded in agreement. “She was caught between a rock and a hard place. I can’t blame her for wanting to save her family.”
“Neither can I.” Liza’s tear-streaked cheeks betrayed her emotions as she softly confessed, “It still hurts, though.”
“Of course it does.” I pulled her into a tight embrace. “Sometimes, we have to put ourselves in other people’s shoes and try to understand their actions.”
“Grace,” Liza said against me. “That’s what it is, isn’t it? Showing grace even when it’s difficult.”
“Exactly.” I pressed a soft kiss to her forehead, and she sagged against me. “Come on,” I said, gently guiding her toward our bedroom. “You need to get some sleep.”
“Right.” She tried to stifle a yawn. “Tomorrow’s going to be a long day.”
“Especially if you’re going to learn how to fight,” Liam said with a grimace.
“Yeah”—Liza managed a small smile—“but I hope I won’t have to use what I’m being taught.”
“So do I.” Liam’s expression was somber. “It’s better to be prepared than caught off guard.”
“Goodnight,” I said as we reached the bedroom door. “I’ll be in soon.”
“Goodnight.” She pressed a chaste kiss to my lips before going into our room.
I made my way down the stairs and stepped outside into the cool night air, my attention drawn to the newly fortified gate that marked the entrance to the estate. My team had worked tirelessly since dawn, and their efforts showed. The reinforced structure gleamed under the moonlight as a testament to both their dedication and the threat that loomed over us.
The sorrow of the lives lost because of Castro was like an elephant sitting on my chest. Three good wolves would never return to their families. I pounded the side of my fist against the wall. This couldn’t continue. I needed to address the pack soonto reassure them that we were doing everything in our power to protect them.
“Ty,” Liam said softly from behind me. “You should get some rest, too. Tomorrow’s going to be a long day.”
“I’ll just toss and turn all night,” I admitted, unable to look away from the forbidding gate. “Too much weighing on my mind.”
He leaned against the wall. “Liza’s safe, Rosalie’s situation is resolved, and we’ve strengthened our defenses. You’re doing everything you can.”
“It’s not enough. I need to make sure everyone’s safe.”
“Understandable,” Liam answered. “But you need to take care of yourself. If you’re a mess, you won’t be able to look after yourself, never mind the pack. You won’t be able to look after your mate. Go to bed. Get some sleep. We can figure out what we’re going to do in the morning.”
“Thanks.” Patting him on the back, I turned and walked back into the house. “Night.”
“See you in the morning.”
The next morning we gathered around the breakfast table, the platters heaped with bacon and eggs sitting in front of us. Liza looked more rested than she had the night before, though there were still shadows clouding her eyes. Liam sat across from her, nursing a mug of black coffee while we discussed our plans for the day.
I glanced at Liza. “Today’s your first lesson in fighting. We’re going to start with the basics and build from there.”
“Sounds good. I’m ready for whatever you have in store.”
“Let’s finish breakfast first, then we’ll head outside.”
