Ty’s expression shifted to one of defensiveness. “Liza, I did what I had to do. We needed their help, and they were willing to give it.”
“I understand that,” I said. “You need to remember that Hiram, Sven, and even Liam are still mob bosses, though. They have their own agendas, their own goals. Eventually, they may want something from you now they think you’re willing to play dirty.”
Ty’s gaze dropped to the floor, but the conflict played out inside him—I could feel the warring emotions through our bond. He was a good man, an honorable leader, but in his desperation to protect our pack and me, he’d ventured into dangerous territory.
“Maybe you’re right,” Ty said quietly. “But what do you suggest we do about it now? We can’t just walk away from the alliance.”
“I know we can’t.” I sat down beside him on the bed. “But we can be cautious. We can keep our eyes open and make sure we don’t get pulled deeper into their world than we absolutely have to be. Most importantly, we need to remember who we are, not just as individuals, but as a pack… and as mates.”
I studied the worry lines etched into his forehead and the tiredness in his face. He’d been carrying so much pressure on himself, trying to protect our pack, and maintain alliances with people like Hiram and Sven, who were more dangerous than we’d ever imagined.
I rubbed his arm. “I understand that you needed to send a message. Please, don’t lose sight of who you are in the process. You’re not like them, and you shouldn’t be.”
He looked at me as if he was trying to find reassurance in my words. Slowly, he nodded. “You’re right. I’ve let myself get caught up in all of this, and it’s not who I am or who I want to be.”
“Good.” I smiled softly at him. “We need to find our own way through this mess, not just follow in their footsteps.”
“Thank you for reminding me of that.” Ty pulled me into a tight hug, his warm breath ruffling my hair as he said, “I’m sorry for the way I spoke to you earlier. I’ve just been so stressed out, and it came out wrong. I promise I’ll never leave you out of the loop again.”
“Apology accepted,” I murmured against his chest, feeling his heartbeat slow and beat steadily beneath my ear. “Just remember that we need to support each other and make decisions as a team.”
“Absolutely. Now, I think I need to go for a run. Clear my head a bit. Would you like to join me?”
“Maybe later.” I knew he needed some time alone to sort through his emotions. “You go ahead, and we’ll talk more when you get back.”
“When I get back? So, you’ll be here? You’re not leaving?”
I nodded, and he pressed a tender kiss to my forehead before releasing me from his embrace. “I love you, Liza.”
“Love you, too, Ty.”
I sighed, allowing a rare moment to bask in the quiet that settled around me. Ty’s scent still lingered in the air, but it was fading as he distanced himself from the house on his run. I appreciated the solitude, even if just for a few minutes.
My phone rang, shattering the silence. Glancing at the screen, I saw Sabrina’s name and immediately answered, expecting her usual upbeat greeting. Instead, I was met with a gut-wrenching sob, my best friend’s voice cracking under the strain of her pain. Instinctively, my hand clenched around the phone.
“Sa-Sabrina? What’s wrong?” I said, fear slamming into me.
“Please…” she said between sobs, and my stomach clenched painfully. I wanted nothing more than to wrap her in my arms and protect her from whatever was causing her this agony.
“Shh, don’t say anything,” a low, menacing, familiar voice cut in.
The hairs on the back of my neck stood on end, and ice replaced the blood in my veins.
Castro.
“Your friend is in a rather precarious situation, and I’d hate for things to get… messy.”
“Castro,” I snarled. “What have you done to her?”
“Nothing. Yet,” he replied calmly, though the threat was clear. “That depends on you, doesn’t it?”
A cold sweat broke out on my forehead. “What do you want?”
“Isn’t it obvious?” There was an edge to his voice that sent shivers down my back. He sounded completely unhinged. “I’ll call off this little war, Liza. Nobody else has to get hurt. All you have to do is come to me.”
“Or what?” I was shaking, betrayed by my fear, despite my best efforts to remain strong.
“Or I’ll kill Sabrina, then every member of your family, and every other person you love. If that’s not enough, I’ll move on to your precious Keller pack, and take them out one by one.”
