Aksel nods, pulling out a folded note from beneath the vile substance. His eyes scan the words quickly, and I can tell from the tightening of his jaw that the news isn’t good.
“Another drop-off point,” he discloses, his tone grim. “And soon.”
I swallow hard, feeling the weight of our situation press down on me. This isn’t just about wev anymore.
I glance around the room, seeing everyone’s faces etched with concern.
“Okay,” I say, my voice wavering slightly despite my best efforts to remain calm. “We need a plan. Fast.”
“Maybe we can replace the wolfsbane concentrate with something else, just like we did with the wev,” suggests Rion, his piercing blue eyes fixed on mine as if searching for an idea.
“Something that won’t harm shifters, though,” Felix adds, his brows furrowing in thought.
“What does the wolfsbane concentrate do to non-shifters?” I ask.
“It causes euphoria and calmness,” Aksel tells me.
I rack my brain, trying to come up with an alternative substance that might be suitable. My history as a human comes in handy.
“I’ve got it,” I interject, excitement bubbling within me as I share my idea. “Another human drug. This time a pain medicine.”
“Alright then,” Aksel concedes. He exhales deeply, the tension in his broad shoulders easing somewhat as he gazes at each of us in turn. “Let’s get this done. Griffyn and Felix go and get that pain medicine, and be discreet.”
“Got it,” Griffyn replies with a nod, his smoky eyes filled with determination. He and Felix exchange a glance before slipping out of the room.
As I watch Aksel prepare for the drop, I can’t help but notice the tension in his movements. This feels worse than the first time. How long is this going to go on before it gives us a lead?
“Anna,” Aksel says suddenly, looking up from the package. His eyes meet mine, searching for reassurance. “I’ll be careful, I promise.”
“Please,” I whisper, my heart aching with worry. “You have to come back to me, Aksel. I love you.”
Aksel’s face softens, and he reaches out to stroke my cheek gently. “I love you too, Anna. And I will come back. I swear.”
Rion and Blaze busy themselves giving us a moment.
The door creaks open, and Griffyn and Felix return, their expressions grave as they carry the pain medicine they’ve procured. We work together in silence, carefully replacing the drugs in the package, making sure it looks identical to how it was before.
“Alright,” Aksel says when we’re finished, his voice low and serious. “It’s time. Let’s do this.”
“Good luck,” I tell him, my voice choked with emotion. I give him a quick, fierce hug, trying to convey all of my feelings in that one embrace. “Be safe and watch your backs even more after last time.”
Aksel nods, his expression solemn but determined. “I will.”
And with that, he leaves the room with Blaze and Griffyn and I can’t help but feel as though a part of me is leaving with them.
The door closes behind Aksel, Griffyn, and Blaze with a soft click, leaving me with Felix and Rion. The silence feels heavy, suffocating, as I pace back and forth, wringing my hands together. My thoughts are a jumble of worry and fear, making it impossible for me to focus on anything other than their safety.
“Anna,” Rion’s voice cuts through my anxious haze, his Irish accent drawing me back to the present moment. He stands by the window, his green eyes filled with concern as they meet mine. “You’re going to drive yourself mad with worry.”
Felix wraps an arm around me, pressing a gentle kiss to the top of my head. “It’s going to be okay. They are highly trained. This is nothing for them.”
“Besides,” Rion adds softly, stepping closer so that he can place a hand on my shoulder. “There are ways to take your mind off things if you’ll let us.”
“Is that your answer to everything now?” I ask him.
Rion winks. “Yes.”
Felix’s fingers trace patterns on my skin, a shiver running down my spine at his touch. “Come on, Anna,” he murmurs into my ear, his breath warm against my neck. “Let us help you forget, even just for a little while.”
