“She gave me this.” Ethan’s fingers hover over the crystal. “Said it would protect me from the worst of Holden’s magic. A Shaman doesn’t just hand over their protective charm to anyone, right?”
Xander picks up the necklace, examining it closely. “No. They don’t.”
“She’s choosing our side.” Ethan’s voice stays steady, but I catch the tightness in his shoulders. “She knows what her brother is, what he did to their father, and she wants us to end this.”
“My Lord, you know I would lay down my life for you if you asked.” Branson speaks for the first time since we entered Xander’s study. “But Jayme’s my brother. The only family I have left. I won’t leave him under that monster’s control.”
The room falls silent. Xander sets down the charm, his fingers drumming once against the desk.
“Fine.” Xander stands, decision made. “You can have your team, but I’m coming with you.”
“My Lord, you shouldn’t—” I start.
“A member of my pack was tortured and used to sabotage our peace talks. An Elder Shaman lies dying in my infirmary. Should I have the chance to stand before Stasio after we confront hisson, I need to have been there myself to explain exactly what happened.” His voice doesn’t allow debate.
“I’m coming too.” Ethan’s declaration cuts through the room.
“Absolutely not,” I snap before I can temper myself. “This is a Lycan operation against a dangerous Shaman. You’re—”
“The only one here who can read people. The one who figured out Holden’s plan.” Ethan crosses his arms. “And, apparently, the only one Haron trusts enough to give her protective charm to.”
You’re staying here.The thought blazes in my mind, directed at him with all the force I can muster.
Ethan’s eyes widen slightly, but he recovers quickly.Like hell I am.
You could die out there.I keep my face neutral while my thoughts rage in his mind.Holden’s magic, the rough terrain, even being around us when we’re in wolf form — it’s suicide.
So was jumping between Jayme and you in the dungeon, but I did it anyway.His mental voice carries that infuriating stubbornness.I’m not letting you do this without me.
This isn’t about us—
Of course it is.
“Commander?” Xander’s voice breaks through our silent battle. “Do you object or not?”
I realize everyone’s staring at me. At us. Ethan and I have been locked in a silent standoff for too long.
“He’s human,” I say aloud, forcing my attention back to Xander. “He’ll slow us down.”
“He kept up during perimeter patrol,” Conan points out. “And he’s right about being able to read people. Could be useful if he can predict Holden’s moves before we can.”
Branson nods. “The Truth Seer has proven himself.”
“He’s faced down Jayme twice without flinching.” Akila’s support surprises me. “He’s earned the right to see this through.”
Xander studies Ethan, then me. A flash of understanding crosses his face. “Ethan will come. He needs to stay back during combat, but his insights could prove valuable.” He turns to Ethan. “Wear the charm Haron gave you, but the second anything feels off, get rid of it immediately.”
My wolf snarls in frustration, but I force myself to nod. “Yes, My Lord.”
This discussion isn’t over,I send to Ethan.
His mental voice carries a hint of warmth that makes my chest tighten when he responds,I know.
“Draw up a plan, Commander,” Xander continues. “You’ll be the lead. This is your operation.”
I nod. “Branson, gather supplies. Akila, organize rotations to watch over Jayme in our absence. Conan, prepare the armor and weapons. We leave at sunset.”
Everyone files out of Xander’s study, and Ethan trails closely behind me. His stride matches mine down the corridor toward my chambers.
