Page 77 of The Immortal’s Mark

I bristle. “I’m not property.”

“No, but Nightsbane considers you an unofficial member of their clan. Now that they know about you, they are not going to let you out of their sight.”

A headache blooms right between my eyes. I rub my brow. “So, what? How do we get them to search for Bella while also training me?”

No one speaks.

An idea comes to mind.

My eyes meet Des’s. “I’ll go with them.”

“Absolutely not,” Thane says, the words sharp as a blade. “You are not leaving this mansion.”

“If the clan won’t leave me alone to search for Bella, let me go with them. They can keep tabs on me while also helping the alliance. It’s a win-win.” And the simplest solution.

“It most certainly is not,” Thane snaps. “The moment you step off this property, you’re in danger. Not only do the rebels believe you are Des’ One, but now they are also aware of your abilities.”

I fight off the shiver that tries to ripple down my spine.

“I have a bodyguard.” I motion to Gregory. “And you can send more with me.”

Thane jerks his head and opens his mouth to speak.

Lome interrupts, “Darcie is right. We’ve searched for weeks with no luck. We need Nightsbane out searching.”

“We can use precautions to conceal her identity,” Eshe joins in. “No one but those in the search party will know Darcie isn’t in Greece.”

Thane doesn’t relent. “It is out of the question.”

“I say it isn’t,” Des says.

All eyes swing to him to find his back ramrod straight and his arms crossed.

“We will not take the risk,” Thane barks. “We already lost Bella. We will not risk Darcie.”

“I say we will,” Des counters. “But it will not be a risk. We will send her with a strong entourage, including the clan members. She will be protected.”

“You have no say.”

“If Darcie is who you believe she is, I am the only one with any say.”

The room quiets.

My heart stumbles, and my ears ring.

“Is there something you wish to confess, Des?” Thane murmurs, a thread of hope twines with suspicion.

“Let her join the task force, and we shall see.”

My throat goes dry. What is he doing?

Thane studies his brother like he can peel back his skull and read what’s written in his mind.

“You are willing to risk her?” he asks at last, gaze cutting between Des and me.

I hold my breath.

“For Bella.” Des nods. “Yes.”