Page 102 of Us Defiant Few

“Yes,” he said, swallowing. “I’ve been to the Chief’s house, and one of the rooms looked like a library, but I didn’t go inside.”

“Perfect. You’ll go with me.”

“I’ll join too.” Takeshi moved past them like a turbulent storm.

“No.” Khalani shot him a harsh glare, stopping him in his tracks. “Derek and I can handle it.”

“I’m up for Takeshi joining,” Derek said, glancing between them. “If they find us snooping around, we might need to fight.”

Takeshi gave her a quiet look, daring her to argue.

She sighed, exasperated. “Fine.”

“Winnie, too,” Winnie added brightly.

She turned, frowning. “What?”

“Winnie won’t be a burden.”

“You’re never a burden,” Khalani emphasized. “But it’s too dangerous.”

“All the more reason for her to come.” Winnie’s lips quirked. “If there’s anyone who knows how to navigate a library, it’s good ole Winnie.”

Her shoulders drooped, unable to argue with that reasoning.

“Okay, the four of us will go.”

“Just like old times,” Winnie whispered, playfully bumping her shoulder.

But Khalani couldn’t bring herself to feel good about the situation. She just prayed Ansel was lying and her fears were nothing more than misguided paranoia.

She had no idea what they’d do otherwise.

* * *

The sun had barely crested over the horizon, casting a dim haze over the cool air. The road was still a little too quiet as Khalani walked side by side with Winnie along Pleasant Avenue. Derek took the lead in front, and Takeshi hung several feet back in his black athletic gear.

She kept her stubborn gaze forward, forcing herself not to confront him about last night. But she felt his dark gaze drilling into her spine.

Khalani rubbed her fingers down the sides of her arms, trying to ignore him and focus on their mission. She glanced at the wall, noticing more sentries posted than normal.

What if they saw the four of them sneaking into the Chief’s house?

What if Serene and the rest of the group weren’t able to distract the Chief and Patreus long enough?

“You okay, dear?” Winnie pointedly glanced at the big red welts on Khalani’s arms from scratching too hard.

“Yeah.” She immediately shoved her hands in her pockets. “Just a little nervous.”

“How did you sleep last night?”

“I slept just fine.” She cleared her throat. “You?”

“For the most part, yes.” Winnie tilted her head. “But Winnie did hear some rather strange noises coming from your bedroom.”

Blood rushed to her cheeks.

“Is that so? Maybe it was the…wind.”