Page 208 of The Werewolf’s Wrong Mate

Cassie’s voice lowered. “Explain.”

“When Silas moves, and he will, Ronan will pull every loyal wolf toward the confrontation. The council will be guarded, but distracted. The pack will be watching Thorne, Ronan, and me. That is when you take your family and leave.”

“Just walk out?”

“No. Sava will get you through the medical service corridor. There is a staff road beyond the west laundry entrance. Cormac has keys to three vehicles that do not belong to the resort.”

Sava’s mouth tightened.

I looked at her then. “You know the route.”

She held my stare for a long second before she nodded.

Cassie looked between us. “You two are having a conversation I am not invited to.”

“You are the reason for it,” Sava said.

“That is not as comforting as you think.”

I leaned closer, enough to hold her attention. “You will stay close to Sava. You will gather your father, your mother, Tessa, and anyone else Sava tells you she can take without slowing the route.”

“Anyone else?”

Her eyes flickered.

“Yes,” I said before she could ask. “Him too.”

“I hate that you know I would ask.”

“I know you.”

The words escaped before I could stop them. Cassie’s face softened in a way I had no right to receive.

I kept the wall up. If she felt what those three words cost me, she would not run.

“What about you?” she asked.

“I will make sure no one follows you.”

“That is not an answer.”

“It is the important part.”

“Ian.”

“I will follow.”

The lie came out clean. Sava’s eyes closed for half a breath.

Cassie watched my face. “You expect me to trust that?”

“Yes.”

“Dangerous plan.”

“I know.”

“No. I mean trusting a man who looks like he is considering becoming a tragic statue.”