Page 101 of Red

I didn’t expect . . .

But maybe it’s safer for him if he thinks it was someone else.

“What if I did?” There were moments where he wasn’t around so much, except it doesn’t matter. I stride across the room and open the door. “Sorry I can’t be any help.”

“Are you telling me the truth?”

“Some truths take time. Good night, mate.” I blow him a kiss and leave the room.

Chapter 28

The house is mayhem as I grab a plate of fruit and weave through the people to return to Stark’s room. We have a final meeting with everyone this afternoon. I slip into a chair and flip open the book I’ve been rereading—I finally found one on werewolves with intense speed. The power of being able to keep your vision ahead of your speed is the thing you have to focus on. It’s what I was missing in that field.

Stark comes by and checks in, then leaves soon after. The claw marks haven’t come up again, thankfully. He’s been organizing the distraction and attack lines. It’s a good plan, but things can always go wrong. They still have guns, and a mass of them.

Just before meeting time, I stroll down the hallway. There are too many pack members to have everyone meet in the forum, so they’re outside below the large deck, which is also prepped as a med unit. I find Kiya. We’re on the same task starting tonight.

“This is intense.” She gestures at the crowd.

“It’s a lot . . . but he’s got it.” I smile up at Stark, who is standing in the middle of a group of the cohort Alphas. Pride fills me. I’m the one who gets to call him mine. Despite the fact that no cohort is supposed to be above another, in the last few days of him commanding and organizing the chaos, it’s become clear the pack respects him. He’s the head of everything, and the more I watch him, the more it makes sense.

Attention.

Everyone hushes as Stark begins. “This is our final group meeting before we take on the Uprising. I understand that the majority of your duties for most of you have been low combat. Tomorrow will be no different if you’re instructed to stay behind certain lines. Follow those instructions. The humans’ long-range guns are not something to take lightly. Going in first, we have Kiya and Nikolas.”

And me? I look up at him, but he avoids my gaze.

“They will be starting off ahead of everyone . . .” He goes on to explain the different positions of groups, as well as important signals to know and meet-up locations. “The goal is not to eliminate all the humans. It’s to make them abandon camp beyond the border’s edge. Do not give them a second chance. If a gun is on you, your options are limited.”

A few start to murmur to each other. Some seem excited, but others fearful.

“Thank you all. Our land, homes, and families are grateful for your efforts. Please spread out and meet with your cohort leader for final instructions. Excused.” He gives the signal, and the Alphas on the deck all separate into various areas across the yard.

“Did he just forget to mention me?” I ask Kiya.

“Probably. I’ll meet you out front at midnight.”

“See you then.” I search for Stark with no tingles on the edge of my skin to guide me, but eventually, I head inside the house and find him with a few Elders. He catches my glaring eye and excuses himself.

“You forgot to mention me.” I cross my arms.

“No, you’re staying here. Aloka, it’s not safe. There’s no way for you to defend yourself if things go wrong.”

“Stark is right. It’s for the best you stay and help with those that return injured,” Graden says from behind him. The Elder’s voice is softer than my mate’s.

“This is all my work. I’m the only one who’s been into the camp,” I huff at Stark and bite the inside of my cheek. I told him I hated that cool indifference he uses.

“Your maps will guide Kiya and Nikolas,” he says, with no regard to how I would feel, stuck here, again. He doesn’t get to make decisions for me.

Stretching my spine tall, flames crawl along it. “I’m going.”

“She’s fiery, I’ll give her that,” Graden snickers.

He has no idea.

I abandon them for Stark’s office to scan the original maps I drew out. Gretch will be somewhere on the map. I wish I could protect her. I also know I’ll need to blend in again. Nikolas is on the shorter side for a werewolf and Kiya is stealthy. She also somehow got experience with explosives when in the human cities—a story she’s yet to elaborate.

Stark slams the door as he comes in.