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Rylan's expression eases. “Thank you, Michael.”

Joshua shakes his head. I look at Michael. He seems completely serious. Joshua turns back to Rylan. “Then I volunteer to go too.”

Rylan looks at him, “Joshua.”

“If the trip is going ahead, I'd rather be there in case something happens. If nothing happens, you have nothing to worry about.”

I step forward. “I'd like to volunteer too.” Rylan looks between us. For a moment, I think he's going to refuse. Then he leans back in his chair.

“All right. Let's make a bet.” Joshua raises an eyebrow. “A bet?”

“You all think something is going to happen. I think the trip will be fine.” I glance at Joshua. Rylan continues, “You can all go. And when nothing happens, I win.”

Michael smiles. “Sounds fair to me, Alpha.”

Joshua folds his arms. “And what exactly do you win?”

Rylan's mouth curves. “You all have to wear tutus in front of the pack and tell everyone how amazing your Alpha is and convince Selena that the fifteen guards are necessary for her protection.”

I stare at him. Joshua closes his eyes, “You're serious?”

Michael laughs.

“Very.”

My Lycan stirs.

We are not wearing a tutu.

“Better us wearing a tutu than innocent wolves getting hurt.”

Joshua looks at Rylan. “And if you lose?”

Rylan's smile fades slightly. “What do you want?”

Joshua glances at me. I think about Selena's office. My mate being frustrated because her boss is frustrated. The fifteen warriors outside her door. Jasmin, who should be resting at home. “Remove the fifteen guards from Selena's door,” I say.

Joshua nods. “And Jasmin goes back on maternity leave.”

Rylan's expression tightens. “Selena still needs protection.”

“I'll volunteer to stay outside the Luna's office,” Joshua says. “Protecting her is my responsibility as Gamma. She won't be left unprotected.” Rylan looks at him. Joshua continues, “Jasmin can return to maternity leave, and Selena can have her office back without fifteen warriors standing outside it.” For a moment, Rylan says nothing.

Then he looks at me. “And you agree to the tutus?”

I sigh. “Yes. I agree.”

Michael grins. “I'm in.”

Joshua rubs a hand over his face. “Fine.”

Rylan leans back, grins, and says, “Then we have a bet.” He picks up the report. “Good. The trip goes ahead as planned.”

I leave his office with Joshua and Michael. For a moment, none of us speaks. Then Michael looks at me. “What color tutu do you think he'll choose?”

Joshua groans. I look back toward Rylan's office.

“I hope we never find out. For your family’s sake, Michael.”