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Phoenix stood and crossed the room to his friend. “Only if we all agree on a plan, and so long as you promise me you won’t go anywhere alone.”

Bayer smiled, but I knew it was fake. “I won’t do anything stupid.”

It was only afterwards that I realized Bayer hadn’t promised not to go anywhere alone, and what he felt was stupid might not mean the same to the rest of us.

Chapter eight

Bayer

I hadn't meant to lie to Phoenix. Not really. I just knew that if I made a promise, I'd have to keep it, and I wasn't sure I could. My father had told me often enough I was a failure, but one thing I prided myself on was keeping my word. So, I chose my words carefully. I wouldn't do anything stupid. And sacrificing myself for the good of everyone else wasn't stupid.

It was necessary.

The meeting broke up shortly after I'd made my declaration. Everyone had ideas, theories, suggestions about how to track and destroy the revenant. I listened, nodded in the right places, but my mind was already made up. If this thing wanted bears—wanted me specifically, as revenge for whatever my father had done—then I would give it what it wanted.

Away from the pack. Away from anyone who could get hurt. I decided to slip into my rooms where I could nurse my hurt in private and wouldn't have to look at Danny.

"Bayer."

I turned to see Kaylan had followed me, his expression knowing, and he closed the door behind him, making the space soundproof from other shifter hearing. We'd been friends since we were cubs. He could read me better than anyone.

"Don't even think about it," he said quietly.

"Think about what?" I asked, keeping my face neutral.

Kaylan's eyes narrowed. "About going off on some suicide mission. I saw your face when Phoenix asked for your promise."

I shrugged. "I'm not planning anything stupid."

"Your definition of stupid and mine are very different," he said, stepping closer. "This thing killed five humans without breaking a sweat. What do you think it'll do to a lone bear?"

"I can handle myself," I said, though we both knew it was bravado.

"Yeah?" Kaylan crossed his arms. "You've lost at least twenty pounds in the last few months. You're not sleeping. You're barely eating. You think that's the condition you should be in to face some monster?"

I looked away, unable to meet his eyes. "This is my responsibility."

"Why? Because your father was an asshole?" Kaylan shook his head. "You don't have to atone for his sins, Bayer."

"Yes, I do," I said quietly. "The bears look to me for leadership. If I can't protect them—"

"Then let them help you," Kaylan interrupted. "That's what a pack is. Not one alpha carrying everything alone, but a family supporting each other."

I almost laughed at that. Family. My father had beaten that concept out of me long ago. The only family I'd ever truly had was Isla, and she had her own now.

"I need some air," I muttered, turning away from Kaylan's too-perceptive gaze.

We made our way outside, breathing in the cool evening air. The packhouse was bustling with activity as shifters prepared for increased patrols. My bears—what was left of them after my father's reign—were gathered near the edge of the clearing, looking uncertain. They needed direction. They needed an alpha.

They need someone better than me.

I was about to head toward them when I caught a familiar scent—citrus, honey, and something uniquely human, and I knew who it was before I turned around. Danny. He stood on the porch, watching me with an unreadable expression.

For a moment, we just stared at each other. I waited for the sharp comment, the cutting remark that would push me away again. But instead, he just looked...sad.

"You're really going to do it, aren't you?" Danny asked quietly. "Try to fight this thing alone."

I shrugged, uncomfortable with his scrutiny. "It's my responsibility."