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"The Enclave just told me they traced the source of the video leak--and probably the assassins--to the Intelligence Committee in the senate," I say.
The guys go silent, Milo's mouth falling open in shock.
"Holy shit," he says. "So it goes all the way to the top. Fuck...I should have known."
"We all should have," I mutter, crossing my arms over my chest. "But what matters now is that I show them I'm not ashamed."
"And your mom is going to help how...?" Milo asks.
"She's going to feed all of us and my sister Willa will meet us there and bring me something to wear back to the senate," I say. "I'll call my publicist, too--and she can help me with messaging."
"Wait a second," Nate says. "You're just going back? Youreallyshouldn't, it's dangerous--"
"I'm going back because it'smy house," I tell him, throwing my head back. "And I won't be intimidated out of going to work."
Nate's hands ball into fists at his sides, and I can see the anger seething in his eyes. "But Sloane--" he starts.
"I'll be careful," I say, cutting him off. "I'll have you three with me at all times. And besides, this is my life's work we're talking about. I can't just give up because of some threats and revenge porn."
They all look at me, seeming unsure of what to say. But I stand my ground, staring back at them with determination.
Finally, Arjun speaks up. "Okay," he says. "We'll take you to your mom's place. But we're not leaving you there alone."
"I don't want to be alone," I say, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. "In fact...I think it's time for me to introduce her to my pack."
They gape at me, Nate's jaw dropping.
"This is fast," Arjun says. "We don't want to pressure you into anything."
"It doesn't have to be permanent, but it's already public," I say. "No biting...for now. But I want you three at my side when I go back in front of the cameras."
They all exchange glances, and I can tell they're hesitant. But then Nate nods.
"Okay," Nate says. "We'll do it."
"For you--anything," Arjun says.
"We'll have to figure out the Enclave blowback," Milo adds. "But we can do it.Together."
"Thank you," I say, feeling grateful and relieved all at once. "Let's go."
I'm still scared...but I know that security is protecting me, and that my men won't let me get hurt. The only thing I can do now is go public.
I won't let anyone stop me.
Chapter thirteen
Milo
Sloane'smomlivesinOrchard Park, a nice neighborhood up the coast. We wait for an Enclave motorcade to join us, intent on protecting Sloane--and then we're off, driving toward her mom's place.
We arrive in the late afternoon, security swarming the place as we walk up through a beautiful, well-kept rose garden and through the front door. Her mom's house is modest and elegant, with high ceilings, big windows for lots of natural light, and polished wood floors. The air inside is heavy with the scent of lavender and vanilla, and it sounds like there's something cooking.
Sloane's mom is waiting for us in the living room, and when she sees her daughter, she rushes over to give her a hug. I can see the familial resemblance instantly, her mom just like Sloane but with more grey hair and deep lines between her brows and in her dimples.
As they hug, I take a moment to observe the room. It's filled with well-loved furniture, vases of fresh flowers, and framed photos of Sloane and her sister as kids--two adorable brunettes with big smiles. It's obvious that Sloane is everything to her mother, especially as she starts to sob.
"Oh, honey," she says. "I was so worried about you."
