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"Before we go up there," I mutter, "I want to clarify what your intentions are with her."
Carson stops in his tracks. "What does that mean? I'm trying to help her."
"Not that," I say. I grab his arm and twist him to face me, and Carson--to his credit--doesn't react badly. "I can tell you're interested in her, and you're an unmated alpha. Do you want to claim her?"
Carson's brow furrows. Yeah, he's an alpha too...but I'm bigger than him, stronger, older. He's smart to worry about this. "Wouldn't want to step on anyone's toes..."
"She's an omega," I tell him. "She needs a pack to protect her, and I know you would be an admirable ally."
He laughs. "She would be pissed if she knew we were talking about her like this."
"I know," I smile back. "And that's why I can tell you would be right for her...for us."
Carson gives me a wry smile, and I can see the gears turning in his head. "I'm not gonna lie, I'm attracted to her. But I'm not trying to encroach on your territory. I know you have feelings for her, and I respect that. I just want to help her."
I nod, relieved. "Good. We need to work together on this."
We continue up the stairs in silence, the tension between us palpable. I try not to think about Carson's attraction to Kendra, or how it makes me feel. I'll deal with that later, after we get her back.
Finally, we reach the top of the lighthouse and push open the door.
The room is dimly lit, and at first, I can't see anything. Then, I hear a low growl, and my eyes adjust to the darkness. Kendra is standing in the center of the room, her gun at the ready. She raises it to point at us--
--then she lowers it, her eyes wide.
"Zane!" she cries.
She races toward me and flings her arms around me, and it's only then that I see Maddox lurking in the corner. He comes forward with his hands in his pockets, glancing around then peering out the dirty window.
"No time for sentimental reunions," he says roughly. "We need to go."
I move Kendra behind me and step forward, glaring at Maddox. "Wearen't going anywhere."
Maddox smirks. "You don't have a choice. The ACB is on their way, and we need to get out of here. Now."
I narrow my eyes, stepping closer to him. "And why should we trust you? You're ACB."
Maddox rolls his eyes. "I told you, I'm not with them anymore. I'm here to help. Take it or leave it."
I snort, still not convinced. "Fine. But how do we know you aren't leading us into a trap?"
Maddox sighs, clearly annoyed. "Look, I get it. We don't have time for this. You can either come with me and have a chance to save Kendra, or you can stay here and let the ACB take her back."
I glance at Kendra, who is looking at me with pleading eyes. I know we don't have much time, and as much as I hate to admit it, we could use the help.
"Okay," Carson says. "Let's get the hell out of here."
We race back down the stairs and we emerge just in time to hear a shout from the boat.
"ACB agents incoming!"
We sprint across the dock, Maddox leading the way with Kendra in tow. Gunfire erupts behind us, and I feel a sharp pain in my side. I grunt in pain, but I keep running, fueled by adrenaline and the need to protect Kendra. I can hear Carson firing backwards at the ACB, his footsteps heavy on the dock.
"Move, move!" he roars.
We reach the boat and jump aboard, the engine roaring to life as we speed away from the dock. I slump against the railing, my hand pressed against my side. Blood seeps through my fingers, but I try to ignore it. We're not out of danger yet.
Rafe is at the wheel, his face set in a grim expression. "They're gaining on us," he says. "We need to lose them. I apologize in advance..."
