28. Chapter Twenty-Eight

Chapter Twenty-Eight

L ash

The next day, I pace the length of the Security Office on the main floor of the Wolven Warriors’ building. My tail twitches with agitation, my ears are laid back with irritation.

Zoya and I have spent a few hours almost every day in the other half of the first floor, the den, so she could meet my pack mates. She was so shy at first that I timed our forays when the room would be close to empty.

One by one, she met my brothers. She’d already met Courage, the cocky smack-talking SOB who’s been even more insufferable since he found his mate, Candy.

She gifted Bold, our leader, with homemade apricot kolaches, a thank-you for giving me time off work and allowing her to stay, although I never would have allowed him to kick her out, kolaches or no kolaches.

The cookies were such a hit, she made other varieties gifting my packmates with new choices every day. It helped her feel more comfortable around them. She didn’t need to bribe them to like her. Who wouldn’t like my starlight?

We’re not here for recreation, though, I’ve called several of my closest brothers to strategize what amounts to the first volley of war. Against Max.

“I can’t believe that bastard has the nerve to play the victim,” I growl, clenching my fists.

Zoya sits huddled on one of the couches, her eyes glazed with fear. It cuts me to the bone to see her like this, shaken and vulnerable. I sit next to her and take her hands in mine.

“Zoya, look at me. I won’t let Max hurt you again. Neither will Bold, Courage, or any of the Warriors. You’re safe here with us.”

She meets my gaze, a flicker of determination breaking through the panic. “I know, Lash. I trust you. But ever since Samantha said Max filed a missing person report, it’s hard to feel safe anymore.”

I wrap an arm around her slender waist. She burrows closer, her breath hitching. “We’ll figure this out, Starlight. Together. I promise.”

“Let’s talk strategy.” Bold’s gruff voice is all business. “It sounds like this guy Max isn’t going to stop until he finds Zoya. We need to prepare for anything.”

I press a kiss to Zoya’s hair, then turn to face my friend. “You’re right. What are you thinking?”

For the next hour, we discuss options—everything from increased patrols to secret safe houses. But with each passing minute, the tight coil in my gut tells me it’s not enough. Max is a loose cannon with a sense of entitlement, and he’s coming for my mate.

My mate. The word echoes in my mind, a primal claim that I know in my bones is true. Zoya is mine to protect, to cherish, to love. And I’ll be damned if I let anyone, especially a piece of shit like Max, threaten what we’ve found together.

I glance at Zoya, her fingers trembling as she pets Miska in her lap. My resolve hardens. I know what I have to do.

I lower my voice to the deadly tone every warrior knows is serious as a heart attack. “I’m going to confront Max. Tonight. I’ll tell him I know where she is, ask for a meet. Maybe he’ll see reason.”

His eyes widen. “Lash, that’s insane. He sounds volatile, crazy. What if it backfires?”

“I have to try.” After glancing at Zoya, whose eyes are wide in terror, I add, “I can’t just sit here and wait for him to strike. If I can convince him to back off, maybe Zoya can avoid being dragged into detention, or court, or worse, being forced to return to that psychopath.”

Bold sighs, rubbing a hand over his face. “And if it doesn’t work? After all, you said yourself, he’s a loose cannon.”

I meet his gaze, my own unflinching. “Then I’ll do whatever it takes to protect my mate.”

His eyes widen at my use of the word, then he nods, understanding the weight of that vow.

Even in this serious moment, my packmates chuff their approval and congratulations.

“Mate, huh?” Fang asks, peering to see a telltale mating mark.

“We’re, uh, not quite all the way there…”

“Good on you anyway, bro.” This is Stealth, who gives me an approving nod.

Then we’re back to all-business as we strategize.

Did I think Zoya would shrink back from my idea to confront Max? Sit quietly as we wolven decided how best to protect her? That was a crazy thought.

She grips my arm. “I don’t want to put you, put any of you, in danger.”

Before I can answer, Bold steps in. “I’m in charge, Zoya. We protect our own and from a few moments ago, Lash made it clear you’re one of our own. I appreciate your concern for our safety, but sitting back and waiting for things to happen just isn’t the wolven way. We’re going to do this.”

“I vorry he vill kill you!”

Shit! Her accent is thick; she’s terrified.

“We’ve been protecting the Zone for years, Zoya.” Red-headed Fang tries to calm her fears. “Five of us can handle one human man, a bully at that. We all know they’re the biggest cowards.”

She quiets for a few minutes as we hash out details, then says, “I’m coming with you.” Her jaw lifts in that stubborn way I’ve already come to know so well.

“Zoya, no. It’s too dangerous. I need you to stay here, where I know you’re safe.”

“I won’t let you face him alone, Lash. This is my fight, too.”

“Who’ll watch Miska?” My argument was pitiful. So lame, Lash.

I search Zoya’s face, seeing the determination burning bright beneath the fear. My brave, strong Zoya. I should have known she wouldn’t let me do this without her.

“I’m coming, too.” For emphasis, she folds her arms across her chest.

I conduct an internal debate, but quickly come to the conclusion that no matter how long I argue with her, she won’t take no for an answer.

“Okay,” I relent, squeezing her hands. “But you stay back, out of sight. And if things start to go south, you drive off. We wolven get back to the Zone on our own. Promise me you’ll leave if things go sideways.”

She nods, her lips twisting in thought. “I promise.”

I cup her face. “I love you, Zoya. You know that, right?”

Her breath catches. “I love you, too, Lash. So much.”

I kiss her then, pouring all my love and fear for her and desperate hope into the press of my lips against hers. She clings to me, her fingers digging into my shoulders as if she can hold me here forever.

All too soon, we break apart.

I stand, squaring my shoulders. “Let’s end this. Once and for all.”