Page 115 of Sovereign Oaths

“They’re the ones who helped us with the plan,” he assured before Cruz could freak out entirely. “They sent witches to change the corpses to look like us. They got us fake passports and organized travel. This is a safe house they use to shelter people until final living arrangements are made. They wanted us to get to know the area before deciding where we want to live.”

The Supernatural Council had always been the Pack’s number one enemy. They wanted to stop and remove the Velez’s power and influence.

Now they were helping us? It felt like a trap.“How can we trust them?”

“Because the information we gave them is enough evidence to help take down the Pack. We’re nothing in the grand scheme of things. Pawns, not the players. They help thousands of supernaturals relocate and find safety every year. Once we’re settled, they’ll leave us alone.”

If there was anyone who could guarantee our safety from the Pack, it was the Council. My heart felt like it could finally beat again for the first time since Marco showed me the diving gear.

“We’re safe?” I was starting to believe it.

Javi nodded. “We’re safe.”

“And together.” I looked at each of them. I never let myself believe it was possible. I didn’t even want to dream about it because the reality I feared was too bleak. Once the mission was done, we’d go home and likely never see each other again.

But my men achieved the impossible. They found a way.

We stayed in that peaceful calm for a few minutes until Javi rubbed his stomach.

“Are you guys hungry? They said there would be food delivered this morning.” Javi put his hands on his knees and stood.

“I don’t remember the last meal we ate,” Cruz grumbled. “Was it today or yesterday?”

“Does it matter?” Derek rolled forward and got to his feet. “It was a long time ago.”

“Hey, I offered to grab pastries,” Marco protested.

“From a vending machine,” Cruz shot back. “We need real food.”

I slid my torso toward him, resting against him. “Maybe if we pretend to sleep, they’ll make it for us,” I stage whispered.

“No need. We’ve been blessed by Italian generosity,” Javi called from the kitchen.

“What did you find?” Marco peered over his shoulder.

“A pasta dish,” Javi answered. “I’m not sure what it is, but it smells amazing.”

“There’s fresh bread here.” Derek leaned over the counter and sniffed a bag with closed eyes. “Oh, lordy.”

“We just need to heat this up.” Javi moved to the oven and turned it on.

“What do we have here?” Marco sounded far too mischievous.

I lifted my head and tried to find him.

“What is it?” Cruz called.

“A few bars of Swiss chocolate,” Derek replied.

That was enough to get me back on my feet. “Oh, I want to try.”

Marco unwrapped one and broke me off a piece and held it out. I stuck out my tongue, and he smiled before putting it into my mouth.

I closed my eyes and moaned as the milky perfection melted. Smooth and creamy. “It’s so good,” I mumbled.

“It’s criminal what they pass off as chocolate in America.” Javi held out his hand, and Marco dropped a square in his palm.

“That’s plastic compared to this.” Derek popped a chunk into his mouth and sighed.