Page 55 of These Deadly Dreams

“What are you saying?” I push away from the wall and put some distance between myself and Ellis. I’m getting the impression Cade is going to say something she won’t like, and I don’t want her to overhear it.

“I need more time. There is no way in hell I’d risk Ellis’s life barging in there blind. With Drew’s help, I’m positive we can get the information we need either by spying or capturing a guard, but I don’t know how long all of this will take.”

“And…” I prod. Not liking where I think he’s going to take this.

“Take Ellis back to the cabin,” he says slowly. “I don’t like her being this close to Sam and this place. I’d feel more comfortable knowing she was safe behind the wards.”

I snort. “You really think I can talk her into that? She’ll fight me.”

He sighs. “Yeah, I know. But, you guys can’t stay there for however long this takes. I’m thinking days here, Kai. I want a solid plan before we bring her in here.” He stops and takes a deep breath before saying, “If you have to, use your compulsion.”

My stomach drops to my feet. “Fucking hell, Cade.” I rub my hand down my face and shake my head, even though he can’t see me do it. “You really want me to do that to her?”

“No, I don’t. But if she won’t listen to you, then yes. Please, Kai. I need her safe before I go any further.”

My gaze lands on Ellis. She’s pacing again, her concern washing over me. She obviously realizes Cade isn’t in immediate danger or she’d be freaking out. But, she’ll for sure freak out when I tell her we’re leaving him and Sterling behind. “Gods dammit. She’ll never forgive me if I have to compel her, and you know very well she won’t willingly leave without you and Sterling.”

“She’ll forgive you. Once we’re all safe, she’ll calm down and realize it was the right choice.”

“I hope you’re right. And Cade? Be careful. She’s not the only one who needs you to return safely.” It’s the closest I’ve ever come to saying out loud what he means to me.

His breath hitches on the other end of the line, then he says, “I’ll be careful,” before hanging up.

Taking a bracing breath, I slide the phone back into my pocket. This isn’t going to go well.

Ellis stops pacing and turns to me. Apprehension pushes against my mental shields and she wraps her arms around her stomach. “What’s going on? He’s okay?”

“He’s fine,” I say reassuringly, placing my hands on her shoulders. “He needs more time.”

“What do you mean, more time? How much more?”

“A couple days, at least.” I search her gaze to make sure she handles this news okay, but I could have said it with my eyes closed. Panic and apprehension hit me so hard I almost stumble backward.

“What?” she screeches. “A couple of days?”

“He said he can get past the barrier, but he has no clue what’s going on inside. Before we go in, he wants to make sure we know everything we can so we can keep you safe.”

She stares at me with wide eyes filled with fear. Her heart pounds madly in her chest, of course making mine match. It’s unsettling when I’m trying to remain calm, but she is so overwhelmed it bleeds over into me.

“Cade wants us to go back to the cabin while we wait.” I hold my breath, waiting for her to explode.

“No! Absolutely not.” A curl escapes her bun and falls forward as she vehemently shakes her head. “I will not leave him and Sterling behind. We’re not leaving until I have all three of my Shields with me.”

Yep. Knew that was coming. “What difference does it make waiting here or waiting at the cabin? At least you’ll be behind the wards at the cabin.”

“Because if I’m here, I’m closer to them. We can help if they get in trouble. If we’re at the cabin, we’re hours away. That’s time that anything could happen to them.” Those big amber eyes are like a dagger to my chest. “Please, Kai. I can’t leave them.”

Son of a bitch, I hate this. “I understand, baby girl, but Cade asked me to take you back. It will help him focus if he knows you aren’t in any danger.” I run my palms down her arms and grasp her hands. “If he’s worried about you, he’s more likely to make a mistake.”

“So what’s going to happen when we actually go in there to get Sterling? I’m not staying behind, and if I’m there, he’ll be worried. So what’s the difference?” She pulls away and sets her hands on her hips. With her chin raised and eyes swirling with inner fire, she looks like the harpy she is.

“Ellis, please.” I rub my face, dreading the next thing I have to say. “I’ll use my compulsion on you if I have to. Don’t make me do that.”

She rears back with a gasp. “You wouldn’t dare!”

I raise one brow and let the leash on my thrall loosen to the point I know my eyes are slightly glowing.

“I’m not leaving willingly. So if you’re going to make me, then you’re going to have to use your compulsion.” She crosses her arms and dares me with her gaze.

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