Page 73 of Blades of Ice

“She attacked Kennedy, and Dooley took offense.”

“Why would she attack the fox? Kennedy’s the sweetest female in the world.”

“Because Chloe was trying to escape, and she was batshit crazy. Is that all?”

“No, that’s not all. Why are you here and not looking for Mom?”

“Because we found her. Amara was by the Knik River, about twenty miles east of Butte. She knows Chloe and Orson are dead, so maybe she’ll return soon. Maybe she won’t. She didn’t seem to be in a hurry to get back to her role as Empress.”

“Fuck. Where is the Sagan helicopter? The GPS tracking was turned off.” The tears dried up as her anger returned.

“I’ll have the coordinates where the helo is sent to you.” Beck walked to the door and opened it.

“You don’t get to dismiss me. In Amara’s absence, I am your Empress.”

“No, you aren’t. I renounced the pack to Amara, so you can fuck on out of here. Lydia and I have things to do, and they don’t include listening to you any longer.”

“How do I know you aren’t lying about Amara? You probably just want to get out of Alaska as soon as possible so you don’t have to pull your weight.”

Lydia stepped forward. “Here’s your proof of life.” She held her phone out, and Delaney gasped at the photo. Beck had never seen Amara looking so haggard, not even after she fought with Valerie.

“What’s wrong with her?”

“She was held in chains coated in wolfsbane, and then she fought Orson to get free. I’d say she still has some of the poison in her.” Lydia tucked the phone in her pocket and crossed her arms.

Delaney snarled at Beck. “You said you were stabbed with a poisoned blade, but you look fine to me.”

“He is fine because he’s bonded to me. My claiming bite saved him. Now, I think Beck told you to fuck off.”

Delaney’s claws extended from her fingertips, and Beck stayed out of the way to give his mate room, knowing what was coming. Within the blink of an eye, Lydia held an ice dagger to Delaney’s throat. “The only reason I won’t kill you is because you’re pregnant, but I can make sure you walk funny the rest of your life. Now get the fuck out of our house.”

Delaney swallowed hard as she nodded against the blade. Lydia kept the tip pressed to Delaney’s skin as she walked backward to the door. His sister didn’t say goodbye. She didn’t say anything as she rushed down the steps and to her car. Beck closed the door, then leaned against it. Lydia walked into his space and pressed her body against his. Beck inhaled deeply, her scent soothing him. They remained that way until there was another knock on the door.

Reginald Daws was an older man and also the same agent Beck worked with when he bought the place. Reginald was pleasant as he made note of all the changes and upgrades, then explained the market. Beck was pleased to hear the value of property had gone up significantly since he moved in, and with the amount Reginald suggested asking, Beck would have a nice chunk of change to add to Lydia’s already ridiculous bank account. Ortheiraccount, as she reminded him once the agent was gone.

Lydia gave Reginald Scotty Wright’s contact information. The male was an attorney and one of her Clanmates. Scottyagreed to handle the contract on Beck’s behalf, and all paperwork would be handled electronically. Beck was slowly learning what it meant to be part of a Clan who had each other’s backs instead of shoving a dagger there.

With that taken care of, they spent the rest of the day lounging on the sofa, making love, cooking together, showering, making love again, then getting into bed. Beck thought he might feel nostalgic, sleeping in his little house for the last time. He didn’t. When they headed out the next morning for Kodiak, Beck would close the door to his past life and begin his new one with Lydia.

They took the helo to Kodiak where they spent the day with Dooley and Kennedy. Their house was decorated in varying shades of blue and silver. Kennedy cooked enough food to feed five grown bears, and Beck enjoyed every bite. Saving dessert for later, they gathered in front of Dooley’s computer where they video chatted with Carleigh for what she termed a debriefing.

“You’ve been talking to Anthony again,” Lydia teased.

“Tabitha, actually. Seriously, y’all get adventures while I get fatter. It’s not fair.”

“Fat, schmat. You know you love your job. Who else could ‘borrow’ a million dollars from some offshore account and give it to charity?”

Carleigh’s eyes widened at Lydia. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

Lydia snorted. She’d already told Beck about Amara’s misfortune. “Okay, Captain. Get on with the debriefing.”

Carleigh saluted, then kicked back in her seat, holding a mug of something. The scenery behind her was different than usual. Instead of an office, bright artwork hung on the wall behind a Christmas tree that looked like it would fall over if one more ornament was added.

“It didn’t take Boyd long to remove the bugs and cameras once Heather told him who put them there. I emailed Delaney the coordinates of the Sagan helicopter as well as those of the cave in case she wanted to retrieve the bodies like you asked.” Carleigh smiled softly at Beck.

“I appreciate it.”

“You’re welcome. I went grocery shopping. Your house is stocked for when you two get here. Luna and I got online and ordered different types of cords and ribbons for your ceremony, and I ordered the marriage license.”

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