Page 269 of Psycho Pack

"Your reservations are noted," Plague cuts him off smoothly. "But Vlakov will hold up his end. He has too much to gain by helping us—and too much to lose by betraying us."

I'm not as certain, but it's too late for doubts now.

"Very well, Your Highness." Larihm bows again. "Shall I give the order to move out?"

Plague's eyes meet mine across the room. In that moment, I see everything he's not saying. His fear, his determination, his love for all of us.

I give him a small nod.

Whatever happens, we're facing it head on.

As a pack.

"Yes," he says, turning back to Larihm. "Give the order. We converge at the old mine, next to the northeastern checkpoint of the Capital."

As the general leaves, I stand and move to the center of the room. My alphas gravitate toward me instinctively, forming a loose circle. For a moment, we just look at each other. I find myself trying to imprint each of their faces in my mind, but then I realize they're already there, etched deeply into my soul.

"Well," Whiskey finally breaks the silence, his voice rough. "Guess this is it, huh?"

"This is it," Thane confirms grimly. "Everyone ready?"

"Ready to invade one of the most powerful nations on earth?" Plague asks dryly. "Is there such a thing?"

I shift my weight anxiously, watching my alphas prepare for what could be our last stand together. The reality of what we're about to do hits me harder with each passing second. My chest feels tight. Like I can't get enough air.

I could lose them.

Any of them.

All of them.

The thought makes my knees weak. I physically can't imagine it. The words are on the tip of my tongue, tempting me with how easy it would be to blurt them out. To keep them all safe.

Please don't do this.

We can find another way.

Any other way.

But before I can give voice to my moment of weakness, Valek speaks up from his position in the shadows.

"Are we really going to go through with this?"

Everyone freezes as he somehow echoes the plea ricocheting through my brain. I catch the agitated looks that pass between the others, the way their shoulders tense at his words.

"Go through with what?" Thane growls. "The invasion? A bit late for cold feet now."

But Valek's silver eyes are fixed on me. "No," he says softly. "Not the invasion."

"Then what?" Whiskey demands impatiently. So serious. So unlike himself.

"We're about to embark on what is by far the most reckless, audacious, suicidal mission we've ever attempted," Valek continues, his accent thickening with emotion. "Andthatis saying something. Yet we're still dancing around the obvious out of fear of the unknown."

The others exchange confused glances.

Even I'm not sure where he's going with this.

Valek takes a step forward, and for once, his usual predatory grace is replaced by something almost vulnerable. "I have more than enough regrets for one lifetime," he says softly. "If I'm going to die today, I don't want this one haunting me in the afterlife."

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