Page 60 of Battle Fluke

“Hudson?” Her man asked again.

She shook her head from the ridiculous idea of missing Kyree—of missing both of them.

“What’s happening?” She asked, face hard and focused as she turned and pinned him with her gaze. He straightened the curve of his spine and pushed back his shoulders. Taking the non-verbal clues to give her the respect she had fought hard to win and demanded from every one of her men at all times.

“There’s been another kraken sighting.” His voice rumbled with a false bravado. He was little more than a pup, but his intel had never steered them wrong before.

“Where?” She was up again, the curve at the end of her fluke resting lightly on the sand shelf.

“Toward Reine, along the western channel.” He didn’t hesitate in his answer.

Kyree!

“You’re certain?” Even as she asked, she knew he wouldn’t have come and interrupted her if there was any doubt. She pushed out of the small alcove she had been using to be alone and swam with purpose toward her gathered men.

She smiled, seeing them already moving. It had taken years, but her men knew how she worked. They weren’t ready yet, though.

“I’m heading out immediately.”

“What?” Cryloc demanded, and she narrowed her eyes at him.

“I am heading out immediately. Get them ready and follow as soon as possible.”

“It’s not safe,” he blustered.

“Neither is arguing with me.” She growled as she flipped over mid–tail flap and had his throat in her hands in an instant.

The clatter of men preparing to head out silenced. No one dared to move. Her chest swelled at the familiar pride she had in feeling all their eyes on her. Knowing not one of them could be certain in her next actions.

“This is a warning,” she spoke louder, ensuring every single one of them listening heard both the words she did and didn’t say. “I’m ready, you’re not. Follow me as quickly as you can. But questioning my decision is an easy path to your death and our failing. This isn’t a democracy, and I am your leader.”

“Yes, Hudson.” The chorus of words was punctuated by the vibration of the same against her palm as Cryloc joined in the response as best he could.

“Good.” She shoved him away from her and enjoyed the marks already visible around his neck.

He knew better than to rub at them in her sight. The hand he had moved slightly toward his neck lowered back to his side once more, and he gave a single determined nod.

“Good.” She headed toward the kraken sighting, where she hoped Kyree wasn’t. Over her shoulder, she threw her words without slowing her speedy exit from camp. “Get them ready. Shit’s about to get fun.”

She forced her body to torpedo through the water at a reckless speed. How long ago had the sighting been? She hadn’t even asked. It wasn’t like her at all, but that had been the power of Kyree from the beginning.

Please don’t be in danger.

She didn’t even bother reprimanding herself for her concern. Fear had flooded her, more than she’d felt in a while, at the idea of Kyree alone and being caught in the kraken’s sight.

Her eyes narrowed in on the path ahead. Movement stirred, and the faintest ripple faded out mere lengths before it brushed her face.

“Where’s Kyree?” That voice, unmistakable, vibrated through the water to Hudson’s right, and she turned her head to see Honour heading straight toward her.

Hudson didn’t slow or respond. Instead, she followed the defined muscles of Honour’s body as she slid up beside her and matched her pace easily.

“Being stupid and reckless. I think we’ve rubbed off on her.” Hudson tried for humor with her words, but they fell like stones in the water.

“Hmmm,” Honour replied, her eyes focusing on the path ahead of them.

They swam directly into the current of ripples, the tension taut between them.

“She came looking for you.” The accusation obvious in Honour’s words.

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