Page 40 of Wanted By the Cartel

And before I could answer, another presence brushed against my consciousness. Zoren, closer than he'd been all week. His worry and love washed over me, along with something new—understanding. He was finally ready.

"Mae," I said, not taking my eyes off the door, "could you give us a moment?"

She followed my gaze and nodded, gathering her equipment. As usual, she understood me. I didn't have to overexplain what I was thinking.

"Ten minutes. Any sign of distress and I'm coming back in, relationship drama or not." I smiled at that. She was so overprotective.

The door had barely closed behind her when Zoren appeared. He looked tired and worried, but his eyes softenedwhen they met mine. The twins kicked with pure excitement, sensing their father's presence.

"You feel it too, don't you?" I asked.

He nodded, moving closer but still maintaining a careful distance. "Thanks to your warning, we're prepared. But that's not why I'm here."

"I know." I held out my hand, and he took it immediately, sitting beside me on the bed. We hadn't been this close in a while, and it felt like indulging in chocolate after months without it. "We need to talk about us and what we can do to make both of us happy."

"Yes," he agreed, his thumb tracing circles on my palm. "I can't stop wanting to protect you. But I also can't deny how valuable your abilities are, how much stronger we are together."

"And I can't ignore the risks," I admitted. "Not with the twins. Not with everything at stake. But I need to be your partner, Zoren. I just don't want to be something you protect. I need to be more than that. I need to be someone you can come to for help."

He brought my hand to his lips, kissing it softly. "You always have been. I just... forgot that sometimes, in my fear of losing you."

The twins kicked again, and this time we both smiled. "They miss you too," I said. "We all do."

"Come home," he whispered. "We'll figure out the details, and set new boundaries that work for both of us. But come home."

I studied his face, feeling the sincerity in his emotions. "As equals?"

"As equals," he promised. "Always."

Then I thought I knew the answer and that I approved of it.

Chapter 18

Zoren

Having Lyrian back in our quarters felt right, even if things weren't exactly as they were before. They never were going to be, so I wasn't surprised.

We'd spent the first few days reestablishing our routines, but with new boundaries that acknowledged his need for independence. It wasn't perfect, but we were trying. "The Rivera family is moving their pieces into position," Lyrian said, studying reports at his new command center—a compromise we'd reached. I was happy we were able to reach an agreement.

Instead of isolating him in meetings, I'd set up a secure operations room adjacent to our private quarters. "They think we don't see the pattern. They are underestimating us."

"But we do, thanks to you." I watched him work, noticing how he'd integrated his network of loyal captains with my existing command structure. It was impressive, even if it still made me nervous. "How are you feeling?"

He smiled, one hand resting on his expanded belly. "The twins are calm today. Mae says my blood pressure is stable." He knew what I was really asking—if he was pushing himself too hard. "I'm being careful, Zoren. I promised, remember?"

I did remember. Our new arrangement was built on promises: his to respect his limitations, mine to respect his abilities. It wasn't easy, but we were making it work. We had to make it work. Otherwise, I wouldn't know what to do with my life.

A commotion outside interrupted us. Lieutenant Chen burst in, face flushed. "Sir, multiple attacks reported. The Vipers hit our north warehouse, and we're getting reports of simultaneous strikes against the Crimson Fangs and three other families."

Lyrian was already closing his eyes, extending his abilities. "It's starting. The coordinated assault we predicted." His face tensed with concentration. "They're striking from twelve different points, trying to fragment our defenses."

I moved to the command console, barking orders into the radio while keeping one eye on Lyrian. He was pushing his abilities, I could tell, but we needed the intelligence. That was what made it so difficult to watch.

"Santos's team is walking into an ambush," he suddenly announced. "There's a second force waiting in the abandoned factory. They're—" He gasped, pressing a hand to his temple.

"Enough," I said sharply, but he shook his head.

"No time. Santos needs to know." He pushed harder, face pale with effort. "They have shooters on the roof and in the basement. They're trying to box them in. Something needs to be done before it's too late. "

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