Page 105 of Visions, Paws, and Claws

“Much.” He drank the cup’s contents, and Dellan took it from him.

“I’ll get you some more.”

Horvan reached for his fatigues. “How long did we sleep?”

“Put it this way. Tuesday is almost over.” Rael handed him his boots.

Horvan’s phone buzzed, and he grabbed it. “Milo,” he told Rael.

“And?”

He scanned the message. “Looks as if it worked.” He called Aelryn, who answered after two rings. “Good evening.”

“Is it?”

Horvan sighed. “No, it isn’t. I hate to be the bearer of bad tidings, but it worked. Which means… you’ve got a traitor.”

“Seems that way.” Aelryn’s grave tone sent a shiver through him.

“What will you do if you find the person?”

Aelryn sighed. “Even though there’s been no formal declaration, weareat war with the Gerans. This act compromises our people. That means there’s only one thing wecando. Execute them.”

Chapter Twenty-Two

Wednesday

AELRYN KNEWhe should be out there in the camp with his men as they prepared for the mission, but his heart felt too heavy.

How can I be positive and upbeat with this weighing me down?

He still couldn’t believe it. He’d known Rudy Myers for decades. They’d fought together, rejoiced together, celebrated their victories, commiserated over their losses, and talked into the wee small hours, setting the world to rights, more times than Aelryn cared to remember.

I trusted him.

I loved him like a brother.

To discover his treachery was the most painful blow—and the bitterest pill to swallow.

What went wrong? Why did he lose faith?

The one thought that went around and around, tormenting him, making his heart sink even further?

How could he do this to us?

The tent flap opened, and Scott came inside.I heard you right across the camp.He walked over to Aelryn, stood behind him, and put his arms around Aelryn’s shoulders.

Aelryn forced a smile.I’m still getting used to this.The telepathic connection had been a recent development, and after months of being with his mate, he had to wonder why now. Not that he was complaining. It added an extra level to their relationship, especially during intimate moments.

Iknowhim, heart, body, and soul.And loved him just as much.

Scott sighed. “Rudy’s here. He arrived about five minutes ago.”

That was all it took to banish such thoughts from Aelryn’s mind and chase away the momentary lightness Scott’s presence had brought.

“Show him in. Then leave us, please.”

Scott’s breath warmed his ear.If you need me….

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