Page 93 of Wicked Fate

His irises glowed brighter in the darkness. "And rushing in half-cocked isn't survival. It's suicide."

"It’s not half-cocked. Look at me." I placed my hand on his chest, feeling his heartbeat thunder beneath my palm. I continued, “Really look. I'm healed. My fae magic made me stronger."

The truck swerved around a sharp bend, sending us sliding. Ryker's arm shot out, steadying me against him. For a moment, we were pressed together, the electric shocks of the bond jolting between us.

"I can't lose you again," he whispered with raw vulnerability in his voice.

I cupped his face with both hands, my thumbs tracing the sharp angles of his cheekbones. "Listen to me. I'm not going anywhere." I leaned in, pressing my forehead against his. "I feel even healthier than I did this morning."

His hands found my waist, fingers digging in as if to anchor me to this world, to him.

"We have to strike while they're weakened and not expecting us," I continued. "Every hour we wait gives them time to regroup, to strengthen. To prepare for us."

Something flickered across his expression—a moment of clarity breaking through his fear.

"I need you with me on this." I kissed his lips since the next part was going to sting, though I truly didn’t want it to. But as Dad always said, intent didn’t matter if it upset someone. “I'm not asking for your permission, Ryker. I'm asking you to step up and be the alpha I know you are."

His face crumbled. “Lil rebel, please. Don’t ask this of me. I don’t give a fuck about anyone else. I just need you safe!”

But I had to. He didn’t want to hear the truth because then he’d have to agree. "Your pack is ready to fight. They're willing to risk everything because they believe in this cause—in ending the threat before it grows stronger. Waiting doesn’t just put everyone else at risk; it puts me right there with them."

He closed his eyes and rasped, "Fine, but we do this my way. No going rogue on me. I won’t budge unless you promise me that." His eyes opened once more, staring straight into my soul.

That decision was easy. I’d follow him anywhere. “I promise.”

He reopened the pack link.We attack tonight.

About damn time,Gage replied.I left you alone because I was hoping she'd talk some sense into you.

A flash of irritation flowed into me via the bond, making me slightly edgy.

Kendric connected,The longer we wait, the more time they have to recover from our attack and Ashlyn weakening the witch who’s cloaking them.

The truck slowed, turning into a section of Blue Ridge National Park.

We’re almost there,Ryker interjected.Let me think for a minute, and we can discuss when we get there.

I laid my head on his shoulder, enjoying the last few minutes we’d have of solitude until after the war. I could only hope that we would win.

Don’t worry.Ryker tightened his hold on my waist.This time, I won’t let anything happen to you. I’m sorry that I didn’t protect you like I should’ve earlier.

The guilt oozed through our connection, weighing it down like an anchor.

Don’t you dare.I turned toward him and pointed at his face.Me getting hurt was not your fault. I ran out of your hold. You tried to stop me. That was on me. Not you.

He hung his head, casting his gaze downward.Protecting you is the most important responsibility I have.

"Hey." I hooked my finger under his chin, forcing him to meet my eyes. "That logic works both ways. If you're responsible for my safety, then I'm responsible for yours. We're partners, Ryker. If either of us gets hurt, it's not a failure of the other."

His face twisted. "It's different."

"How?" I challenged, dropping my hand to his chest where his heart thundered. "Because you're the alpha? Because you're male? Tell me exactly why your life matters less than mine."

The truck hit another bump, but neither of us moved.

"I can't breathe without you," he whispered, voice rough. "Because the thought of you not existing in this world makes everything meaningless."

My heart clenched. "And you think I feel any different? When you were injured, when I thought I'd lost you? Was that my fault too?”

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