Page 82 of Made for Reign

"We should head out," I tell Ben, grabbing my jacket from the chair. "Early day tomorrow."

"Yeah, me too. Got training at six." Ben claps me on the shoulder. "Thanks for coming up, man. This was good."

It was good, until Vega showed up and turned it into something else entirely. But I just nod and follow Marcus toward the door.

The mountain air is crisp and clean, carrying the scent of pine and that particular stillness that comes with high altitude. Marcus and I walk to our trucks in silence, gravel crunching under our boots. Only when we're sure we're out of earshot does he speak.

“So, what's the plan?" Marcus asks, leaning against his truck's tailgate.

"Plan for what?"

"Don't play dumb. Vega didn't drive thirty miles up a mountain road to play cards." Marcus crosses his arms, studying my face in the darkness. "Guy was fishing all night. Question is, what's he fishing for?"

I consider my words carefully. Marcus has been my partner long enough to know when I'm holding something back, but there are limits to what I can share without putting him at risk.

"He's suspicious about something. Don't know what exactly, but he's definitely poking around."

"Suspicious enough to show up here with armed security." Marcus's tone is matter-of-fact. "That's not casual interest."

"No, it's not."

“So, what are you going to do about it?"

The question hangs in the cold mountain air between us. Marcus isn't asking because he's worried—he's asking because he wants to know how to prepare. That's the difference between him and most people. He doesn't waste time on fear or moral lectures. He just wants to know what's coming so he can be ready for it.

"I'm going to have to make a decision about Vega sooner rather than later," I say finally.

Marcus nods. "Need backup when you do?"

"I'll let you know."

"Fair enough." He pushes off from the truck. "Just remember, the longer you wait, the more time he has to figure out whatever he's trying to figure out."

"I know."

Marcus climbs into his truck without another word. He understands the situation well enough to know that some conversations can't happen, even between partners. Some decisions have to be made alone.

I watch his taillights disappear down the mountain road before starting my own truck. The drive back to my place gives me time to think, to process what happened tonight and what it means for everything I've been planning. By the time I pull into my driveway, I've reached the same conclusion Marcus hinted at. The timeline just got accelerated.

I'm pouring myself a bourbon when my phone buzzes with an email notification. The sender's name makes me pause, then grin. I scan the message quickly, my smile widening with each line. This changes everything—in the best possible way.

I check the time—past midnight, but Audrey might still be awake. Especially if she's been worrying about tonight, about Vega showing up at Ben's place.

She answers on the second ring, her voice soft and concerned. "Reign? Is everything okay?"

"Everything's fine, Princess." I settle into my leather chair, bourbon in hand. "Just wanted to hear your voice."

"How was the poker game?"

The question brings back the memory of Vega's calculating stare across the table. "Interesting. Vega showed up."

There's a sharp intake of breath on her end. "What? Why would he do that?"

"Ben invited him. He didn't know any better." I take a sip of bourbon, letting the burn settle my nerves. The alcohol doesn't erase the image of Vega cataloging details about Ben's cabin, but it helps. "But it confirmed what we already suspected. He's getting suspicious."

“Oh, God. Reign, what if he figures it out? What if he knows about us?"

The fear in her voice makes something protective surge in my chest. I set down my glass and lean forward, as if she could see the intensity in my expression through the phone.

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