Page 46 of Ethan
“I’m ready when you are,” he said.
I nodded, slinging the strap of my kit over my shoulder. From the counter, I grabbed a few bottles of water and a couple of granola bars. Light, easy-to-grab items I could hand off to the injured if they needed them.
“I’ll go too,” Dean’s voice cut in.
I turned to find him standing, posture steady, eyes sharp.
Griffin shook his head immediately. “You were on the search last night. You need rest.”
Dean crossed his arms. “I’m going.”
The silence that followed stretched tight. Griffin’s eyes flicked to mine, full of concern.
I knew what he was thinking. The western section had been unpredictable lately, dangerous even for seasoned enforcers. Dean was still in training.
If Griffin had his way, he’d send one of the veterans with me instead. Someone he could trust to keep me safe without question.
But I trusted Dean. He’d been to that area before, and though Griffin had torn into him last time for his reckless choices, I knew Dean could handle himself.
More than that, I knew he’d protect me if it came to it.
“It’s alright,” I said. “We can handle it.”
Griffin’s jaw flexed, but he didn’t argue. Instead, he reached into his pack and pulled out a folded map, handing Dean a spare field pack in the process.
“Last contact put them here,” Griffin said, tapping the paper. “Signal’s spotty in that section, so you’ll need to navigate by landmarks.”
I stepped closer, scanning the terrain. I didn’t need the map to know the markers; I’d trekked those trails enough times to recognize them by memory.
“If we cut through the creek here,” I said, pointing, “then follow the ridge, we’ll cut half an hour off the trip. The undergrowth is thick, but it’s manageable.”
Griffin frowned. “Or you could swing wide along the timber road. Longer, but safer footing.”
“We don’t have time for longer,” I countered. “If they’re hurt, every minute matters. Creek and ridge. It’s the fastest route.”
He held my gaze for a beat before finally nodding. “Alright. But stick to the ridge line, not below it. Wolves use the lower brush for cover.”
Dean had been quiet through the exchange, but when I glanced at him, he was already helping stuff supplies into my half-packed bag, tightening straps without being asked.
When everything was settled, Griffin’s attention returned to me. “Take care of yourself, Ethan,” he said, his voice soft, carrying a hint of worry I couldn’t miss.
Then his eyes cut to Dean, his voice hardening. “And you, don’t screw this up.”
Dean only gave a small nod, but I didn’t miss the flicker of seriousness in his eyes as he adjusted the pack on his shoulder.
Chapter 11
Ethan
Dean reached down,offering his hand as I scrambled up the slick slope.
The earth was damp, soft from last night’s rain, and my boots slid a little before I managed to grab his arm. His grip was warm and steady, pulling me the rest of the way up with barely any effort.
“You didn’t have to volunteer, you know,” I said, brushing mud off my hands. “You could’ve let Griffin come with me. He was clearly ready to go.”
Dean slowed his pace and glanced over his shoulder. I couldn’t help thinking he looked like a kicked puppy.
If he were in his wolf form, I could almost see his ears drooping, maybe even hear a pitiful whine.
