Page 56 of Orange Tundra
"Deal." He struggled to his feet, extending a hand to help me up. "But first, we need medical supplies. And probably new clothes. We look like we've been mauled by wild animals."
I accepted his help, feeling something settle between us that hadn't been there before. Not friendship, exactly—there was still too much competition and territorial tension for that. But understanding. Shared purpose.
"Thank you," I said as we began gathering the scattered remains of our supplies.
"For what?"
"For making me choose. For forcing me to stop wallowing in guilt and start thinking clearly." I met his eyes. "Zirc is lucky to have you."
"He's lucky to have both of us," Coone corrected. "Even if we are too stupid to figure out how to share him properly."
I laughed despite everything, the sound rusty but genuine. "Maybe that's something we can work on. After we get him back."
"After," Coone agreed. "But first, we have a mountain to storm and a beast to rescue."
Unspoken was the fact that we wanted Brynn as far away as possible from that place.
As we broke camp and prepared for the journey to the Pit, I felt the weight of leadership settle on my shoulders like a familiar cloak. I was the Alpha of the Silver Tribe, heir to a bloodline that had never bowed to any enemy. That heritage demanded strength, demanded choices that lesser males couldn't make.
"Coone." My voice carried the authority that had commanded armies, the tone that brooked no argument. He looked up from securing his pack, and I saw him recognize the shift in me—from conflicted male to tribal leader.
"I will bring everything in my power to bear on rescuing Zirc," I said, each word a sacred vow. "Every resource, every connection, every drop of blood in my veins if necessary. I swear this to you on the honor of my ancestors."
He straightened, responding instinctively to the alpha command in my voice. "And your mate?"
I met his eyes steadily, letting him see the steel beneath my earlier uncertainty. "If I find that he chose this path willingly, if he serves Kilo out of loyalty rather than coercion..." I paused, feeling the weight of what I was about to promise. "Then I will do what must be done."
The words hung between us, heavy with unspoken meaning. Coone's eyes widened slightly as he understood what I wasn't saying directly—that I would kill my own fated mate if necessary to save Zirc. That the bond growing between my mate and me wouldn't stay my hand if he had betrayed everything I stood for.
"That's..." Coone's voice was hushed with something like awe. "That's not a choice any male should have to make."
"No," I agreed, shouldering my pack with grim determination. "But it's the choice of an Alpha. And Zirc deserves nothing less than that from me."
We set out for the Orange Tundra as the first light of dawn painted the horizon, two warriors united by shared purpose and the terrible weight of the decisions that lay ahead. The Pit lay somewhere in that desolate wasteland—neutral ground where the most dangerous deals were made. Behind us, the ashes of the droid critter scattered on the wind, carrying away the last traces of a message that would either save us all or damn us completely.
A few days from now would bring answers. And blood, if necessary.
I was ready for both.
25
TRILL
Two hours.Two fucking hours to save the male my mate loved more than life itself.
I pressed my palm against the schedule board, feeling the rough metal bite into my skin. Around me, Kilo's stronghold buzzed with anticipation—guards sharpening weapons, betting pools forming, the air thick with bloodlust and excitement. They had no idea their star attraction was about to slip through their fingers.
"Admiring your handiwork?"
Kilo's voice made my spine lock. I turned, keeping my expression neutral while my beast clawed at the inside of my ribs. "Ensuring adequate security. The Silver Beast will draw attention."
"Indeed he will." Kilo's claws traced the air near my throat—not touching, but close enough to make his point. "Funny thing about your prize catch, Trill. He's recovering faster than he should."
Shit. The healing salve I'd been sneaking him—had someone noticed?
"Shura affects everyone differently," I said. "His beast form might be more resistant."
"Might be." Kilo's smile was all teeth. "Or someone's been helping him."
