Michael makes eye contact with me and gives a barely discernible nod, letting me know he’s not so quick to believe the best of her. I relax slightly with the acknowledgment. “We need to find the exact location of his camp. I want him and his cohorts dead by my hands before sunrise.” His voice is firm. “Gather the few men we’ve trusted this far and tell them to prepare to infiltrate as soon as the sun sets. I want everyone ready to leave in two hours. I need Cass and Sam at my house with Sophia. I’m going to send Mac over too in case this is a wild goose chase to get me away from her.” I know he needs to do this, but selfishly, I wish he could just send his men to handle it. What if it is some sort of trap? As my thoughts circle, he comes to me and leans down. “Let’s get you home, baby. I want this taken care of so I know you’re safe.” He helps me stand and turns to face Michael. “I’ll meet you back here in two hours,” he says grimly to Michael.

Again, everything seems to be happening so fast. I can’t believe it’s only been a week since this all started. Michael exits the office before us and strides quickly to another room. I’m assuming it’s his office to make the necessary calls for their plan.

Masen loads me in the passenger seat and pulls his phone from his pocket before entering the car himself. Now seated, he calls Sniffer. “Hey brother, I need you and Sam at our house in an hour and a half.” He throws the car in drive and speeds toward his home. “Yeah. I have them in the holding cells. I’m going to his camp. This ends tonight! I’m not sure how long it’ll take before I’m home, so bring what you need to stay. Mac will be there with you, too.” He listens for a moment. “See ya soon, yeah,” he says, and hangs up. The next call is to this Mac person. He explains what’s happening and tells him to be at his house to protect me if needed.

“Who’s Mac?” I ask.

He looks over at me, seeming to have forgotten I was even here. “Oh, you saw him earlier. He was one of the men at your house, bald guy.” I nod, remembering. I cringe when I think of how he saw Masen treat me. He opens the garage and pulls in, remaining seated when he turns the engine off.

“I know you’re worried.” He looks at me, his eyes understanding. “But there’s no need. I promise. I want you safe and ready to be Mated to me in a few days.” His face lights with a genuine smile. I sigh at his devastating looks. He chuckles at my reaction, and it triggers butterflies in my belly like always. His face grows serious. “I love the way you respond to me, love that I can feel you,” he closes his eyes and inhales, “Love that your scent now holds mine mixed with it,” he rumbles.