“Oh, Commander, thank the Goddess,” Laasya says, turning toward the door. “Michael isn’t well.”

“Report, Captain.” Flanagan’s growly voice is even deeper than usual. He stalks across to me, his potent presence dominating the room. He’s in his usual light brown leathers but clear from any battle stains. He must have washed and changed since returning from Longreach. When he peers down, I feel his intense gaze take in every detail.

I must look a sight. I imagine my body to be a blue-black patchwork, with scrapes down my back from the drag across a stone floor and dried blood on my thighs from the knife cuts. I can taste a split lip, feel the bruise from Belanger’s punch like a swollen brand on my cheek.

“We don’t know exactly what happened, Commander,” Seonu says, resting both hands on her knife belt.

“Then tell me what you do know.” Flanagan circles me, examining my state from every aspect. When he’s finished, he returns to the front and stands close enough for his suede-clad knees to brush the top of my abs. His forest scent envelops me. He cups my face between his gloved hands, flame sparking between us, and slides his thumb across my bruised cheek.

“Michael,” he whispers.

When I glance up, his eyes burn with a silver fury. I’m not sure whether he’s pissed at me or his soldiers. I offer him a glare. Even within my red-hazed agony, anger burns. This is all on him. If he hadn’t left me in this cage—in chains—I wouldn’t have been at the mercy of his fucked-up soldiers.

“Well?” he snaps at Seonu. “Why the hell is he naked?”

“We’re not sure, sir, but it doesn’t look good. Miller heard screaming. He found the double doors locked, the cage open, and Michael secured like this, Belanger and the other Shifters half-dead on the floor around him. Adams was in full wolf. Miller contacted me because you weren’t back from Longreach. When I arrived, Michael was like this and overwhelmed by Flame Fever. I had the unconscious soldiers taken to the infirmary. Belanger woke briefly. He told me Michael was raging and tried to escape, and they had to secure him.”

“And what the hell was Belanger doing in my compound when I’ve left strict instructions he’s not to be permitted access?”

“I don’t know, sir. It’s Garrett and Lyons at the gate.”