Chapter 29: Chapter 10

ALPHA JORDAN

Andrus is practically yelling from his chair at the back of the room.

“You can’t possibly think this is the best plan of action!”

Alpha Richards, ever the calm one, counters his outburst.

“They won’t expect us to attack so soon after taking down Altier, Laurent, and the witches council. It’s our best shot. We need the element of surprise to keep our losses low.”

Liera, her voice strange and otherworldly, chimes in.

“Whether you agree or not, this is the plan…it’s our only option. We need to act before they can fortify their defenses.”

Cora takes the floor, her voice resolute and commanding.

“We don’t have time to argue or come up with a better plan. Every minute we waste is a minute they spend preparing. If you’re not willing to risk your people’s lives for this, then you know where the door is. Anyone who is willing to do what it takes to see this through, we leave at sundown tomorrow.”

Despite the heated debate, I can see in their eyes that they will follow her.

Cora is a beacon of hope in these dark times, and we are all drawn to her light.

I reach out and take her hand.

“Come, we should get some rest.”

As we leave the hall, Danny and Luca watch us with curious eyes.

I’ve noticed Danny’s attention on Luca lately, and it makes me wonder if I’m missing something.

Luca steps forward as Cora approaches him.

“I am coming with you.”

Cora protests, “Luca, I just got you back and you are still too weak.”

Luca looks at her with the same defiant expression a child would give their older sibling when told they can’t play.

“Cora, if you’re going, I’m going with you. I’m not asking for permission.”

His tone is so similar to Cora’s that I have to suppress my laughter with a cough.

“Luca…,” Cora starts, but he cuts her off, showing more fight than I thought he had in him.

“Damn it, Cora! I’m going!”

She steps closer, grabbing the back of his neck and pressing their foreheads together.

“Okay, brother. If you’re going, you need to get some rest.”

She steps back, turning her attention to Danny, who is looking at Luca with a strange expression.

“Danny, can you see to it that my brother rests and eats? Your mate will need it if he is going to survive the battle to come.”

I can’t hide my shock. How did I not see it? And how did she know?

“I can do that. Come on, Luca.”

I watch as they both walk up the stairs, and I can’t help but smirk when I see Danny take Luca into his personal room.

“Wow. I can honestly say I didn’t see that coming.”

She takes my hand, intertwining our fingers, and leads me to our rooms on the third floor.

“Does it bother you?” Cora finally asks as we enter her bedroom.

“Not at all! I’m glad Danny found someone. I just didn’t think it would be in the middle of a war.” I laugh at the absurdity of it all.

“Danny will be good for Luca. I don’t know many people who can keep up with him, but Danny just might be the one.”

She pulls me close, my arms wrapping around her waist as I nuzzle into her neck, taking in her scent.

“You were amazing today, Cora.”

I feel her body tense, and I can sense her worry through our bond.

“I lost control.”

I know she’s worried because of my past reactions, but I need her to understand how much I respect her. Even her monster is beautiful to me.

“You did what was necessary and you saved countless people’s lives. Everything you’ve done has been to help everyone here. I don’t know why the Goddess paired us, but I am the luckiest man alive because of it. She blessed me with a mate who is strong, intelligent, a natural leader, and sassy enough to keep me on my toes.”

I smirk against her skin, feeling her chuckle softly.

“I want you to promise me something.”

I place a gentle kiss on her neck, waiting for her to continue.

“Promise me that if things go sideways, you will get Luca out of there.”

I turn her to face me, holding her face in my hands so she has no choice but to look at me.

“Nothing is going to happen. We’re going to be okay.”

She shakes her head, placing her hands over mine.

“Jordan, please. Promise me you will keep him safe, even if it means taking him away if things get bad.”

I nod, lying to soothe my mate.

If it comes down to protecting her brother or her, I know where my loyalty lies.

“Let’s get some rest,” I say.

I pull her to the bed, holding her close as we both drift off to sleep.