“I love that I can silence you with just a kiss... anywhere, anytime. I''m definitely going to have to explore that more." His warm breath tickled my ear, sending a fresh wave of shivers cascading down my spine. Then, without another word, he turned and walked away. Even though I couldn''t see his face, I could feel the smug grin he wore like a badge of honor.


    The kitchen was alive with the chatter andughter of our friends, but two very important faces were noticeably absent. "Where are Ryker and Kennedy?" I asked, scanning the room.


    Josh, focused on hisptop, looked up. "Peyton was right. Ken went intobor a few hours ago."


    "WHAT?!" Trinity gasped, instantly wide awake. I carefully set her down on a stool. "Why didn''t anyonee to get us?"


    Josh shrugged. "What for? So you could pace around like Be?" He nodded toward the Gamma, who looked like he was about to tear his hair out.


    Curious, I lowered my voice. "What''s wrong with him?"


    "There''s nothing he can do for her right now. His pacing and constantining made the lead healer mad enough to kick him out," Josh said with augh.


    “Shut up, asshole," Be shot back, though there was a hint of a smile.


    “Hey!” Finn and I both eximed at the same time. I gestured toward Gabriel and Trinity.


    Be rolled his eyes but gave a reluctant nod. "Sorry. It''s weird having you be thenguage police, Greta." I stuck my tongue out, making him chuckle.


    Finn handed the kids a bowl of cereal, then quietly slipped behind me. His closeness was overwhelming; I could feel the heat radiating from his body, warming every inch of me. Suddenly, it hit me-Ryker was right. Finn never touched me without my permission. That small act of respect felt incredibly empowering. I took a deep breath and leaned back against him. His solid chest softened as he wrapped me in a protective embrace. His hand rested gently on my waist, and I could feel his breath whispering through my hair.


    I tried to push aside my self-consciousness with our teammates still in the room. Be had resumed his pacing, though his eyes were constantly scanning the area. Josh sat nearby, watching everything with a quiet intensity. He was far too observant for his own good, and I knew Ryker had probably filled him in on our conversation fromst night.


    "Hey, everyone. I know you''re all busy with the Luna, but we''ve got a situation," Jensen''s voice cut through the noise, linking us all together.


    "What''s going on?" Josh asked, eyes narrowing.


    We exchanged nces, tension rippling through the room.


    "What is it?” Finn whispered into my ear, sensing the shift in energy.


    “Jensen just checked in. Something''s up," I replied softly.


    "We caught a path yesterday and have been tracking it closely. This morning, I picked up Janelle''s scent. She''s here."


    "Oh shit," I muttered, ncing at Finn.


    "Language, warrior," Be teased, grinning at me. "You and Finn should head out since you have experience with them and can identify more of the scents. We''ll alert the alpha and follow up from here.”


    I nodded, turning to leave, but a small hand caught mine. Trinity''s brilliant green eyes were wide with fear.


    "You''re leaving?" she asked softly.


    I crouched down to meet her gaze. "Finn and I need to check something out in the pack. This is how warriors keep everyone safe. Some of our guys need help, alright?" She nodded, as if she understood that was the answer she was supposed to give. "We need you to stay here and help out when the Luna gets home. Can you keep her and the new puppany while we''re gone?" Her eyes lit up with enthusiasm as she nodded again.


    "Are we running?" Finn asked, ncing at Josh.


    "Nah, you can take a truck. Save your energy." Josh stood, fishing a set of keys from his pocket. "Here. The sooner you leave, the sooner you cane back."


    I squeezed Trinity in a quick hug. "We''ll be as fast as we can, okay?" She nodded once more. Then I moved over to Gabriel and pulled him into a hug as well. "Hey, Be?" I called, catching his attention and nodding toward the kids. Hopefully, it would distract him too.


    He came over, nodding. “Who wants a tour of the waterfall?!"


    "You have a waterfall?! That''s so awesome!" Gabriel eximed.


    Be kept chatting with the kids as Finn and I quietly slipped out the door.