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I turned around, then pulled her into my arms. She wound both arms around my waist and hugged me close. I buried my face in her hair and inhaled the sweet, musky scent that was purely Harley. Having her here, in my arms, with her scent wrapping around me, helped my dragon relax a little.

I was so used to carrying the weight of the clan’s struggles on my shoulders that I still didn’t know how to share it with anyone else.

“What happened at that meeting?” She pulled away just enough to look up into my eyes. “It can’t have been good.”

I huffed a laugh. “What gave it away?” I didn’t want to talk about what had happened. I wanted to stand here in the cool night air and lose myself in the warmth of her eyes, her touch, her kiss.

I didn’t want to scare her more than she already was. She didn’t know about Thames and the threat he posed. Right now, my dragon demanded I keep it that way. If she knew the extent of the risk, the danger, surely she’d take Dylan and run again.

Did I want to be that kind of dragon, though? One who kept secrets and didn’t trust my mate to stay by my side?

“The situation’s getting more dangerous. Sean’s working with Forrest.”

“Seriously?” Harley scowled. “I knew there was something sketchy about that cop.”

“It gets worse,” I said. “They’re both working with a criminal I drove out of Lakeview years and years ago. Someone who I thought was out of the picture for good. I felt like I could handle Sean and Forrest, but now that they’re working with Thames… I don’t know, Harley. It’s another level of danger. And I’m afraid it will end with you or Dylan getting hurt because of Sean. Because ofme.”

Her brows pulled together. She kept one hand at the nape of my neck and cupped my face in the other. She brushed her thumb over my cheek, and the gentle touch made my eyes flutter closed. “If there’s anyone who can keep us safe, Steph, it’s you.”

My dragon preened at the compliment, and something inside me relaxed.

She’s not running. She trusts us.

“But I’m worried,” she continued. “Not just about whatever psychos are out there, but about you.”

“You don’t need to worry about me. This is my duty as the alpha.”

“What does that duty cost you?” she asked. “What are you going to have to do to end this?”

“I don’t know. But I don’t think I’ll be the same man when it’s all over.” I didn’t know what I’d have to do to stop Thames, but I knew it wouldn’t be good, and it sure as fuck wouldn’t be easy.It wouldn’t behonorable. I’d hoped to solve all this with honor. Killing Sean was my nightmare, but if he’d challenged me, it would’ve been a way for us to meet as equals under the ancient dragon laws.

I’d just gotten out of the criminal world, and now Thames was going to drag me back in.

Harley pulled me closer and kissed the furrow between my brows. “Maybe you won’t be, but that’s okay. Your heart won’t change, Steph.” She placed one hand on my chest like a promise. “The clan knows that. You know that. I know that.”

“How can you be sure?” I asked.

“I don’t know. I just am. I know you, Steph. You’re my mate. You’ll do whatever it takes to keep us safe, but I know you won’t lose yourself. You’re stronger than that.”

Harley’s strength was my strength. She pulled me into an embrace again, and I slumped against her. Even though she was smaller than me, she held my weight up like a pillar.

I had to believe she was right. I had to, because I had no other option. If I failed to break the partnership between Thames and Sean, I could lose my clan. I could lose everything. With Harley in my arms, I vowed I wouldn’t let that happen.

I’d keep her safe, no matter what. Even if I had to stain my soul to do it.

42

HARLEY

The door to Steph’s office closed with a definitiveclick.

“I’m worried about him,” I said to Mia.

It was mid-morning, and Hawk and Steph had just stepped into his office for yet another meeting. Steph had been gone nearly every night this week, and when he returned, he seemed more and more distant. No matter how I tried to share the load, I couldn’t quite reach him.

He had a lot on his mind. Part of me ached to have him claim me, though I knew now wasn’t the right time to ask. I wished I had done it earlier. I wished I was his claimed mate, like Mia was with Hawk, so I’d have a better read on his feelings.

At least then I would know how to support him the way he so easily supported me.