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“I was worried about Dylan when he began to show signs of his shift,” Suri said. “I knew he needed his alpha. You can’t imagine how glad I am he has a strong father in his life like you, Steph.”

“Thank you, Suri,” I said, and I meant it. Suri had taken care of Dylan when I wasn’t able to. It was a strange bond between us, but a bond, nonetheless.

“No need to thank me. As I’m sure you know, Harley is an independent woman. The fact that she even called me at all tells me this is a serious situation. She’s worried about you. You’re lucky to have such a woman at your side.”

“I know I am,” I said. “I’m grateful she called you.”

“And I’m glad my clan can be of help. I hope you and I can become allies, as well. I’ll make the call and be in touch.”

As I ended the call, relief crashed over me, and the force of it made me slump against the headboard.

Could it really be that easy?

One call and Thames is out of the picture?

If Thames ignored the Vahdat alpha’s warning, he’d put a target on his back, especially since he’d already wronged them once. Whatever Sean was offering him wouldn’t be worth that risk.

Then Sean would have nothing. He’d finally be out of options.

“Steph?” Harley scooted closer and placed her hand on my chest. “What did he say? Are you okay?”

I huffed a small, relieved laugh. “I can’t believe your old boss is a Vahdat dragon. Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I didn’t realize it was such a big deal. I knew his dad had a big clan and a lot of pull, but I didn’t know it was themost powerfulclan in the nation.” She laughed softly. “I just wanted to help, Steph. I want you to know you’re not in this alone.”

I sat up and caught her lips in another kiss. “I love you.”

Her lips curved into a smile against mine. “I love you too.”

“We need to call Hawk.”

Hawk arrived while Harley and I were making lunch. Cassidy, Striker, and Dylan were in the backyard.

“What is it?” he asked as soon as he stepped inside. “Ace, you said it was important. Is it about Thames? What’s the update?”

I grinned. “You’re not going to believe this. My wonderful mate here has some pretty insane connections.”

“Huh?” Hawk blinked at us both. “What the hell does that mean?”

I told him everything. As soon as I said the nameVahdat, Hawk’s eyes started to widen, and they didn’t stop until I explained everything Suri had said.

“Holy shit,” Hawk breathed. He braced both hands on the counter and lowered his head. “Holyfuckingshit.”

“I know,” I said.

“You’re something else, Harley Founty,” Hawk said. “If you weren’t a human, you’d be an alpha in your own right.”

“Damn right.” I wrapped my arm around Harley’s waist and pulled her to my side.

She laughed and kissed my cheek. “I don’t want to be an alpha. I’ve got the only alpha I need right here.”

That made my dragon preen with pleasure.

“So, what happens now?” Hawk asked.

“It’s not over until we have confirmation from Suri,” I said. “It’s best we keep laying low until then.”

“I’m going to see what Cassidy and Dylan are up to,” Harley said. “You good to finish lunch?”