Page 152 of Bruised MC Bear

“Liam, I will start identifying the seven shifters. Deploy four of your best soldiers immediately to rendezvous with Reena and the Nauru so they can head west. Assemble all the remaining troops. I will stay back with the seven shifters to deal with Minassus. You prepare to lead everyone else west, including the trainees that Minassus wants to turn. Focus your entire team on preparing for the ravagers. The Regent won’t dare stop your team tonight, and the further they are from the fortress, the better.”

“Are you sure you can manage with only eight of you at the fortress?”

“I’m positive. This is not our night to fight Minassus, and even he should understand that. Not with the imminent threat of ravagers. I will focus on negotiating terms for my mother’s and Kiera’s release. We will tackle the Regent another day.”

“Yes, sir. Understood and agreed.” Liam turned to Coco. “Anything else before we get started?”

She shook her bird head. “Safe travels.”

“Thank you.” Liam gestured over at Xander. “Be ready for anything at the fortress. I will keep Mrs. Oslo in my thoughts. God speed.”

“Be careful out there, old friend.” After Liam had left, he gestured toward the bird. “Let’s find you these shifters you seek.”

“I just hope it works when I touch them.”

“Worst case scenario, they will accompany me to the fortress. That way, if Kiera needs to physically make contact with them herself, they will be close. After we’re finished here, you should fly back to the fortress. Please stay far away from Minassus, and do not get caught. We all need you.”

“Thanks. I will,” Coco said.

“How are you holding up with all this flight travel?” He asked as he walked back toward the center of camp.

“Not bad. I have handled longer distances, but usually on a lot more food.”

“I’ll see what we can round up at the dining hall.”

“Thanks. I worry for Kiera. We need to get back there soon.”

“First things first.”

“Yes. The seven shifters. It had better work.”

“I hope so, but however things turn out tonight, we’re all in this together, shifter witch.”

“Glad you can see that now, Polar Bear.”