Page 191 of Cruelly Bitten

But Jolene felt we needed a few more lycan allies to ensure our raid was successful, which had led to the conversation about whom to call in.

Fortunately, they seemed to have come to an agreement on their list.

“Fantastic. We have a plan. Do you want them here before we discuss the underground schematics, or can we begin that conversation now?” Jace asked.

“I need a break before we do that,” Kylan interjected, his commentary rivaling my own thought. “We should also wait for Ryder and Damien to be part of that conversation. They’re skilled at infiltration and assaults.”

“As is Cedric,” Khalid murmured. “I agree that we should wait and focus on bringing in the lycan allies for now.”

Several nods appeared around the table, and Hazel stood first. “More blood wine will be delivered to your rooms. Food can be ordered as well. Otherwise, my hospitality remains at your disposal.”

She opened her hands and bowed her head slightly, then left the room.

Khalid and Emine soon followed, leaving most of the revolutionary unit lingering behind.

“We’ll start making calls right away,” Jolene said, his focus going to Edon, the new Alpha of Clemente Clan. “Your room or mine?”

“Yours,” Kylan answered for him. “Raelyn and I have plans.”

Silas grunted.

Edon smirked.

Do you want to go on a walk with me?I asked Ismerelda, ignoring the others.Watch the sunrise over the lake?

I’d caught her wistfully staring outside on more than one occasion. From what I’d gathered, she’d never been here. I had once, a very long time ago. Well before resorts existed.

Before I’d met her.

She glanced at me.Yes, I would like that.

I stood and reached for her hand, only then realizing the room had fallen silent and everyone was staring at us.

“Did I miss a question?” I asked, eyebrow arched.

Jace cleared his throat. “No.”

“Good.” I closed my fingers around Ismerelda’s and pulled her up to my side. “We’re going to explore. See you all tomorrow.” I started toward the door, then paused to look back at my cousin. “Oh, I’ve decided I’ll lead. Not for you, but for my queen. Anything you want me to do, she has to approve.”

With that, I tugged my mate into the hallway and started toward the exit.

“We’ll meet you back in the room, Keys,” I told our dark shadow.

He’d definitely taken on the role of bodyguard, but we didn’t need one right now. I wanted to be alone with my mate. Without an audience. And without interference.

“Feel free to order yourself dinner. Whatever you’d like,” I added.

“Thank you,” he replied, pausing in our wake.

I felt that pause more than saw it, my focus on the exit and my mate.

Chilly air kissed my senses in the next few steps as one of the glass doors automatically opened, revealing the stunning scenery outside.

It wasn’t exactly strolling weather, the snowy mountains in the distance providing a cooler atmosphere.

I actually had no idea what month it was, not that it would matter much. From what I understood, the climate expectations had changed drastically over the last millennium. Couple that with human destruction, then human desertion, and everything had changed.

Ismerelda threaded her fingers through mine, her attention on a path ahead that led straight to the lake.