“Yes, sir.”

Relieved expressions greeted him when he exited the Commander’s office. “Did you expect him to say no?” Valek asked.

“Yes, actually,” Ari said. “He’s been giving you such a hard time since you returned from Sitia.”

“Yeah, but without us underfoot, there will be two fewer obstacles in Owen’s path,” Janco said.

Good point, but Valek wouldn’t say it aloud and risk Janco gloating. “You might be safer in Sitia.”

“Doubtful,” Janco muttered.

Yelena flicked his left earlobe with her finger.

“Ow!”

Now she shot him a sweet smile.

“Kids, behave,” Valek admonished, but inside the knot of worry for his heart mate eased just a bit. Janco and Ari would do everything in their considerable power to keep her safe.

The four of them left the castle and headed toward the stables, where Maren and Onora had been waiting for them. On the way, they picked a rendezvous location and estimated a date to meet.

“Don’t go back to the castle without me,” Valek ordered.

“Same goes for you,” she shot back.

When Maren and Onora came into view, Yelena said, “Here are two more members of our family.”

The women sat on bales of straw stacked near the entrance. Both Kiki and Onyx had been saddled, and their travel supplies were packed. Valek glanced at Maren.

She shrugged. “We were bored. Where have you been?”

He explained about the change in plans. “Onora is now in charge. The Commander wants reports twice daily.”

A subtle flinch of surprise meant Onora hadn’t expected that.

“Consult frequently with Maren,” Valek added.

“Yes, sir.”

When Ari and Janco sought the Stable Master for horses, Valek pulled Onora aside. “Keep a close eye on the Commander. As close as he’ll allow. And send me a message if anything odd or strange or bad happens. Also, if you learn of anything that will affect his or Ixia’s safety.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Did you have a nice chat with Yelena?”

Her gaze snapped to him. “Did she tell you?”

“No. The agent who had his crossbow trained on your back as you climbed the wall told me.”

“Why didn’t he shoot me?”

“He recognized you and once you reached the window, he knew you weren’t an illusion.”

She touched her arm. A small white bandage peeked from underneath her sleeve.

“Did you visit the medic?”

“It’s just a scratch.”

“Go see her right away. I treat my blades with scum. You’ll get an infection if you don’t clean the cut properly.”

“Yes, sir.”

“I’m quite impressed that when you climbed to the Commander’s suite that first time you didn’t encounter any of my hidden blades.” Valek studied Onora, seeking a reaction. “And it was quite the coincidence that Sergeant Gerik was assigned to cover the wall that evening.”

Onora didn’t blink, or even breathe, for that matter.

Gotcha. Valek drove his point home. “Gerik must have recognized you, since you both grew up in Silver Falls and you joined the army at the same time. Too bad he was assigned to another unit.”

“Why didn’t you...”

“Arrest him?”

She nodded.

“And split up a highly effective team? No. You’ll need loyal people working with you if you’re going to take over my job.”

The prospect of being promoted failed to crack her serious demeanor. Perhaps she’d learned enough about his position to realize the danger and constant headaches.

Valek and Onora rejoined the others. The Stable Master had brought The Madam and a thick-chested dark brown horse with a white diamond on its forehead.

“Is it okay to send The Madam along with Kiki?” he asked Onora.

“Yes. She’ll help Janco get through his lonely nights without his beloved Beach Bunny.”

Janco made a rude gesture at her. As Ari and Janco saddled their horses, Valek warned Maren and Onora to keep away from Owen. He also reminded them of the various operations in progress. “And select an agent for the undercover job. Ari and Janco will be sending you more information.”

“Don’t worry, Dad,” Maren said. “We won’t burn the house down or invite our friends over for a brew party while you’re gone.”

“We’ll probably be at the rendezvous point before you, so message us if you need backup,” Ari said to Valek.

“Yeah, feel free to share the fun,” Janco added.

“I’ll be on the coast,” Valek replied.

“Ugh. Forget it. That’s not fun.”

“I’ll bring you back a souvenir. A bag of sand, perhaps?” he teased.

“That would be fabulous. Then I can dump it into Ari’s bed so he can experience the joy of coastal living—the unique sensation of sand in your sheets.”

“Would it help me understand why you named your horse Beach Bunny?” Ari asked.

“Shut up.”

While they finished packing their saddlebags, Valek drew Yelena away from the others. He put his hands on either side of her face and kissed her with the full depth of his love, wishing to communicate the vast extent of his passion and his desire. He’d have gladly given her his magical immunity if it were possible to keep her and their baby safe.