Page 155 of Crystal Luna
Isaiah’s broken sobs and Lisabeth’s soothing words filled the room. Lian, Ely’s father, was quietly standing back, his eyes dark while Renly still knelt at Asher’s feet. Isaiah’s mind was so clouded that when Axel needed them, Asher was the only one who opened for him.
‘I have spoken to the boy and he was willing to surrender us information, but I had to alter the terms. He requested that we’d keep his brother alive as well. I agreed but made no promises in case his brother was part of the invasion. He won’t share this information with his brother.’
‘What information has he shared?’
‘Their structures, their leader, the basecamp and their financial background.’
‘I’m surprised he knew so much.’
‘He says he’s made himself useful, which is the only way to stay alive. If they see you as replaceable, you’re out.’
‘You believe him?’
‘I do.’
‘What’s your plan?’
‘I’ve found a spot deep within the territory where they can camp. We’ll have to monitor it but he has agreed to reach out to us once they’re on the move. They have to move before the summer ends so they’ll arrive sooner rather than later.’
‘I’d prefer it that way.’
‘We have to give them a reason to. I thought of sending some of our men to Swiftport looking for more work—let them believe we’re vulnerable. Maybe spread the rumour that we are desperate for jobs.’
‘I like the way you think, but I think we should go over everything once it’s quieter. Send the boy back and let him seek contact with us once he knows more.’
‘Yes, Alpha.’
Asher cut the link and moved to kneel next to his brother. ‘Stay. I’ll watch over Vel and keep an eye on everything. Once you feel ready, we’ll address the pack together.’
‘I’m sorry.’
‘Don’t you dare apologise to me—ever!’
Asher didn’t have to use his words to tell his brother how much he loved him. He didn’t need to be ashamed to show weakness—ever.
They were brothers before anything else. They were each other’s safe place; somewhere they could be themselves, especially when they felt so broken inside.
He had Luka update him as he made his way back to Vel. She was still sedated. The only thing to do was wait on the latest dose to wear off.
Though he desperately wanted to lay in bed with her, he only pulled a chair closer. Until she was awake to give him permission, he’d do nothing more. He laid his head next to her pillow and began to massage her scalp.
“You did so well, moonlight,” he hummed. “You were brave and strong and when you wake up, Isaiah and I are here for you.”
He closed his eyes, finally letting the events of the day sink in. His body ached from the strain of getting to her, now the fatigue kicked in as well. Night had fallen hours ago and where he’d usually be fast asleep, his brain was working overtime. There was so much to do and think about that there wouldn’t be any rest for days.
Before he could spiral, Vel started to groan. His eyes shot open, finding hers flickering through the room. “I’m here, moonlight.”
She gingerly turned her head on the pillow to face him. “Where?”
“The clinic. Detlef stitched you up and gave you meds to keep you comfortable. But you’re maxed out—he can’t give you anymore.”
“Isaiah?”
“He’s with Ely’s family.”
In an effort to see herself better, she lifted her head and tossed the blanket aside. She tugged on the gown she’d been dressed in. “Fuck,” she cursed underneath her breath as she saw how injured she truly was.
“It’s alright,” he soothed, supporting her back as she sat up. “Detlef said you should heal just fine as long as you take it easy.”