Page 51 of Crimson Moon Falling

Sawyer glanced at Conall. “Riley needs protection, and we need to figure out what Marlowe is doing in Yellowstone. It appears Conall is running low on Betas who he trusts with his mate’s life. Jamie is out of commission, and Ash is here.”

Conall nodded. “Riley’s partner is down too, and Marlowe is still out there hunting whatever is at those coordinates. But she’s determined to get to the site before Marlowe can regroup.”

“I want to go,” Madison informed them.

Sawyer was already shaking his head. “No way. I need you at home running operations for me. The registration vote is coming up, and the Southwestern Pack needs a steady hand in our territory if this goes sideways. I’m sending Malcolm.”

Conall’s wolf bristled, a low snarl building in his chest before he could swallow it back. Malcolm was one of Sawyer’s best Betas. He was also a mouthy, brash Scot who had an interesting, complicated relationship with his mate. Conall had watched them bicker and spar, and saw Malcolm’s eyes follow her when she wasn’t looking.

Madison hummed in agreement. “Good choice. Malcolm will keep her safe.”

“I agree,” Sawyer murmured.

Conall’s jaw went hard. “There has to be someone else.”

“He’s the best choice,” Madison argued.

“My wolf doesn’t like it. Riley also calls Malcolm Red, and the bastard barred me from your Pack house in Vegas.” He sounded like a petulant child.

Sawyer grinned, and Conall wanted to punch him. “He’ll keep her safe. She needs support, and you need to be here. Malcolm is professional and loyal, and he’ll protect her. The rest is irrelevant, Alpha.”

“I’ll talk to him,” Madison murmured. “Malcolm might be forward, but he’s not stupid, Conall. He knows exactly what she is to you.”

Sawyer nodded. “Let’s send two others with him. A medic and another fighter. They need to be on the ground by tomorrow afternoon.”

“Thank you,” Conall ground out, not feeling grateful at all.

“Good luck tomorrow. Let me know if you need anything else.” Madison signed off, and Conall closed his eyes. He hoped to God Riley didn’t have another run-in with that bastard before help arrived.

If Marlowe took her again, he’d burn the world down this time to find her.

Chapter 15

Riley

When Freda and I walked into the bungalow that evening after leaving Gunnar in the hospital, Parker sat in the dark with a beer in his hand, sprawled in an armchair by the window, his boots propped up. His duffel bag sat on the floor by the front door.

When Freda flipped on the light, I noticed dark circles under his eyes to go with the two-day beard. The frost around my heart cracked a little.

“You look rough.”

He took a pull from his beer. “And you look like you slept in your clothes.”

Freda shook her head tiredly. “Now that you’re here, I’m entrusting her safety to you. I need a shower and a good night’s sleep.”

I settled into the armchair next to him that faced out to the geyser basin. A wash of stars painted the sky.

“Did you hear about Gunnar and Jamie?” I asked.

“Beau gave me an update. I’m sorry. No matter how irritating they are, I know you like them both.”

“They flew Jamie to the Moran Eye Center. His eye is damaged, and he’ll have a scar on his beautiful face for the rest of his life.” The implant worked to dissipate my guilt, but I fought against it. I deserved to feel responsible.

Parker turned to study me. “Don’t blame yourself.”

“It’s hard not to.”

“This fight isn’t just yours anymore, and right now you don’t have enough people to go back and try again.” Parker never wasted time getting to the point.