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But knowing isn't enough. That afternoon, I stop in our bedroom doorway. There are fifteen pillows on the bed. I count twice. Selena is sitting in the middle of them, shifting one behind her back. She leans against it, frowns, and pulls another beneath her arm.

“Comfortable?”

“Almost.” She tucks another against her stomach and finally sighs. “There.” I look at the five pillows closest to the edge of the bed. One is already halfway onto the floor. I pick them up. Selena opens her eyes. “Rylan?”

“It's too many pillows. I don't want you tripping over them.”

“I was comfortable.”

“You still have ten.”

She holds out her hand. “Give me my pillows.” I return them. Selena arranges them around herself again, then settles back with a satisfied sigh. I sit beside her. For approximately thirty seconds, everything is peaceful. Then I notice the pillow hanging over the edge of the bed. I reach for it. Selena’s Lycan growls.

My Lycan retreats so quickly I barely feel him. Traitor. “You’re supposed to be on my side.”

She has fifteen pillows. Let her have them.

Selena points toward the door. “Out.” I look at her. “Selena.”

“Out, Rylan.” I stand. My Lycan remains suspiciously quiet.

“You could at least help me.”

No.

I leave the bedroom. The door closes behind me. I stand in the hallway for a moment, staring at it. Then I hear Selena moving the pillows again. My Lycan growls.

I told you to leave those damn pillows alone. Now look what you did. I’m away from my mate because of you.

“You’re the one who retreated.”

Because you upset her.

“I was trying to keep her safe.”

Then fix it, Rylan. Or I swear, you won’t be shifting anytime soon.

I stare at the door. “You’re threatening me over pillows?”

If my mate is unhappy, none of us will be happy. Fix it.

I rub a hand over my face. “Traitor.”

*****

The next morning, Selena finds me outside her office. “Why are there fifteen female warriors outside my office?”

“Security.”

“I know they're security, Rylan. Why are there fifteen of them?”

“I want you protected.”

“I am protected.”

“I know.”

“Then why do I need fifteen more warriors?” She looks toward the women standing outside her office. “And why are all of them women?” I glance at the warriors. “I'm not sure what you're talking about. They're all Shadow Elites.” Selena looks at me. Then she looks back at the warriors. “No, they're not.” I say nothing. “Some of them are Vanguards.”