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A few minutes later, Selena's mindlink reaches me. “Rylan.”

I close my eyes. “Yes?”

“Why are Joshua and Jasmin in my office?”

“I asked them to stay with you while you're learning.”

“Arlene and Darian are already here.”

“I know.”

“Then why did you send them?”

“I want you protected.”

There is a pause. “Do you realize how this looks?”

I lean back. “Selena.”

“I have Arlene helping me, Darian teaching me, fifteen female warriors outside, and now you've sent Joshua and Jasmin into the room. It looks like you don't trust the people I chose to help me.”

“That isn't what I'm doing.”

“Then what are you doing?” I look down at the report Darian left on my desk. I don't know how to answer without telling her everything. “I'm trying to keep you safe.”

Her response comes after a moment. “I know you are. But you need to talk to me, Rylan.”

I close my eyes. “There's nothing to talk about.” The mindlink goes quiet.

My Lycan presses against me. You are making this worse.

“I know.”

Then tell her.

31

Darian's POV

Selena looks around her office, then sighs. “I'm sorry, everyone. Rylan shouldn't have ordered you all here.” Joshua shifts in his chair. “Luna, when Jasmin was pregnant with our first pup, I was overprotective too.”

I nod. “I was the same with Arlene. And for Alpha wolves and Lycans, those instincts can be ten times stronger.”

Selena looks between us. “I know what you're doing.”

Joshua raises an eyebrow. “What are we doing?”

“Trying to smooth things over for him.” I glance at Joshua. She isn't wrong. Selena folds her arms. “I understand he's worried. But he needs to talk to me instead of making decisions around me.”

“And Jasmin.” Selena turns toward her. “You're supposed to be on maternity leave.” Jasmin gives her a small smile. “I'm all right, Luna.”

“That isn't the point. You're just as pregnant as Arlene.” Arlene looks up from her desk. Selena points at her. “And you were supposed to be on maternity leave too.”

“I know.”

“You refused.”