Page 44 of Rebel for Claws
The argument made logical sense, which only made Alaric's protective instincts rage harder against it. The thought of his mate venturing into danger alone, potentially walking into one of Thorne's elaborate traps, made his wolf howl with denial.
She's brilliant, deadly, and completely capable. But she's also the most important thing in my world, and I'll be damned if I let her face this alone.
"If we're doing this, I'm going with you," he stated, leaving no room for argument. "I know Thorne's tactics and hideouts better than anyone after working with him for thirty years. I know how he thinks, where he'd run, what kind of contingency plans he'd have in place."
Logan cleared his throat from his position near the doorway, drawing both their attention. "Actually, I have a suggestion that might work for both of you."
Alaric turned toward his Beta, noting the calculating expression on the man's face. Logan Cross had always been a strategic thinker, able to see angles and possibilities that others missed.
"I can organize a backup group," Logan continued. "Damon, Elena, Zoe, Kieran, Malcolm, and Maya. We'll follow at a three-mile distance to maintain operational security for your stealth mission, but close enough to provide assistance if things go sideways."
The plan had merit, Alaric had to admit. It would allow him and Vivian to move fast and quiet while still having reinforcements within striking distance if Thorne proved more dangerous than anticipated.
And it means I don't have to choose between keeping her safe and stopping the bastard who's been manipulating our world for three centuries.
"That could work," Alaric said slowly, his tactical mind already running through possible scenarios. "We'd have the mobility and stealth advantage while maintaining backup support."
Vivian's violet eyes lit up with fierce satisfaction. "Then we're agreed. We head out first thing tomorrow morning."
The determination in her voice sent heat coursing through Alaric's veins. His beautiful yet deadly mate was completely unafraid to walk into danger if it meant protecting their world. The combination of her courage and that fire in her violet eyes made something primal and possessive ignite deep within him.
She is everything I could ever want and everything I never knew I truly needed.
NINETEEN
VIVIAN
Dawn broke cold and merciless across the December landscape as Vivian adjusted the straps of her tactical harness one final time. The winter gear felt constricting against her skin—thick thermal layers beneath waterproof outer shells and heavy boots that would normally slow her supernatural speed. But tracking Thorne through hostile mountainous territory demanded preparation over comfort.
She watched Alaric emerge from his mansion, his commanding presence undimmed despite the bulky winter clothing. Even bundled in tactical gear, he moved with the fluid grace of a predator, his eyes sharp and alert as they surveyed the snow-covered grounds. The sight of him sent familiar heat coursing through her body, their mate bond humming with awareness despite the gravity of their mission.
Focus. We have a job to do.
"Ready?" Alaric's voice carried easily across the frozen air, his breath forming small clouds as he spoke.
Vivian nodded, shouldering her pack containing their supplies for the fifty-mile journey. The custom-forged blades felt reassuring against her back, their familiar weight grounding her racing thoughts. "Let's bring that bastard to justice."
They set out into the pristine wilderness, their boots crunching through the fresh powder that had fallen overnight. The silence between them was comfortable, both lost in their own preparations and strategies. Vivian's enhanced senses cataloged every detail of their surroundings—the sharp scent of pine, the distant call of winter birds, and the way the morning light filtered through the snow-laden branches.
Thirty miles to the first rest stop. Twenty more to Thorne's hideout.
The repetitive motion of walking gradually loosened the tension in her shoulders. Despite the circumstances, being alone with Alaric in the wilderness felt right and so natural. As if they were meant to move through the world together from now on, partners in every sense of the word.
Hours passed in steady progress through the deepening snow. Vivian's thoughts turned dark as they trekked westward, her fury renewed over the lost evidence. Those ancient scrolls had been irreplaceable—centuries of documented proof about Thorne's manipulations and the true history of the Severance.
Such a novice mistake. Thirty human operatives and I lose focus on protecting our most valuable assets.
"Stop torturing yourself," Alaric said suddenly, not breaking stride. His enhanced hearing had probably caught her frustrated sigh.
"I should have held onto that bag," she replied, her voice tight with self-recrimination. "Should have found a way to?—"
"You were fighting for your life," he interrupted. "And you helped save all of us, remember?"
Vivian appreciated his attempt at comfort, but the guilt still gnawed at her. Those scrolls had been their smoking gun, their proof of three centuries of corruption and manipulation. Now Thorne had them, along with detailed knowledge of exactly what they knew and how they'd obtained it.
He'll be ready for us.
The thought should have terrified her. Instead, it sent a thrill of anticipation through her blood. She was eager for the confrontation, hungry to face the monster again who had orchestrated so much suffering. This time, she wouldn't let him escape.
