Page 48 of Alice and Her Shifters (Dirty Paranormal Fairytale Haremlan 2)

“This may be a great time to let you know that I sent word to King and Jasper,” Calvin said. “They will meet us at the estate in two days. When they get there, we will shift, and use the shadows to our benefit. We will surround you, keeping you safe as we approach.”

“Who are King and Jasper?” I asked, grateful for the distraction.

“A couple of old war buddies of mine. They are good people,” Calvin said.

“Then what?” I asked.

“With luck,” Milo asked. “Camelia will make an appearance and we can take her down for good.”

“This sounds very thrown together,” I said. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m no tactician, but this feels like a lot of wishful thinking. There are so many blind spots and unknowns.”

“Do you have a better idea?” Milo asked.

I chewed on my lip for a moment. My eyes met his and I nodded. “I do. But you’re not going to like it.”

“Oh goody,” he said, rolling his eyes. “I’m starting to notice a trend with you.”

“Just hear me out, okay?” I angrily asked.

He shrugged.

I looked at Calvin. He nodded.

Aidan nudged me, pulling my attention to him. He nodded as I met his amazing green eyes. His full lips curved up at the corners. He winked. Heat flooded my cheeks, and I took a deep breath to ward off the arousal that spiked within me.

“She has to have something she really wants to pull her out of her home. At least, that’s my understanding of everything I’ve seen and heard so far. So, I walk in there as bait.”

A collection of refusals surrounded me.

Milo snapped, “You’re more stupid than I thought if you honestly think I’m going to let you waltz right into her hands.”

“Oh, like you give an iota of a damn about what happens to me. I’m just your freaking meal ticket,” I snapped. “Besides, you don’t have a choice. She wants me and my power.”

“She also wants us, or did you forget that little fact?” Milo said.

“Diplomacy was my tactic, not surrendering,” I shouted. My magic flowed hotter than lava through my veins. “God, you’re so freaking infuriating.”

“You’re welcome,” Milo said with a sarcastic smirk. “You’re quite the peach yourself.”

I realized what he was doing and let out a sigh. Damn him. He was getting to me. Not only did he know that, but he was exploiting every second of opportunity. I sucked in a deep breath and let it out slowly through my lips. The tension melted from my shoulders. I continued to take deep breaths until I was calm, and my magic’s rage had ebbed.

“Fine,” I said when I felt ready to speak again. “You’re right. We all have something to risk in this. Still, me walking in there as bait is what I believe will give us the best advantage.”

“I would rather hand the red witch my head than let you deliver yourself on a silver platter,” Milo argued.

I gaped at him, feeling a bit disarmed. I wasn’t sure if it was the way he had said the words or if it was the fact he had spoken them in the first place. Once I had recollected myself, I asked, “Got a better idea?”

He nodded. “I’ll go first. I can be invisible if I want to. Or did you miss that fact the first night we met?”

“Don’t be an ass,” I snapped. “How will you going in as bait be any better than me doing it?”

“I have a lot more experience and skill… not to mention more history with the woman than you do.” He blinked at me. It was almost as though he was daring me to challenge him on that point.

I wasn’t going to. “And then what?”

“Me, King, Jasper, and Aidan can surround the place and start picking off her soldiers,” Calvin added. “This would give Allison a chance to go in while Camelia and her men are distracted and give the element of surprise that we need.”

“She’s expecting us,” Adain said. “She’ll know we’re there the second we step a toenail on her land.”

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