Alistair and the other advisors helped support Richard and Luna as they half-carried Thomas toward the exit. The Silver Ridge delegation that had arrived in three armored SUVs with hope and desperation would leave defeated, broken, and with nothing but the clothes on their backs and one severely injured pack member.
Everything else belonged to Nightshade now.
As they reached the door, Richard turned back one last time.
As they reached the door, Richard turned back one last time.
"Dakota."
She didn't move. Didn't turn. Just stood there in Kade's arms, her face still buried against his chest, her fingers still white-knuckled in his shirt.
"I hope he's worth it," Richard said, and there was something raw in his voice now, not quite regret, not quite apology, but close enough to both that it made her chest ache. "I hope he gives you everything you think you need."
Dakota's shoulders tensed, but she didn't respond.
