Here it was only a few months later and Julio was making a play on behalf of the cartels for the same purpose. Kiara was convinced his goal was to take full control of Savage. But this time and for whatever reason, Kiara was at the center of the fight.
She found it comforting to have Mary sitting nearby, sipping her coffee. Mary had been in her shoes.
She picked up her own mug and took a drink then glanced at Mary. “Did you see the women in Julio’s bedroom?”
Mary compressed her lips for a moment. “I haven’t been that angry in a long time. Julio is a psychopath.”
“I would have to agree.”
“Fergus said Wizard Glissane is involved.”
“He is,” Kiara said. “Warren and I both believe he helped Julio create the wave that subdued the packs he took over.”
Mary’s brow puckered as she stared into her mug. “But he’s one of the most powerful wizards in Elegance. How will he and Julio ever be defeated?”
Kiara rubbed her forehead. Her heart rate rose just thinking about it. “Warren has this storm thing happening, something new and very powerful. We think the two of us, together, will have to take Julio and Glissane on.”
She met Warren’s gaze. He dipped his chin slowly in return.
Warren glanced at Mary. “Any suggestions?”
“Only one,” Mary said. “Trust each other no matter how hopeless the situation appears.”
Warren shifted slightly toward Fergus. “And you?”
Fergus slid his gaze in Mary’s direction and a loving smile touched his lips. “We were there just a few months ago. I agree with Mary. Trust each other.”
“Have you two set a strategy yet?” Kiara asked. “In terms of breaking into the El Lobo Grande compound?”
“Yes,” Warren said. “The architectural plans show four different potential entrance points to Julio’s compound. We’re going to attack at each location. Even if Julio and Glissane try to use their combined subduing power, there’s a chance the wave we’ve all heard about won’t affect the entire pack. The mission will be to safely remove as many pack wolves as possible while battling Julio’s forces.”
“How will you know the difference between Julio’s men and the original pack wolves?” Mary asked. “Wait a minute. It’s emerald flame, isn’t it? You’ll be able to tell by the addiction markings.”
Warren nodded. “That’s right. Julio’s private force isn’t addicted, but the pack wolves have been forced to take the drug. The flame markings will set them apart.”
Mary frowned. “So, the question seems to be, how do you defeat Glissane’s efforts to create a wave that knocks your force senseless?”
Warren held his hand out to Kiara. Because the moment felt so important, she rose to her feet, rounded the table then took his hand in hers. He stood up as well.
She continued to meet his somber gaze as he said, “Kiara and I will have to figure this out when the battle begins. But we won’t know what we have until we actually face Julio and Glissane.”
Warren then switched to telepathy. You don’t have to do this.
Kiara was surprised until she saw the glint of fear in his emerald eyes. He was afraid for her. Unlike last time, she’d be going into battle where wolves, armed with AR-15s, would engage in gunfire. She’d already witnessed the kind of damage these guns could do in a closed room.
She shuddered as memories of the atrocity at Ralph’s club poured through her mind. She blinked and lowered her gaze from Warren’s.
He moved closer to her and caught her chin so she was forced to meet his gaze again. I’m serious. You don’t have to do this and honestly, I don’t want you to get hurt.
She gathered her thoughts. Warren, I don’t have even the smallest doubt I’m supposed to be with you at the compound. If I hesitated, it was only because I was remembering what happened at the club.
She continued, But I’m okay. I want to do this more than anything. Our world suffers every single night and right now we have a threat that could sink Savage for years to come. If Julio and Glissane succeed in taking over your territory, I can’t begin to think of the horrors they would inflict on your wolves. I’m determined to see this through.
She watched as a slow, serious smile curved his lips. “You’ll do.”
She’d already told him the truth. He was her role model. If he ran into battle naked, she’d do the same.
~ ~ ~