[Serenity's POV]
As I let my gaze travel around those who are with me, Maverick's hand touches mine, and that gentle touch alone makes me feel like I'm going to crumble at any minute.
'It's alright.'
'How can you say that?' I ask, wanting to look him in the eye. 'Because I didn't arrive on time, you…'
"Not at all," Uncle Jose responds calmly. "There is a more pressing matter."
"Serenity," he continues, snapping me out of my head. "Would you please brief everyone on your discovery?"
Are you strong enough? The small voice in the back of my head asks. You almost caved to the temptation of his blood too.
Tensing, I try not to remember that sickly sweet scent that tried to lure me in.
"Then you're saying that your trust in that man is the reason we are dealing with this." One of the sergeants announces. "Then how do you expect us to trust that you aren't also working with him? Isn't it bad enough that a portion of our packhouse was destroyed by the attacks and our numbers are lower because…"
"Hans," Uncle Jose warns, his aura trickling from him. "Remember who you are talking to."
At his words, Hans flinches and shoots me a look of rage, but he doesn't say any more.
"Serenity, you may continue." Uncle Jose smiles. "You're doing good."
Nodding, I give him a small smile before turning my attention back to the group around me, as I know that we can't waste much time on this. Even if the enemy was remaining on the borders for now, biding their time until we made our next move, it didn't mean they would stay there forever.
"Then just stuff our noses." One of the sergeants huffs. "Problem solved."
As I open my mouth to respond, a laugh escapes Uncle Jose, who seems ill at ease despite what is happening, and when all eyes come to rest on him, he gives a slow smile.
"Dad," I whisper, causing all eyes to come to rest on me, and when Uncle Jose gives a nod, I know he is telling me to tell them the fatal flaw in their thinking."My dad," I say slowly while my heart squeezes painfully. "He's amongst the crazed."
Of course, the others who were possessed by whatever it was Forrest was doing wouldn't be the easiest to take down, but they were nothing against the alpha king who was loathed and feared not even twenty years ago.
"But he is," Uncle Jose chuckles. "And if you value your life, I would suggest that you never speak in such a way again. That could be considered insubordination on your part."
"I know that you'll probably be against what I'm about to say. Hell, I know your father would kill me for even suggesting it, but we are in desperate times." He says slowly, clearly weighing my reaction. "But we need your mother."
Eyes widening, I understand immediately what it is that he is suggesting, but didn't he know that if she got involved, she would die?