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SILAS MET CAIN NEAR the edge of the small encampment. He clasped his old friend on the shoulder.

“I fucked up,” Cain muttered.

“I approved the plan. We didn’t have enough information,” Silas said remembering the stinging words his mate just gave him for not discussing his decision with her.

“Now she’s free, to do what? Kill? Maim? Hurt innocents? What did I release on these people?” Cain looked at him.

“Like I said she has three threats, maybe four if I count the High Priestess Isodora. You, Kim and Sarita. She’s got to destroy all of you to break free to do whatever.”

Cain snorted. “Not happening.” He shook his head. “Still can’t believe our Sarita’s a descendant of Salah the Blessed. That’s unbelievable.” He eyed Silas. “Good things happened through bad beginnings, gotta mean something, right?”

Silas nodded thinking of Hawke being stolen as a pup, raised by the Liege and Asia’s similar beginning. “Yeah. Hawke, Asia, Sarita, full circle.”

“What about Damian? Ever learn who’s his mam?” Cain asked.

Silas shook his head slowly. Hawke had been given the best of the best to breed. It was amazing that the Liege was able to do the things they did.

Cain exhaled. “How should I play this?”

“Can you box her in?”

“If she comes close enough, chances are I’ll be using a box as a shield. She likes throwing energy bombs,” Cain said. “I’d be surprised if she came too close.”

Silas thought about it for a few seconds. “Protect yourself. I’ll think of something.”

Cain looked away and spit. “She’s an interesting person.”

That surprised Silas. He’d already scanned Cain before allowing him to board the copter, had he missed something? “Jasmine scan the Knights.”

“Okay.”

“Why do you say that?” Silas asked Cain, watching him closely. He would hate to destroy his friend but would do it without hesitation before allowing anything to happen to his family.

Cain rubbed his neck and grinned. “There’s a certain vulnerability about her. Ever meet somebody trying really hard to prove they’re someone or something they’re not?” He glanced at Silas. “Sounds crazy after everything, I know. But I’d get this feeling ... she did and said things in waves.” He shook his head. “Never mind, it’s crazy. She’s crazy.”

Silas nodded.

“They’re good,” Jasmine said. “What happened?”

“Hawke may have been onto something about Nadira being compromised by the Liege.” He told her what Cain said.

“He likes her?”

“Possibly,” Silas said watching his friend. “We’ll see.”

“Are you going to wait with him?”

“Yes, for now,” he said while scanning the area.

“She may not show up with you out there,” Jasmine said.

“I’m his Alpha, she should expect me to be here,” Silas said.

Moments later, everyone except David and Sarita spilled outside embracing their mates. Jasmine headed toward him and Cain.

“Beautiful place here,” she said smiling at Cain. “Very calming.”

Cain smiled at her. “Yes, Mistress, it is. Clean and fresh air. Canada’s a beautiful country.”

Silas wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close. “What’s going on? Why is everyone outside?”

“To give David and Sarita privacy. You heard Isodora.” She leaned into him.

“Ah, yes. Is that why everyone’s moving into different positions, circling the camp?”

Jasmine nodded. “No one’s going to interrupt those two. It’s been a long time in the making. Hawke and Asia made the suggestion and we all agreed. Walk with me down by the water, let’s sit on the beach and cuddle.” She wiggled her eyebrows at him.

He squeezed her waist and walked with her. “Make sure the Knights remain close to the camp and are vigilant,” Silas told Cain.

“Yes, Sir.” Cain nodded and moved closer to the path leading to the entrance.

Holding hands, Silas and Jasmine reached the beach and looked out over the water. “Warm enough?” he asked bending close to her ear and nipping it.

Laughing, she pushed his forehead. “Very. Thanks.” She inhaled. “It’s really breathtaking here. We have mountains back home, but nothing like this. Not even close.”

“They say this place is billions of years old. It’s sacred and holy ground of the Inuit,” he said.

“I feel it. We’ve got to be really careful when she shows up, Silas.”

“Agreed. I didn’t tell Cain I’m going to scan her.”

For a few seconds, she didn’t say anything. “Probably best. No telling how it’s going to go. Personally, I don’t think it’s going to make much difference with that one, hopefully, I’m wrong.”

“We may not be able to interfere with her challenging Sarita. The Goddess may forbid it,” he said expecting an argument. When she didn’t say anything, he exhaled noisily.

“She’s mated to David. Whatever happens to one, happens to the other. I refuse to consider I’ll lose my son and the daughter of my heart. I’d rather believe David and Sarita will snatch the heart out of that witch.” Her voice hardened. “And if he pulls energy from his litter-mates and their mates... well, that’s fine with me.”

He didn’t respond. What she said was true. They didn’t know the rules of the challenge. “Me too.”