Annie Nicholas - Prima

“How does a small army of shifters make someone look weak?” Her lover couldn’t afford to be stubborn. She’d spent the last year distancing herself so he could find the will to live without her. It would all be for naught if he got himself killed first. Though he might doubt it, he needed help, and she could provide it for him. She rose to her feet with the aid of her cane and ambled toward the house.

“What are you doing?”

“I’m going to pack my bags.” She had enough time before sunset to organize things.

Spice kept pace with her. “You can’t go with him. He can’t attack Pal Robi Inc. and guard you at the same time.”

“I know, so I’ll need to take some shifters with me as protectors. How many do you think I’ll need?” Daedalus was getting backup if it killed her.

Most of Daedalus’s belongings were at his estates. He didn’t need to pack much. A few weapons filled his bag in case they ran into trouble on their travels. So why was he lingering in his chambers?

Tired of listening to his excuses for not leaving, Pallas waited outside in Daedalus’s car.

Anxiety gnawed at his heart, leaving an empty void in its wake. He rubbed his chest to ease the growing discomfort. The only task remaining was to say goodbye to Sugar. Why did it feel so final? He’d left before, yet this time seemed different.

Tossing the bag over his shoulder, he tightened his resolve to return ASAP. If those traitors had just left him alone, instead of trying to kill him, he would have let them have Pal Robi Inc. He couldn’t run the risk of them harming Sugar or the Vasi anymore. He left his basement study and headed for the front door. At the top of the stairs he hesitated at the pile of luggage.

“Hey, you blocking my way for a reason?” Sam’s voice traveled from below. Daedalus shared the basement with him, Clementine, Katrina, and Tyler. The place was too crowded. Sam carried a full backpack. “I still have to pack my car. Not sure if all those bags will fit in my trunk. Do you have any space left in your car?”

Daedalus stepped to the side and let him pass, not sure how to respond. His gaze traveled to Eric, who watched from the living room entrance. “I said no help.” He couldn’t guarantee anyone’s safety. Death would be a close companion.

Eric avoided his glare. “He’s not going with you.”

The click of Sugar’s cane met his ears as she traveled from her bedroom. His stomach clenched. Would she even care that he was leaving?

“He's escorting me.” Her golden curls were pulled into a ponytail, and a light sweater hung over her shoulders. “So are Clementine, Esther, and Robert.”

“Where—?” He spun as the front door swung open.

Pallas stomped inside. “Why is a shifter adding more luggage to your car? You usually travel light.” His gaze traveled to Sugar. “Hell no.”

She lifted her chin and set the cane in front of her. “Hell yes. My place is beside Daedalus.”

“Babe…” It had never occurred to him she’d want to accompany them. “It’s too dangerous.”

“Which is why I’m bringing the others.”

“I can’t be seen using shifters to reclaim my place in Pal Robi Inc. Vampires would perceive that as weakness.” His dead heart raced as he ascended the stairs to face her determined stare. She cared. There was hope for them after all.

“They’re not for you, but for me. Sam is my Sigma. He and Clementine are my protectors.”

Daedalus raised an eyebrow, his chest ready to burst with joy. “Esther and Robert?”

“If this is such a hazardous mission, my guards need backup. I also recall your estate has an elaborate security system. They’re perfect to get it running properly again.” She brushed his cheek with her fingertips. “You wouldn’t make me go without them, would you?”

“Never.” The answer barely escaped his lips, his throat had constricted so tight.

“Daedalus, you can’t be serious.” Pallas’s voice of reason stabbed his conscience. How could he possibly be considering this?

Sugar’s soft touch transformed as she gripped his chin. “I’m going.”

He blinked at her firm tone. This wasn’t the gentle librarian he’d first met. She’d grown into something more after her physical trials, something stronger that he wanted to explore and own. “Why do you care if she comes, Pallas?”

“She’s a distraction.”

With a snarl, he rounded on his brother. “You have a lot of demands for someone who can’t back them.” He lifted Pallas by the throat and pinned him to the door. Was it a mistake for him to drag Pallas along now that Sugar would escort him?

“I’m a voice of reason since you’re letting your dick make all the decisions.” Pallas managed to force the words out of his restricted throat.

“No brawling in the brownstone.” Sugar’s command pierced through the red haze of rage clouding Daedalus’s mind, and he loosened his hold. “Take it outside. I won’t be replacing another door.” The sharp clack of her cane hitting the floor punctuated her order.

Pallas grinned. “She sounds a lot like my mother.”

“As if you remember her.” Daedalus set Pallas back on his booted feet. He turned his attention to the small woman who controlled his heart. “Are you sure about this? It might get bad. I can’t promise anyone’s safety.” What was he doing? She should stay here where the pack could watch over her.

A hint of sadness pulled at the corners of her eyes. “I know.”

“One of the shifters might die. Can you live with that?” Even he wasn’t sure if he could. They’d all grown on him. How had he let things get so out of control?

Robert joined Eric at the living room entrance. “We’re all aware of the dangers. What’s the point of training to fight if we don’t use it for what we believe in?”

Pallas snorted. “You believe Daedalus should run Pal Robi Inc.?”

“No, we believe Sugar should be at his side.”

It took all of Daedalus’s skill to school his expression. Appearing as shocked as he felt at Robert’s declaration would give Pallas more doubt. He handed his brother some of the luggage by the door then carried the rest to the car.

Pallas followed on his heels. “Have you lost your mind? We never bring women into battle.”

Sam had his trunk open, and Daedalus set the small bags inside it. The shifter growled. “None of the females fight. Well, except for Esther. She could beat the shit out of all of us.”

Daedalus shot him a look. “None of you will be accompanying me when I take back Pal Robi Inc. Your job is to protect Sugar at my estate.”

“Of course.” Sam shut the trunk.

His joy at Sugar showing she still cared might have blinded him. The consequences could be dire. A hand settled on his shoulder, and he faced Sam.

“Dude, I won’t let anything happen to her. Leaving her behind would cause more damage than you can imagine. She needs to stay with you even though she’d never admit it.”

“Really?” The question slipped out. Before Sam could answer, Daedalus gestured to Pallas to place the luggage in the sports car. It would be a tight fit.

Sam approached and whispered, “This might be the chance we’ve been looking for to bring her back from the brink of self-destruction.”

Even though he didn’t require air, he felt short of breath. She’d only shown him disinterest since the night of the attack. Why the sudden change? Why were the shifters so eager to risk their lives? Why wasn’t he saying no? With a head full of questions, he could only nod.

Sugar hugged Spice close. When she had disappeared to Las Vegas years ago, Sugar thought she’d never see Spice again. Since her return to Chicago they hadn’t been apart. Sugar couldn’t imagine not sharing her meals with Spice or helping take care of her baby.