8. Izei #2
Whoever was orchestrating these attacks understood the Waverly's weaknesses and their pride members intimately. That level of insight spoke to either extensive surveillance or inside knowledge. Neither possibility offered comfort.
"Cassian Vael," Aldric said quietly.
Izei had reached the same conclusion miles ago. Everything pointed toward the Vael Alpha—the patience, the strategic planning, the resources necessary to coordinate attacks across multiple locations. But understanding who was behind the threat and proving it were entirely different challenges.
"Possibly," Izei replied, though his tone suggested certainty rather than speculation. "The timing fits his operational patterns. Patient. Calculated. Willing to wait months for the perfect opportunity."
His hands flexed against the steering wheel as tactical scenarios played through his mind. If Cassian was indeed behind the attacks, then today's assault had been a test—a way to measure both Freesia's capabilities and the level of protection Izei could provide.
They underestimated us. Good. Let them keep underestimating us.
The wrought iron gates of his estate appeared ahead, their familiar silhouette offering the first sense of security he'd felt since leaving Aldric's cottage. Izei pressed the remote clipped to his sun visor, watching the heavy gates swing open with mechanical precision.
"We're home," he said, though the words carried weight beyond simple geography.
As they drove up the long, tree-lined approach toward the main driveway, Izei spotted Luka and Kenia standing together near the front entrance.
His sister's animated gestures and Luka's easy smile suggested they'd been enjoying each other's company—a development that would require careful navigation later.
One crisis at a time.
The SUV crunched to a stop on the gravel drive, and Izei immediately shifted into command mode. "Use the blanket to cover yourself," he instructed Freesia. "I'll get Luka to help carry Reth inside."
She nodded without argument, grabbing the fabric off of Reth's unconscious body to ensure complete coverage while maintaining her protective hold on his Beta's head.
Seeing her adaptability—the way she seamlessly shifted between warrior, medic, and tactical partner—sent satisfaction coursing through his chest.
She's exactly what I need.
Izei stepped out of the SUV and strode toward Luka and Kenia. Both of them looked up with expressions that shifted rapidly from casual greeting to alarm as they took in his blood-stained appearance and obvious urgency.
"Luka, I need your help now," Izei commanded, his voice cutting across the distance between them.
The exiled jaguar responded immediately, jogging toward the vehicle with the fluid grace of someone trained for combat situations. Kenia followed, her dark eyes wide with concern as she took in the scene.
"What happened?" Luka asked, reaching the SUV just as Izei opened the rear door to reveal Reth's unconscious form.
"Five rogue jaguars attacked us at Aldric's," Izei replied, already positioning himself to support his Beta's shoulders. "Reth took the worst of it, but Freesia patched him up."
Luka's expression darkened immediately, his green eyes flashing with recognition and anger. "Cassian's behind this."
"That's my assessment as well." Izei carefully lifted Reth's body. "Help me get him inside."
Together, they maneuvered Reth's unconscious form from the SUV with deliberate care.
Luka's experience as a former scout showed in the way he anticipated Izei's movements, creating a smooth transition that avoided jostling the injured panther.
Kenia had already rushed ahead to hold the estate's front door open, her face pale but determined as she watched them carry her brother's closest friend toward safety.
"Is he going to be okay?" she asked, stepping aside to give them room.
"Yes. Freesia saved his life," Izei said, the words carrying both gratitude and respect.
Behind them, Aldric climbed stiffly from the vehicle, his movements betraying the exhaustion of someone who'd survived far more excitement than his seventy years typically demanded. Freesia emerged last, the blanket wrapped securely around her form as she moved with careful dignity.
The small procession soon made its way through the estate.
"Second door on the left," Izei directed as they climbed the staircase.
Luka nodded, adjusting his grip. "So Freesia really took down multiple jaguars?"
"Without hesitation," Izei confirmed, pride evident in his voice. "Killed one herself, then helped me finish three others."
They finally reached the designated guest room, and Izei used his shoulder to push open the door.
The space beyond was comfortable and well-appointed, with a large bed positioned near the tall windows.
As they carefully lowered Reth onto the mattress, his Beta's eyes fluttered open, consciousness returning with gradual awareness.
"Where am I?" Reth asked, his voice rough but alert as his gaze focused on Izei's face.
"You're at the estate," Izei replied softly. "And you're staying here for a few days to recover."
Reth's hand moved instinctively toward his abdomen, his fingers encountering the neat bandaging that covered Freesia's surgical work.
"Who did the medical work?" he asked, though his expression suggested he already suspected the answer.
"Freesia stitched you up," Izei said, watching his Beta's face carefully.
A slow smile spread across Reth's features. "She's something else, isn't she?"
"Yes," Izei agreed, the simple word carrying layers of meaning that extended far beyond professional admiration. "She's incredible. Fought and killed those jaguars, then saved your life without missing a beat."
Luka, who had been listening quietly from the foot of the bed, stepped forward with obvious respect. "Freesia did all that?"
"Every bit of it," Izei confirmed. "Without hesitation."
"I knew she was special," Luka said softly.
Izei pulled the thick comforter up to cover Reth, ensuring his Beta's comfort. "Rest now," Izei instructed. "I'll check on you later tonight."
Reth nodded. "Thank you both."
Izei and Luka stepped back from the bed, moving toward the door with quiet efficiency. In the hallway beyond, Freesia waited with Kenia and Aldric, her blanket-wrapped form somehow managing to project authority as she grasped her satchel in one hand.
"Reth will be fine," Izei announced to the small group. "But he needs rest and monitoring for the next few days."
Freesia nodded, relief evident in the way her shoulders relaxed slightly. Kenia stepped forward immediately, her natural caretaking instincts engaged.
"Freesia, you should get cleaned up and rest for a bit," Kenia said gently. "And Aldric, let me show you to your room so you can settle in properly."
"That would be appreciated," Aldric replied, adjusting his grip on his bags.
Freesia didn't argue with the suggestion, simply nodding her agreement before heading toward her own guest room. Kenia turned and led Aldric toward another available room with practiced hospitality. As the hallway cleared, Izei found himself alone with Luka.
"You need to tell me everything about Cassian," Izei said firmly.
Luka's jaw tightened, but he nodded with the resolution of someone who'd been expecting this moment.
"I can do better than that. I can put you in contact with my brother Angus.
He's still Cassian's Gamma, still inside the pride structure.
He can give you information I haven't had access to for years. "
"We'll wait until tomorrow," he decided. "Freesia should be part of that conversation."
"Agreed," Luka said.
With that understanding established, Luka headed toward his own guest room, leaving Izei alone in the hallway where the afternoon light was beginning to fade into evening shadows.
Izei knew he should let Freesia rest. They'd fought for their lives, saved Reth, brought Aldric safely home, and tomorrow would bring another battle—one fought with questions instead of claws.
But his feet carried him toward her guest room anyway.
I just want to make sure she's okay, he convinced himself.
But really, he just needed her comfort right now.