Chapter 22: Summit Begins

Part 1: James and Isabel

James stared at Isabel, frozen in shock and amazement. "Are you serious?" he asked, hesitant to get his hopes up. It might be a joke, or some kind of test.

Isabel flushed, starting to backpedal. "I… well, I just thought… I mean…" she stammered, avoiding his gaze. "I'm sorry, it was a silly idea. You're so fond of her, I don't know what I was thinking—"

"Of course I want to," James interrupted, his desire to hold her intense. He settled for a firm hand on her shoulder instead. "Goddess Isabel, I'd love nothing more."

"Really?" Isabel squeaked, a tremulous smile spreading across her face.

"With all my heart," James confirmed, meeting her gaze intensely. "But I have to warn you."

"About what?" she asked, stiffening.

"I'm not going to settle for Sadie alone," James said sternly. "I want you both. I was prepared to wait—to fight for you—but you need to understand that letting me bond with her will change things. There's no getting rid of me now."

Isabel trembled slightly, peeking at him from under her lashes. Her expression was a mixture of sullenness and amusement. "Was that ever an option?"

He chuckled. "No, but now that you realize it, I'm afraid I'm going to make things very difficult for you."

Isabel flashed her fangs, but her eyes sparkled. "Right back at you. It's not going to be easy to win me, James."

He grinned, pulling her into his arms. She resisted briefly, then melted into him, a perfect fit. "Don't I know it."

Part 2: Cora and Roger

The next morning, Cora prepared for her shift in the medical tent when she overheard some Vanaran nurses gossiping. "They're increasing evacuations, but I think they're worried about more than simple detection by that Emperor idiot," one said.

Cora stifled a snort at Damon's nickname. She wasn't usually one to eavesdrop, but she saw no harm in listening—it wasn't a private conversation. Besides, as Ella's eyes and ears in the camp, part of her job was gauging the mood among the staff and refugees. The others only saw her as a medical trainee, but the Luna had recognized her value early on.

"Why do you say that?" the second nurse asked, unpacking her supplies.

"Because they're not just sending guardians and enforcers this time," the first replied, clearly pleased with her inside information. "My friend in aviation saw the manifests, and apparently the new Moon Valley Beta is heading out on the first transport this morning."

"Oh, the handsome one? Roger?" the second nurse asked.

Cora froze, instantly captivated.

"That's right," the she-wolf nodded. "And with as many people as they've already lost, I can't believe the Alpha would risk sending his brother without a good reason. Especially not with the summit starting later today."

Cora dropped her work, glancing at the wall clock. It was 4:45, and the first flights departed at 5:00. She raced from the tent, unconcerned about making a scene.

She dashed to the airfield, heading straight for James's plane. He was the most experienced soldier and highest-ranking pilot; the most likely candidate to transport the pack's Beta across the ocean.

She spotted the two familiar figures leaving the hangar, approaching the aircraft, looking tired but alert. She ran towards them, and when she was close enough, called out to Roger. He turned, genuinely surprised to see her sprinting toward him.

He caught her before she collided with him. "Cora!" he exclaimed urgently. "What is it? What's wrong?!"

Unused to running, Cora bent over, gasping for breath. Roger leaned over, rubbing her back. "Easy now, it's okay. You caught me. Just breathe."

"I… you… why…" she gasped, frustrated. "Oh my god, why do people run for fun? This is awful!"

Seeing no immediate danger, Roger relaxed, soothing her. "I've got you. Just take a minute. I'm not going anywhere."

"Liar!" Cora accused, pointing. "You're… flying back… to the continent."

"I meant I'm not leaving right this second. James still has to warm up the engines. Come here," he guided her to the plane's steps. "Sit down." He eased her onto the steps and knelt before her. "What's going on?"

"Why are you going?" Cora demanded, her eyes wide with worry.

"I need to assess the situation on the ground. There are security concerns, and I can't address them without seeing them myself," Roger replied, still not understanding her panic. "Why? What's going on?"

Cora sighed, exasperated by her own irrational reaction. "Nothing. I just… it's dangerous, isn't it?"

Roger shook his head, about to reassure her, when the puzzle pieces clicked into place. He realized she was here for him, frightened for his safety.

His eyes lit up as he cupped her cheek. "Cora?" he asked slyly. "You're not worried about me, are you?"

"What?" Cora snapped, offended. "Of course not. I just…" She trailed off, confused. He almost felt sorry for her—almost.

"Just what?" he raised an eyebrow. "Voluntarily did more cardio than you have in a year to demand why I was leaving? Abandoned your duties to run over here, shouting my name like your life depended on it?"

"It wasn't like that," Cora replied haughtily, finally catching her breath. She sat up and pushed his hands away, trying to ignore how pleasant they felt. "I thought maybe you two needed medical support. Yeah, I thought you might be going because something happened and emergency personnel would be helpful."

"And it didn't occur to you that we would have requested medical staff if we needed them?" Roger countered skeptically.

"What can I say? It's very early. My brain isn't entirely turned on," she shrugged, digging in her heels. "So, do you need a doctor to come along? Just in case?"

Enjoying her performance, the suggestion of taking Cora along aroused his protective instincts. Before he could control himself, he growled, "Not a chance."

Cora's chocolate gaze sharpened. "Why not, if it's so safe?"

Her suspicion brought a smile to his face. "You don't have anything to worry about, little one. I promise I'll come back to annoy you. If you like, I'll even stop by the medical tent as soon as we land."

Cora scowled. "Don't call me that." She shoved his hand away. "I already told you, I don't care about your safety. And the last thing I need is you interrupting my work again."

"Are you sure?" Roger asked. "Maybe you should give me a goodbye kiss before we take off, just in case."

Her lip curled, and she put distance between them. "I'd rather kiss a rabid bat."

Roger grinned, giving chase. "How can you know that without trying? I'll tell you what, kiss me now, and when I come back I'll bring you a bat to compare. But I bet my bite is nicer."

"I said no!" Cora glared, holding out an arm. "No kisses and no biting."

"Come on, Cora, don't knock it 'til you've tried it," Roger teased, still pursuing her.

With an exasperated groan, Cora spun and stomped back to the medical tent. Roger watched with a wide smile, his unspoken thought: I could watch her stomp away a thousand times, as long as she keeps coming back.