Hearts of Warriors Ch. 06

The Ancient couldn't fault his logic. He wasn't willing to lose Pietro either should there be a spy hidden among them. "And you're content to leave Karn in charge?"

"I wouldn't leave Lily if I didn't trust Karn completely," Mac answered. His voice rang with certainty.

Caleb nodded again and turned to look at Rhianna. "How do you want to play this, Annie?" He could make the decisions himself but he knew she was feeling uncertain because of the recent revelations. She needed to be doing something to address the mistakes they'd made.

Instead of answering, Rhianna glanced at Kallum. He met her gaze, smiling as he did so. "What do you think, Kal?"

His smile broadened and he relaxed back on the sofa. It was only then that the others realised he'd been tense, as if waiting for something.

"If Mac's going to be out of the country, then Lily needs someone she trusts close to her," he answered instantly. "Mom's managed to get through to Dad somewhat but I think it's too soon for Lily to come home and face him.

"I'm sure this Karn is a reliable person otherwise he wouldn't be Mac's second-in-command, but he's not family and she's already lost control once when he's been her companion. She needs someone she can't dominate, someone who will kick her ass if she's about to lose it. If that person can't be one of our parents then I guess that only leaves me."

"And just how are we going to explain you to the Praetorians?" Mac growled softly. He knew what Kallum said made sense, but he still didn't like hearing Kallum say he was ready to kick Lily's ass, even if she may need to be kept in line until he returned. He ignored the possessiveness that was shifting through him like a whirlwind when he thought of Lily.

"That's the point I've been trying to make," Kallum retorted, a hint of steel in his voice. "You don't explain me, just as you don't explain Lily or any of the others. The time for secrecy is past. The Vârcolac aren't hiding any more, Mac. We're joining the Praetorians."

To be continued...