Chapter 153: # Chapter 153

Kira's POV

I stood in the middle of what felt like a battlefield, my body physically between Andy and Rocco. The tension in the room was thick enough to cut with a knife, making it hard to breathe. Andy's face was set in that stubborn expression I was starting to recognize, his jaw clenched and eyes fixed on Rocco with unmistakable distrust. Rocco, for his part, maintained that infuriating mask of calm, but I could see the tightness in his shoulders, the way his fingers flexed slightly at his sides. His Alpha energy radiated through the room, a pressure that made the hair on my arms stand up.

The rest of the team had fallen into an uncomfortable silence. Vanessa and Rebecca exchanged worried glances across the table. I caught my mother's eyes briefly, and the concern there surprised me. This whole situation was spiraling out of control, and I needed to get it back on track—fast.

"Kira doesn't need to put herself at risk again," Andy said firmly, breaking the tense silence. His voice was steady but I could hear the protective edge underneath.

Rocco's eyes narrowed slightly. "And your plan is what exactly? To let her face Ethan? Don't forget, she's exactly who he wants."

"At least we know Ethan's motives," Andy shot back, taking a half-step forward. "Your motives, on the other hand, are still a question mark, Rocco."

I felt rather than saw Rocco stiffen beside me. The temperature in the room seemed to drop several degrees.

"I don't need to explain my decisions to you, Andy." Rocco's voice was deadly quiet. "Especially not when it comes to Kira's safety."

My heart hammered against my ribs. This was getting worse by the second. These two powerful men were locked in some ridiculous dominance battle, and meanwhile, Ethan and Lyra were out there planning God knows what.

Rocco turned to me then, his blue eyes intense as they fixed on mine. "I won't let you walk into danger again when I can't protect you."

The finality in his tone made something snap inside me. Who the hell did he think he was, making pronouncements about what I would or wouldn't do?

I raised both hands, palm out. "Enough!" My voice came out sharper than I intended, but it had the desired effect. Both men fell silent, their attention shifting to me. "In case you've both forgotten, we're facing a crisis that affects the entire werewolf community."

I turned to Andy first, trying to soften my expression. "I understand your concerns, I really do. But Rocco does have more experience dealing with Ethan."

Andy's face clouded. "Your safety should be determined by you, not dictated by him." He shot a dark look at Rocco. "Or have you forgotten how he manipulated you before?"

I winced internally. Low blow, but not entirely unfair.

"She's not a child, Andy," Rocco countered. "She understands the tactical advantage of working with me on this."

"Do I?" I thought bitterly. Did I understand anything anymore? I felt caught between two impossible choices—Andy's concern and respect versus Rocco's experience and power. My head started to throb.

I took a deep breath, weighing my options. Without Rocco's support, our chances of success would diminish significantly. He knew Ethan better than anyone, had resources we needed. But working with him would put strain on whatever was developing between me and Andy.

God, why did everything have to be so complicated? I just wanted to stop Ethan and Lyra before they hurt anyone else.

"Working with Rocco is the right call," a small voice in my head whispered. "Personal feelings aside, he gives us our best shot."

I felt my shoulders straighten as I made my decision. The mission had to come first. My feelings—whatever confused mess they were—would have to wait.

"I've made my decision," I announced, my voice steady despite the storm inside me. "I'll go with Rocco to investigate the research facility."

Andy's face fell, the hurt in his eyes making my stomach twist. He struggled to maintain his professional demeanor. "If that's what you think is best..."

I wanted to reach out to him, to explain, but this wasn't the time or place. Instead, I turned to the whole group, deliberately shifting into planning mode.

"Now, let's get specific about each team's objectives. Andy, you'll lead the warehouse surveillance operation. I want hourly check-ins and immediate notification if Ethan appears."

Andy nodded stiffly, pulling up the building schematics on his tablet.

"Jennifer, your team will investigate the pharmaceutical factory. Look for any sign of recent activity, but maintain distance if you find anything. This is reconnaissance only."

I continued assigning roles, feeling more in control as we focused on the details. Rebecca would coordinate communications from the base, while Vanessa surprised me by offering her family's resources to gather additional intelligence.

"I still have contacts who can discreetly track unusual werewolf movements," she said, avoiding my eyes. "I'll work with Rebecca."

"Thank you," I said, genuinely appreciative. At least someone was being helpful without drama.

As we finalized equipment needs and communication protocols, the tension in the room gradually shifted from personal conflict to professional focus. Team members began preparing their gear, checking weapons, and configuring communication devices.

When the meeting broke up, Andy approached me as I was reviewing the facility schematics one more time.

"Can we talk for a minute?" he asked quietly.

I followed him to a corner of the room, away from the others. His eyes searched mine, concern written all over his face.

"I respect your decision," he began, though his tone suggested otherwise. "But I need you to promise me something."

"What is it?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Andy's eyes were intense, his hand gently touching my arm. "Stay in constant communication. If anything feels off—anything at all—call for backup immediately. Don't let personal history cloud your judgment."

The unspoken message was clear: Don't trust Rocco completely.

"I know how to protect myself, Andy," I said, touching his cheek lightly. "This is just about mission assignment, nothing more."

He leaned closer, his voice dropping even lower. "I'm not just worried about the mission. After last night..." He paused, struggling to find the right words. "I don't trust his motives. Not anymore."

A flash of guilt hit me as I remembered our kiss on the balcony and Rocco watching us. But I pushed it aside. I couldn't afford to second-guess myself now.

"I'll be careful," I promised. "You focus on the warehouse. That's where Ethan is most likely to show up."

I returned to my preparations, checking my equipment with methodical precision. I packed the experimental antidote to the memory drug that Rebecca had developed, hoping we wouldn't need it. I changed into dark tactical gear, pulling my hair back into a tight ponytail that wouldn't get in my way.

Before leaving, I stopped by my father's room, making sure his security detail was doubled. Seeing him lying there, still and vulnerable, strengthened my resolve. I would finish this—for him, for all of us.

When I arrived at Rocco's private garage, he was already waiting beside a black armored SUV. His expression was unreadable as he opened the passenger door for me.

"Ready?" he asked, his voice strictly professional.

I nodded, keeping my own expression neutral. "Let's go. Remember, our primary objective is to find details of Ethan's plan, not engage directly."

Rocco started the engine. "This isn't my first reconnaissance mission, Kira."

I fastened my seatbelt, settling into the leather seat. "But it is our first time working together... after last night. I need to know you can keep this professional."

His knuckles whitened slightly on the steering wheel. "I'm always professional. Even after seeing you and Andy."

The words hung in the air between us as we pulled out of the garage. Through the window, I caught sight of Andy standing at the entrance, watching our departure with a worried expression. My stomach knotted with doubt—had I made the right choice?

The communication device in my ear crackled to life. "All teams, maintain open channels," Andy's voice came through. "Kira... stay safe."