Page 36 of Something Worth Keeping
“Everyone says that.”
Silas was watching their interaction with clinical fascination. “The resonance is already strengthening. Look at how his shadows respond when Julian speaks.”
Cillian looked down. His shadows were indeed wrapping around Julian’sankles, winding up his calves like vines. He hadn’t even noticed.
Julian didn’t seem bothered. “Is this going to happen constantly?”
“Probably,” Cillian admitted.
“Will it interfere with my mobility?”
“No. They’ll move with you.”
“Then I’ll adapt.” Julian addressed the group. “So, ward specifications, workspace requirements, and a schedule for eliminating Marcus Vane. What’s the tactical timeline?”
Thorn’s expression shifted to something almost like approval. “Direct. I appreciate that.”
“I don’t see the point in pretending I’m not actively involved in this situation.” Julian’s matter-of-fact tone brooked no argument. “Vane wants to question me about what I witnessed. You want to eliminate Vane to neutralize the threat both tome and the community overall. I have information that may be tactically useful. Therefore, I should be included in planning sessions.”
“Absolutely not,” Cillian said immediately. “You’ll stay here where it’s safe while we handle Vane.”
Julian turned to look at him, and Cillian recognized the expression. The one that meant Julian was about to correct him, probably with citations.
“Actually,” Julian said, “I witnessed the initial incident. I have geographical knowledge of the warehouse district that may prove useful. And based on your reaction in the alley, your judgment is compromised where my safety is concerned. Therefore, excluding me from tactical planning is strategically unsound.”
Rook made another strangled noise. “Oh, he’s arguing with you. This is amazing.”
“He has a point,” Silas observed.
“He’s not going anywhere near Vane,” Cillian growled.
“Obviously not,” Julian agreed. “I got close enough to him an hour ago, and it wasn’t him in the alley. But I can provide intelligence and strategic input from this location. Unless you’re suggesting my cognitive abilities are somehow impaired by being human?”
“Your cognitive abilities are perfect. You’re perfect. That’s why you’re staying here in our fortified warehouse where nothing can touch you.” Cillian needed Julian to understand how important his safety was. Cillian’s sanity depended on it.
“That’s not a logical argument, that’s emotional reasoning.”
“I’m allowed emotional reasoning where your safety is concerned!”
Julian did that little head tilt again, and Cillian let out a breath. At leasthis mate was considering his counterargument. “That’s actually fair. The mate bond does create emotional bias.” He turned to Thorn. “With Cillian’s judgment compromised, what is your assessment of my proposed involvement in tactical planning?”
Thorn studied Julian for a long moment, and Cillian saw the exact instant his brother decided Julian was worth protecting.
“Your input would be valuable for intelligence gathering,” Thorn said. “But field deployment is out of the question.”
“Agreed,” Julian said immediately. “I have no combat training and would be a liability in active engagement.” He looked at Cillian. “So, we have a compromise. I provide strategic consultation from a secure location. You handle all direct confrontations with Vane’s forces. Acceptable?”
Cillian wanted to argue. He wanted to lock Julian in his third-floor quarters and stand guard until every threat was eliminated. But Julian was right - his judgment was compromised, and excluding his mate from the planning would only make Julian feel like a prisoner instead of a partner.
“Acceptable,” Cillian conceded. “But the secure location is non-negotiable.”
“Obviously.”
“And you will follow every safety protocol exactly as outlined.”
“I wouldn’t deviate from established safety protocols. That would be stupid.”
Rook grinned at Cillian. “He called you stupid.”
