Page 105 of Escape from the Green

My eyes sought Kieran, finding a muscle ticking in his jaw, but unable to determine if it was because he was pissed, or just remnants of his anger from the argument.

"We will not force anyone to do anything they do not wish to do," Drayven said, tone raising so those around us could hear. "Many of you do not understand the risks of leaving our land, going out beyond the veil. We have survived because no one knew we even existed, because no one can find us. Leaving here could be a suicide mission. It could put you at risk. It could put all of us at risk. But," he added when both mine and Smoky's voice opened to object. "We have also come to recognize that not everyone here continues to support the ideals our society agree to many years ago. That is an issue for another day. Many other days," he specified.

"What are you saying, Drayven?" I asked, voice hardly more than a growl, frustrated, antsy, sick to my stomach.

"I am saying that if you have some men or women who would like to help you, they are free to do so. With the understanding that if trouble follows you, you may not lead it back here."

As if anyone would want to put the whole clan at risk, all the innocent children.

"If you go out there, you are on your own," Foren added, defeated, but too prideful to admit it. "We will not come for you. We will not save you from whatever fate might befall you."

"Like your dusty old ass can save anyone," Smoky mumbled under her breath, making Sal knock his hip into hers to tell her to behave even as he fought the smile on his face.

"We ask that mothers of small offspring do not volunteer," Aurelia's voice rose up. "Or sole caregivers to someone elderly. And, of course, elders will be forbidden."

My gaze went to Kieran, understanding the ticking in his jaw.

"Otherwise," Drayven concluded, "you are free to go with Drake should you wish." With that, he, Aurelia, Borena, and Foren turned and left.

"I'm coming," Kieran declared immediately after they were out of earshot. "Fuck my position on the council."

"You have no idea what that might mean for you when you get back," I reminded him.

"Some things are worth the possible consequences."

One.

That was one.

Smoky turned, pinning her focus on Tsar. "You. With all the testosterone and posturing. Are you coming?"

"You gonna ride on my back, babe?"

Two.

Even if she wouldn't, he was coming. If for no other reason than the bragging rights he would use to get women into bed when we got back.

"Been dying to get into the outside world," another voice raised, someone I didn't know, young, but old enough.

Three.

"I don't have any small children," my mother declared, stepping forward.

"No, me," my father decided. "The girls still need you," he added, giving her a warm smile.

Four.

A trio of chest-puffing young men were next.

Seven.

"Eh, fuck it, sounds like fun," a woman declared, stepping forward, her fire-red hair making me momentarily wonder how I had missed her before. Younger than me, surely, but definitely old enough.

Tsar's eyes lit up, making it clear there was at least one woman in the clan who had resisted his charms.

Eight.

"Could use a story to tell my grandkids," an older man decided, shrugging as he stepped forward.