‘Did you see that, Caden?’
‘Yes. We need to get Mark and his men here now.’
‘I’ll clear some plates and get Jena to link him. Tell Ryan and May to get prepared.’
I stand up too quickly, nearly knocking over my chair. My hands tremble as I gather mine and Caden’s plates, doing everything I can to keep my expression neutral.
“Help me with the cake, Jena?” I ask, forcing a smile and tilting my head toward the pantry.
She nods and follows without question.
The second the door clicks shut behind us, I collapse. Not physically—but my chest caves in, and I suck in a desperate breath like I’ve been drowning.
The air is still and cool in here. Away from them. Away from him. My throat tightens as I finally let the panic show.
“You need to link Uncle Mark—now,” I whisper, voice shaking. “Tell
