Chapter 46

Simon's pov I wasn't an overly suspicious person and I was easily trusting even when I should be cautious. I watched the female warrior, Lainey, closely. Her injuries were still visible, but the wariness in her eyes had nothing to do with pain. She wasn't just some broken soldier. No, there was calculation behind those soft words and submissive posture. And the way she looked at Aisha… too familiar, too reverent. Like she already knew who held the true power in this pack. I didn't like it. I was jealous of the way she looked at my mate. Only I was allowed to look at her like that. I stood at the end of the infirmary bed, arms folded, gaze sharp. "Tell me again, why should I trust you?" Lainey met my eyes without flinching. Brave. Or reckless. I didn't know which. "The first man you captured," she said quietly, "was Alpha Brayden's Beta. His name is Calder. He was sent to assess your defenses, sabotage your healers, and report back." "And how do I know you're not part of that same plan?