We make it back to the pack house as the sun is setting and I briefly contemplate going back to my room. I'm not exactly thrilled to continue my conversation with Killian from earlier, but after my little heart to heart with Patrick, I realize I owe it to both of us to at least try.

My phone rings as I walk up the stairs to his office; my heart skips a beat when I see who it is.

"General Sage," I answer nervously.

"Rey. I trust you've been busy gathering information for us and that's why you've been unable to call me back," he responds.

His voice sounds friendly enough, but I can hear the annoyance laced in his words.

The door to Killian's office swings open, no doubt he's been waiting on my return, and I put a finger to my mouth to warn him to stay quiet as I step inside, closing the door behind me.

"Yes, I think you'll be quite happy with what I've learned."

Killian quirks an eyebrow at me, his jaw set almost angrily when he realizes who I'm talking to. I shake my head at him slightly, hoping he doesn't blow this for me.

"I'm all ears."

"Killian isn't planning a war. At least not yet."

I hear a noise in the background; I realize General Sage dropped whatever he was doing, giving me his full attention.

"Go on."

"As far as I know, he's gathering information on all of the other alphas to use to his benefit, but he isn't planning a war. You were given a bad lead."

"And why would he need this information if he wasn't planning something?"

"Blackmail, I guess," I shrug, even though he can't see it. "He can hold it over their heads in case he needs a favor."

Killian is grinning at me, obviously pleased that I'm covering for him. I know this won't hold General Sage off for long, but I just need more time. I need to sit with Killian and formulate a plan, figure out who we can and can't trust.

"And don't you think these favors will be beneficial for a war?" His frustrated voice sighs.

Damn. He isn't buying it.

"I-I'm not sure. I'll call you when I get more information," I hang up quickly without waiting for a response.

"Thank you," Killian says softly.

"For?"

I rub my fingers along my temples, trying to alleviate the headache I feel forming.

"For trying to cover for me."

"I think I just made everything worse," I groan.

"He was already suspicious of me, you were just trying to buy some time."

He runs his index finger along his lips, that damn delectable motion stopping any thought process that may have helped form an idea to get us out of the mess I just made.

"Stop licking your lips, Rey," he murmurs.

"Hmm?"

I'm vaguely aware that he's moving closer to me, but I can't take my eyes off those lips.

"Don't think I've forgotten that we have a conversation to finish," he whispers.

"Mhmm," I respond, distracted.

He's standing directly in front of me now, his body pressed so close to mine that I feel my back press up against the wall. I look up at him through my lashes and lick my lips again, pointedly and deliberately.

A growl forms low in his throat, his eyes light up with salacious intent.

I push back my urge to run, to shut him out, and let myself enjoy the moment, however fleeting it may be. Killian skims his nose along mine softly. I tilt my face up in the hopes that his lips will come in contact with mine, but he pulls his face away, ever so slightly, so that we don't connect.

"Tease," I whisper huskily.

"Do you want this, Rey?" He whispers back, his voice rough with desire.

I simply nod, too afraid to speak. He reaches behind him to lock his office door and I feel my insides tighten in anticipation. The hand he used to lock the door reaches up to caress my arm, leaving a trail of feather-light touches before cupping my face, surprisingly gently

for Killian's large, rugged hands.

I place both of my hands on his chest for support as I stand up on my toes so that I'm eye level with him, his golden orbs locking with my grey ones. This time, I don't give him the chance to pull away and place my lips on his.

I barely apply pressure, just allow my lips to lightly graze his, but Killian has other ideas. He deepens the kiss before lifting me up against the wall, his hands firmly gripping my ass. His leg slides up in between mine, applying pressure where I want it the most.

Before I can stop myself, I let out a soft moan and run my fingers through Killian's chestnut locks, grasping it tightly. He rewards me with a moan in return before I pull his bottom lip between my teeth.

We're both out of breath and panting, but I rock my hips agains his leg anyways in a way that I never thought I- a cold, heartless Warrior- was capable of.

Killian removes one hand from my ass while still gripping it firmly with the other. I whine at the loss of contact, but that same hand reaches into the waistband of my pants to rub up against me lightly. I moan again, desperately trying to increase the pressure of his fingers against me.

His mouth widens into a half-smirk against mine as he pulls his hand away, teasing me.

"You better not start something you don't intend on finishing," I growl breathlessly.

"Yes Ma'am," he replies smugly, returning his fingers to their delicious torture.

I move to pull his shirt over his head, dragging my fingers over his lean muscles, leaving goosebumps in their wake. I allow myself a moment of satisfaction knowing I affect him as much as he affects me.

This time, I don't shy away from the sight of his bare chest. This time, I allow my eyes to roam appreciatively over the contours of his body.

I try to make quick work of his pants, but he grips my wrist suddenly, stopping me. I pull back to look at him, confused and a little hurt, but there's a far-off look in his eyes that I recognize all too well.

Someone from the pack is mindlinking him.

I place my feet back on the ground, trying to catch my breath and slow my heart rate. My skin still feels overheated, but the look on Killian's distracted face has me on edge.

"Rey, we need to go. Now." His eyes are full of concern and I can hear the distress in his voice. "One of our pack members is missing."