Chapter 33 + Pants > Kent wasn't sure when Riley had fallen asleep. He had been packing, trying to ignore the sense of unease that was running through him when he noticed her slumped slightly to the side. He watched her for a moment, the steady rise and fall of her chest, the way her lips puffed slightly when she breathed out. After a moment he crossed the room, carefully scooping her legs up and moving her so she was laying down comfortably. He grabbed a spare blanket from the closet and draped it over her. He was watching her sleep when he heard the knock at the door. He crossed the room in a few strides, pulling it open to see Patrick and Max on the other side. "Just saw Leo downstairs," Max said, pushing into the room. "I told him to take the Lexus for the drive." Kent grabbed Max's shoulder, halting his progress into the room and motioning towards where Riley was sleeping on the couch. "In the hallway, please," he whispered. Max and Patrick both stared at Riley for a moment before walking out. Kent left the door cracked open so he could hear if she woke up. "Is she ok?" Max asked, his forehead creasing. "I don't know," Kent answered, leaning against the wall. "She fell asleep right after she came in here. She's just been so sick. I'm worried about her." "I didn't know she was that sick," Max said. "She said something about not feeling well this morning, but I didn't realize it was that bad." "I don't want to leave her like this." Kent glanced back towards the door. "I know," Patrick said softly, "but we also need this alliance. If the scouting reports are right, the threat is only growing. We need those warriors." "Yeah," Max agreed, "we really need to get this situation under control." "Speaking of that," Kent murmured, "she figured out that we know what the rogues are after." "s**t," Max hissed. "How did she figure that out?" "She can tell when I lie." Kent ran his hand through his hair again. "Leo asked if I knew what the rogues were after and I said no. She knew immediately that I was lying." "I knew it," Patrick groaned. "I could see it in her face. I was honestly surprised she didn't call you out right then." "Me too," Kent admitted. "I thought for a moment I got away with it, but she brought it up later." "What did you tell her?" Max asked, "Just that I need to talk to the other people involved before I disclose anything. She wasn't happy with that answer, but she agreed to wait until I come back. I can't put her off forever though. We're going to have to tell her," "She works for the council, Kent." Max's voice shot up. "She'll report us. Mate or not, she'll still do her f*****g job, Do you know what this could do to me and Penny?" 1/3 "Shhh," Kent hushed him. "You'll wake her up." He glanced at the door before looking back. "Just talk to Penny while I'm gone. We can discuss everything when I get back. Right now the most important thing to me is that the two of you keep an eye on Riley. If she gets worse, take her to the hospital and call me right away." "Of course," Patrick said quietly. "You need to focus on the alliance right now. One problem at a time, ok? We need those warriors." "Just please..." Kent swallowed, the unease from earlier flowing through him again. "If anything happens to her, I don't..." He closed his eyes for a moment. "Hey," Max said gently, grabbing Kent's shoulder, "we'll look out for her. She's going to be our luna soon enough anyway, right?" "I hope so." Kent sighed. "I'll call you guys when we get to New Dawn, ok?" ** Riley hurried back towards the couch when she realized that Max and Patrick were leaving. Her hands were shaking as she slid them under her legs, watching the door open all the way, Kent illuminated in the light of the hallway. "Hey," he said softly, smiling when he saw her. "You're awake." She nodded, not trusting herself to talk, still trying to process what she had just overheard. "I have to leave in a few minutes," he said, walking over to his bed and zipping up the suitcase. Riley watched him, trying to figure out what the ranked members were hiding. What could possibly affect Max and Penny more than anyone else? Max had not struck her as someone with something to hide. Suddenly Kent sat down next to her, causing her to start slightly. He furrowed his brow as he took her hand. "Are you ok?" "Yes," she finally managed to say. "I was talking and I think you were somewhere else." He ran his fingers over the back of her hand, sparks and tingles running up her arm. She shook her head slightly. "Sorry, I was just trying to figure something out. I'm still a little groggy." "Will you be ok?" She could hear the worry in his voice. She forced a small smile. "I'll be fine." "I don't have to go," he whispered, his blue eyes almost pleading. "Don't be ridiculous. You know you need to go. You need this alliance." He frowned. "I know. But please go see Lana if you're feeling worse." "I will," she promised, ignoring the urge to roll her eyes. He leaned forward and kissed her forehead softly. She closed her eyes, leaning into him slightly. "Walk with me to the elevator," he whispered against her skin. 213 524 E Vote