Isaac grunted in agreement.“They’ve been doing perimeter sweeps, too.Not the smartest plan, but I guess guilt makes good motivation.”
Saffie sighed, pressing a hand over her eyes.“Idiots.”
Willow smirked.“Five overgrown idiots with great abs, but idiots nonetheless.”
Saffie tried not to laugh but failed.“True.Still idiots.”She looked back down over the railing, the weight of decision already settling in her gut.“Hunter and Lennox can come up.They can sleep on the couch, keep an eye on Brielle.The rest stay outside.Ursula doesn’t need more chaos tonight.”
Nolan tilted his head.“Think they’ll listen?”
“No,” Saffie said without hesitation.“But I’m good at convincing men to do what I want.Magic will help me if I need it.”
Willow snorted.“Remind me never to piss you off.”
Saffie grabbed her jacket, the leather creaking softly in the cool night air.She tugged it over her shoulders, squared her stance, and headed for the stairs.Behind her, she heard Isaac murmur to Nolan, “I’m not sure what’s scarier—her magic or that tone when she uses it.”
Nolan’s quiet laugh followed her down.“Both, probably.”
After taking the lift down to the ground floor, she stepped out onto the street.The night air was crisp and smelled faintly of rain and asphalt.As soon as she stepped into the street, five heads snapped up.The men straightened instantly, instincts kicking in.They were all broad-shouldered silhouettes in the streetlight, and despite herself, Saffie couldn’t help thinking how intimidating they looked—and how utterly miserable.
Hunter stepped forward first, the gravelly edge of his voice cutting through the silence.“Is she okay?”
“She’s fine,” Saffie said, folding her arms.“Resting.You two—” she pointed at the bears “—can come up.Quietly.You’re on guard duty tonight.No talking, no touching, no waking her.”
Lennox blew out a breath like he’d been holding it for hours.“Thank you.”His voice cracked slightly, and Saffie’s irritation softened a little.
Landon stood apart from the group, his posture rigid.“Tell her I’m sorry,” he said hoarsely.“For all of it.I thought I knew what I was feeling, but I didn’t.I just ...made everything worse.”
Saffie’s expression softened, but only slightly.“You’ll get your chance to make it right, but not tonight.Right now, you give her space.”
He nodded slowly.“Make sure she’s safe.”
“Always have, always will,” she said.And she meant it.
Colt chuckled low, trying to ease the tension.“You witches sure know how to keep a man humble.”
“Good,” Saffie said pointedly.“Keeps you alive longer.”
Braydon stepped forward, his golden eyes catching the light.“Tell Ursula we’re not giving up on her.She can curse us, hex us, throw us into traffic—I don’t care.We’ll still be here.”
Saffie let out a soft laugh.“You’re either brave or stupid.”
Colt grinned.“Bit of both.”
Hunter cleared his throat.“You done?”he asked the lions, though his tone carried a note of reluctant amusement.
Saffie lifted a hand before any more banter could start.“Look, you all want to fix things, good.But you don’t fix what’s broken in one night.You show up, you stay steady, and you don’t push.Got it?”
Lennox nodded.“Got it.”
“Good.”She stepped back toward the door.“Now, try not to do anything stupid while I’m gone.It’s late, and if you scare the neighbors, I’m not bailing you out.”
Colt smiled faintly.“We’ll behave.”
“Doubt it,” Saffie muttered, but the corner of her mouth twitched.
As she turned to leave, Hunter and Lennox right behind her, Landon called out softly, “Thank you, Saffie.”
She looked back at him.His expression was raw, honest.“Don’t thank me yet,” she said quietly.“You still have a lot to make up for.”