Duke Charming | Craig

Thirty-Four

"You are not the bait," Craig said after it took him exactly five seconds to process my words.

Apprehension ruled among us after I so boldly claimed to be the one to lure Lucine out. While most of them didn't have any objections to it, some were the definitions of horrified.

My team stared at me with eyes brimming with fear, the idea of me putting myself in danger was enough for them to join Craig's side. As did Ash, Seren and Reyna.

"I'm with Craig on this," Ash said in a beat. "It's too big of a risk, Nel."

"Yeah," Maisie spoke on behalf of my team. "There has to be another way, there always is. Can't it be another living vessel, an animal or something?"

Blake shook his head rapidly. "An animal would be too weak to sustain Lucine. She needs someone strong, someone who could match her in both strength, speed, and agility."

"Which is all the more reason why it can't be Nel," Craig tried reasoning with him and looked at me apologetically. "I'm not saying yer not capable, lass. I just can't risk you getting hurt or worse."

I understood what he meant completely. The fact remained that I couldn't shift, and my abilities only went as far as hiding my scent, and sensing emotions among other things. Although I could heal in seconds, I still didn't possess a werewolf's strength and speed – but that's where the plan would work.

"Craig," I reached for his hands to grab his full attention, "possessing me has been Lucine's plan since the beginning. If I can get her to –"

"To what?" He cut me off defensively. "To take over yer head, to control you? Even if Blake's magic worked, there's still a chance it'll kill you, Nel. The answer's still no. We'll find another way."

I opened my mouth to tell him there was no other way – that what I am was the only thing that could both lure and trap a spirit – but Rheon intervened before the discussion could escalate into an argument. "You're absolutely right, Craig. I agree, we'll find another way."

I was instantly shocked how quickly he switched sides. The plan was brilliant, everyone had a role and I had mine. It was foolproof. But when Craig was looking, I caught the wink Rheon sent me, a silent message that he was onboard with me being the bait if I was comfortable with it.

What Craig didn't know could as well save us from being wiped out by an angry spirit.

"We're going to need an alternative living vessel, Blake. Get creative." Rheon's prolonged gaze at the young warlock was enough to convey the secret message to him as well. "Nel, perhaps you should –"

"Stay in the bunker, with the others" Craig finished that sentence and slowly backed me up to those staying behind. "Where yer safe and where I won't be fearin' for yer life."

I nodded, pretending to agree with him. "Fine. Just...be careful, alright? All of you."

"We protect each other," Ash smiled to ease my concern, completely unaware of the silent conversation I had with her mate a moment ago.

With everyone ready to head out, those who stayed behind said their goodbye. It was nerve-wrecking to think that no one's safety was guaranteed when they stepped out of the bunker. As strong and capable as they were and despite the solid plan Rheon devised, accidents could happen. All it took was one misstep for someone to get hurt...or worse.

Although I'm not sitting out of the fight, I still feared that something would happen to Craig while I wasn't there. I almost scoffed at the thought – as if I could protect him. But that didn't mean I wouldn't try. Hell, I would jump between him and a possessed beast if it would save his life.