Nick didn’t miss the flinch in Peri’s face at his request. But she waved them over despite whatever reservations she held. “Jewel, Stella, Heather, and Anna, please come with us.”
The four girls started forward, and their mates followed, but Peri shook her head. “Not you,” she told the males. “Trust me, please.”
“Not to be rude,” Ciro spoke up, “but your track record is not great right now, Perizada.”
“Your own mate isn’t going to allow you to walk into the room without being at your side. Why should we have to wait here without our mates?” Dalton asked, his voice dark as he stared daggers at her. They had a rough history, and apparently her recent behavior hadn’t done them any favors.
“I understand your protests,” Peri said. “But your mates will be safe. And this is about preserving N
