Clyde looked just as taken aback when he turned to him. "I thought you knew the protocols."
Ryley stared at him. "What protocols, Clyde? What are you talking about?"
A quiet exhale left the Alpha. He pinched the bridge of his nose, tension surfacing, then reached out and caught Ryley's wrist before he could step any farther away.
"Ryder isn't allowed to leave Headquarters," Clyde said steadily. "He has to remain here while I'm gone."
His grip wasn't forceful—but it was firm.
"If you come with me to Berlin," he continued, eyes locking onto Ryley's, "then who's going to stay and look after him?"
Ryley's lips parted in disbelief. "Why should Ryder and I stay behind while you and Rosie are going?"
The question came out strained, agitation barely contained.
Clyde stood, closing the distance between them. He took Ryley's other hand, holding both now, thumbs stroking gently over his skin in a patient attempt to calm him.
