He feared someone might notice the cracks in his and Zion's act, or worse, deliberately delay Zion to buy time and force Addison to continue with her plan. There was also the unsettling possibility that the Golden Hue Pack's territory was already under surveillance, every movement quietly monitored.
Yet they had no choice but to let Zion leave at this hour.
If Zion had departed too early, their enemy would have realized they had uncovered something and would have done everything possible to obstruct him. But now that the convoy had been safely escorted to the settlement, Zion's return could be easily justified as nothing more than a mate longing to be by Addison's side. Maxwell staying behind only reinforced the illusion, making it seem as though their attention remained firmly on the supplies and nothing else.
Not on the demonic insects.
Not on the impending infusion of demonic energy that would amplify their strength.
