Page 23 of Alpha Fate

“And bring the whole tunnel down on us?” Callum retorts. “Not a chance.”

As they argue, I rack my brain for a solution. We’re so close. I can’t fail Savannah now.

Suddenly, Casey snaps her fingers. “Got it. Gimme your shirt, Barrett.”

He’s confused. “What?”

“Now!”

With a bewildered look, Barrett strips off his shirt, his shoulders flexing under roped muscles. Casey takes it and creeps toward the detonator, moving agonizingly slowly. When she’s a foot away, she stretches up on her toes and drapes the shirt over the box, completely covering it.

“A proximity detonator needs line of sight,” she explains, glancing back at us. “As long as it’s covered, we should be able to slip past safely.”

It’s risky, but it just might work. We give the covered box a wide berth as we creep forward single file, holding our breath. But the detonator remains silent. The shirt stays in place. We make it past without incident.

Once we’re a safe distance away, we all breathe a little easier. Casey grins as she retrieves the shirt and tosses it back to Barrett. “Knew that would come in handy.”

He snorts but looks impressed. Jagger nods at her appreciatively. “Good thinking, Stone.”

“I think she just wanted to check out my pump.” Barrett bounces his pecs as he shrugs back into his shirt.

“Ass-hat.” Casey rolls her eyes.

As we continue on, I feel the hairs on my neck stand up. We’re getting close now; I can sense it. The faint smell of wolf hangs in the air – Rack’s pack. Revulsion twists my gut. How many innocent women have they dragged here to be abused?

Up ahead, the tunnel opens up into a wider chamber. Jagger signals a halt just shy of the entrance. We gather around as he peers out cautiously.

“Their compound is maybe a hundred yards that way,” he murmurs, pointing. “I can see the perimeter fence and a guard tower.”

My pulse kicks up a notch. Savannah’s so close now. It takes every ounce of willpower not to go tearing recklessly through that fence.

“Alright, Heller, Redburn, Chord, you do this clean and quick,” Jagger continues, straightening. “Neutralize any guards swiftly and silently. Locate Savannah. Extract her without engaging unless absolutely necessary. I know you’re ready for a fight, but that doesn’t mean we want one.” His eyes sweep over us, lingering on me. “Understood?”

I nod. My nerves thrum with anticipation. I check my gun and the spare ammo.

Jagger is still talking. “The rest of us will circle around to the other side of the compound and set up a diversion. That ought to give you enough time to do what you need to do. You remember the plan?”

“Sure.” I swap looks with Barrett and Tarkin, who I know are relying on me to get them in there safely. “Right,” I say. “Let’s do this.”

It’s time.

???

Gage

We slip from the tunnel into the silent compound. It’s eerie – no sound or movement within the fences. But I know Rack’s wolves are out there, waiting. Watching.

We skirt along the perimeter, alert for any sign of guards. But the yard appears deserted. I pause beside a section of fence, examining it closely. Then, Barrett steps forward, and swift as a snake, he tears through the links as if they were little more than cobwebs. The hole gapes wide enough for us to slip through.

One by one, we crawl onto the enemy’s turf. I can feel Savannah’s nearness like a hook lodged beneath my ribs. My wolf stirs restlessly, urging me to find her. Protect her.

I tamp it down. Stealth first. Can’t risk alerting anyone yet. We creep silently between buildings, heading for the main holding structure. Still no guards. It puts my nerves on edge.

Where is everyone?

I gesture ahead to the other two, indicating a structure that I know houses the cells I’d been locked in. They nod in understanding, then drop silently. Within moments, I’m standing beside their hulking wolves; Tarkin’s russet coat picks up the glow of the moon, while Barrett’s mottled pelt is almost camouflaged in the dappled light.

Any minute now, we’re going to encounter Rack’s men, and we need to be at full strength.

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