Page 26 of Wicked Vengeance

“We’ve got a plan.” And as if on cue, I hear a vehicle approaching from the long driveway. “We’ve got to go. Call you soon. Just…stay safe. Keep her safe.”

“With my life.”

The same vow she made before she left. I disconnect the call, looking at my brothers.

“She’s safe,” I say, feeling the pressure in my chest lighten just a bit. “Let’s get this done.”

Chapter 19

Alek

The Shadows arrive in waves throughout the early morning hours. We told them not to come in together, not wanting to call any attention to the unmarked driveway hidden at the edge of the forest. When everyone has been accounted for, we split them into groups to get this place ready.

Gage and August have a crew of men he hand-picked for security– unrolling a trip wire and placing it around the perimeter of the entire property. A checkpoint gate and lookout have been erected close to the spot where Raena hid Nightshade from prying eyes. It's not visible from the road, but should anyone dare enter here, they better have a damn good reason.

Royal and Ronan are helping set up camping arrangements. There will be no coming and going until this is over. The only one coming in and out is Ella’s mom, delivering supplies and groceries to feed everyone.

We’ve almost got the last of the cots set up in the makeshift shelter by the time Snow’s crew arrives in the afternoon. We've got a medic station, an armory, holding cells, and we even set up a temporary Playroom in the shed for interrogating. When Maddox gets back with Jackson, everything is ready for him. He and Dax left shortly after breakfast. They should be back anytime now, and we can get started.

I just have to keep my mind occupied until we can make a move. Setting up camp for our men has helped tremendously, but I won’t be able to breathe until our girl is back in our arms and we bring our family home– when King is nothing but a stain on our memories.

“They’re here,” Snow says excitedly, throwing the tent flap back before scurrying out to greet them. Royal and Ronan follow me out behind her.

I don’t know what I was expecting, but three blacked-out SUVs with men dressed head-to-toe in military tactical gear and weapons didn’t make the list. Seven men file out of vehicles once they’ve parked and move in formation towards us, stopping a few paces away. I can’t see their faces with the masks covering them, but tension thickens the air like heavy smog. Unease settles in my gut, a lead weight sinking to the bottom and making itself at home.

“That’s about enough of the posturing bullshit, boys. These are Red’s people. They’re family,” Snow says with her hands on her hips and the five-foot-nothing of confidence only a queen could exude.

“You heard her. Put your fucking weapons away,” the one in the front of the pack says, which I assume is the leader of this little band of soldiers since they all follow his order immediately.

That’s exactly what they are. Soldiers.

The leader pulls off his mask and steps up to Snow, his face its own mask, chiseled from stone and death. They stare at each other for a moment before he smirks and embraces her like a long-lost friend, holding her tightly with his hand cupping her head to his tactical vest and his other massive arm around her back.

“I’ve missed you too, Cross. All of you,” Snow smiles, pulling away to look up at the towering man and scan the men behind him before her voice breaks with emotion. “Red needs us. It’s bad.”

A muscle in his jaw ticks as he clenches his teeth, anger simmering to a boil behind his glacier-blue eyes. He gives a single nod, and with a motion of his hand, the rest of his men fall back to the vehicle, except one. He steps up to us, giving Snow a tight hug.

“You can fill in Grumpy Pants while the rest of us unload. Who do we need to talk to?” Cross asks, looking between us.

“That’d be me,” I say, holding my hand out, which he immediately shakes firmly.

“You Red’s man?” He asks.

“One of them. I’m Alek. This is my brother, Royal,” I say with a wave of my hand. “And our other brother, Maddox, will be back soon.”

His eyes snap to Snow with a wide smirk. “Damn. You really did teach her everything you know, huh?”

“Oh, I certainly did,” she chuckles, smirking right back at him. “Boys, this is Cross and Dekker. Cross is the unofficial leader, and Dekker is the resident medic. You’ll get acquainted with the rest of the crew later, but for now, get them settled before Maddox gets back with tonight’s mission.”

“Come on. I’ll show you around,” I say, motioning towards the tented area behind us.

Royal follows Snow and her entire crew into the house as Dekker and I make the short trek in the opposite direction. My mind wanders as I show him where everything is set up and help them get settled. Grief and longing churn inside me, bubbling beneath the surface like molten lava, ready to spill out and consume everything in its fiery path to find our girl and bring her home.

We have enough men beside us now. We actually stand a chance at storming his mansion and gutting every motherfucker in our way. Now, we just have to wait for Maddox to return, and we can get things moving in the right direction.

Chapter 20

Maddox

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