Page 97 of Yours

“There won’t be,” I said, my voice cold and certain.

Declan adjusted the screen, highlighting the narrow dirt road leading up to the cabin. “This is your approach. It’s tight, butthere’s enough cover to keep you out of sight. The distraction goes off on the south side in five minutes. That’ll give you a clean window to get in through the north entrance.”

Seamus joined us, his expression grim as he scanned the map. “Perimeter team’s ready. We’ll cover the exits and keep the guards busy while you move in.”

“Good,” I said, glancing around at the men gathered in the clearing. “Everyone knows the plan. This isn’t about glory. We’re not here to make a scene. We’re here to get Leena out and take the Ivanovich family off the board. Understood?”

A murmur of agreement rippled through the entire group, the determination in their eyes mirroring my own.

“Let’s move,” I said, the words cutting through the air like a blade.

The Murphys and my men dispersed quickly, each team taking their positions with practiced efficiency.

I motioned for Ada, Kieran, and Bradan to follow as we moved toward the tree line. The woods were deathly quiet as we moved through the dense underbrush, every footstep muffled by the damp earth beneath our boots. The faint rustle of leaves overhead was the only sound that accompanied us as we closed the distance to the cabin.

Ada took the lead. Kieran flanked her, moving quickly and efficiently, clearing the way for us. Bradan moved just behind me, his rifle at the ready, his eyes scanning the shadows for any sign of movement. The rest of the entry team followed in a tight formation.

Declan’s voice crackled softly in my earpiece. “You’re approaching the perimeter. Guards are holding steady—half a dozen at the north entrance, armed. You’re still clear to proceed.”

“Understood,” I muttered, motioning for my group to hold as we crouched just beyond the tree line.

Ahead, the cabin loomed in the darkness, its faint glow visible through the thick cover of trees. The guards at the north entrance were stationed just outside the door, their silhouettes barely discernible against the faint light spilling from a nearby window.

“Declan,” I whispered. “Distraction ready?”

“On your signal,” he replied.

I glanced at Bradan, his jaw tight as he watched the guards. He nodded once, his expression hard. Ada and Kieran waited beside me.

“Now,” I said into the comm.

A sudden burst of sound shattered the stillness—a deafening crack followed by the whistling scream of fireworks. The sky to the south lit up in a cascade of red and gold, the light spilling through the trees in vivid flashes.

The guards turned immediately, their attention snapping toward the commotion. One of them muttered something in Russian, his hand moving to his radio as the other raised his weapon, scanning the southern horizon.

“Move,” I hissed.

We surged forward, our footsteps silent as we closed the distance to the cabin. The guards were distracted, their focus entirely on the fireworks. Ada was the first to strike, her silenced pistol snapping twice in quick succession. Two guards dropped before they could react, their bodies slumping to the ground. Kieran popped off several shots at the same time that Bradan pulled the trigger on his gun, dropping several more. I took care of the last two myself.

“Clear,” Bradan whispered, his voice steady.

I signaled for the team to follow as we slipped through the north entrance, the door swinging open without a sound. Inside, the cabin was dark, the faint creak of the floorboards beneath our boots the only audible noise.

Declan’s voice came through the comm again, calm and collected. “Four guards on the second floor. Two near the target room. No movement from the others.”

I motioned for the team to split, half of them moving to secure the ground floor while Ada, Kieran, Bradan, and I led the rest up the narrow staircase.

Ahead, the door to the west room was slightly ajar, faint voices in Russian carrying through the hall.

I raised my hand, signaling for the team to hold as I crept closer. Peering through the gap, I caught a glimpse of Leena—her hands bound, her face pale. Two men stood near her, their backs turned to the door, their weapons slung casually over their shoulders. A third stood by the window.

Rage burned hot in my chest, but I forced it down, my focus razor-sharp. I glanced back at Ada, who gave a single nod, her pistol at the ready.

On my signal, we moved.

The first guard didn’t have time to react. Ada’s silenced shot hit him clean in the back of the head, his body crumpling to the floor. The second spun around, his weapon half-raised, but I was faster. My knife found its mark, the blade sinking into his throat before he could make a sound. Kieran took care of the other guard with a swift shot to the back of the head.

Leena’s eyes widened, her breath hitching as recognition dawned.

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