Page 54 of Stealing Sloane

During the long drive, Sloane and Jacob strategized about how they were going to infiltrate Ronan’s office. They decided to tell no one else about their plan, to prevent any blowback on the New York or Shenandoah clans if something went wrong. Sloane didn’t want to alert her contacts either, just in case, so she didn’t dare press them for information. They were on their own for this one.

Sloane had to admit it was exhilarating, planning with Jacob, poking holes into their strategy, making backups and contingencies. It also distracted her from that soul-searing kiss he gave her, as well as other things on her mind, things she would rather not think about.

Don’t you know why? Why I would do anything for you? Why I would burn the world for you?

If he didn’t say it, then she wasn’t going to put words in his mouth.

“You ready?” Jacob said.

“As I’ll ever be.”

He handed her an oar. “Let’s do this.”

They arrived in Boston by early evening, abandoning the pickup truck in a garage in Chinatown, then set off on foot toward the waterfront. Since she already infiltrated the warehouse via land the last time, Ronan would have patched up any vulnerabilities around the area and likely double the guards and cameras. However, one entrance into the docks he wouldn’t be able to control was via the harbor itself. Sloane easily stole one of the rubber boats the many tourist cruise companies kept on standby for emergencies. Since they didn’t want to alert any of Ronan’s men, they paddled out toward the warehouse. It took much longer without the help of the motor, but thankfully, with their Lycan strength, they managed to get close to the docks without breaking a sweat. They maneuvered toward one of the large container ships parked on the dock, the large shadow of the massive boat effectively hiding them.

From here on out, they couldn’t speak, as anyone with enhanced senses would be able to hear them. Jacob slipped into the water first, then Sloane followed. She gagged from the smell, but swimming up to the dock was the only way they could go in undetected. They swam toward the wall and climbed up the side using one of the ladders. She pointed to the warehouse at the far end. It was a long way, and there would be cameras all over the place, probably more since Sloane attacked them. However, as long as they used their Lycan speed to dart through the port area, it would be difficult for cameras to pick them up. Carefully, they made their way across from the entrance, toward the main warehouse.

They remained in the shadows, pressing themselves up against the wall as they crept toward the back. The entrance there was now sealed and welded shut, probably because Sloane had used it the last time. But the door didn’t stand a chance against Jacob’s fire powers. As soon as the metal hinges melted away, he carefully pushed it open. She nodded at theenclosed office area, and they made their way inside. Her eyes immediately went toward the far end.

There it was.The safe.Had she known the possible hidden treasure in there a year ago, she would have just ignored Ronan and focused on the safe. She tiptoed across the room for a closer look.

Yes!

It was the exact make and model she thought it was. Part of her work training for the clan was to recognize the different types of locks and safes in the market, knowing their features, the combination length, and everything else she needed to crack it. She was practically a walking catalogue for those safe companies. She ran her hands over the cool metal.

Standard mechanical combination lock. Six digits.

Lowering herself to her knees, she pressed her ear near the dial. Thanks to her heightened hearing, she didn’t need any kind of listening device. Closing her eyes, she began to turn the dial, listening for the tell-tale clicks.

Thirty-four left.

Twenty-two right.

Three left.

“Sloane,” came the urgent whisper in her other ear.

“Shh.” She held a hand up.

“Sloane, someone’s here.”

Her heart stuttered. “What?”

“I can hear them … more than one.”

“It’s Saturday night, no one works here on Saturdays.”Fuck!A terrible feeling crept into her chest.

“Maybe they found out we were here. How much longer ’til you crack that thing open?”

“I don’t know … ten, fifteen minutes?”

“We don’t have that time. They’re almost here.” He stood up.

“Wait!” She grabbed onto his pant leg. “You can’t take them all on by yourself.”

“I’m not, I’m just going to create a distraction.” He snapped a finger sending a small flame jumping from his fingers. “I don’t even need to get near them.”

“Be care—” But it was too late. He was already gone.

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