Page 79 of Visions, Paws, and Claws

“As easy as that,” Saul said with a snort. “Sure, why not? We’ve got nothing better to do than organize a raid on a camp whose location is a freakin’mystery.”

Milo gaped at him. “I’ll give you all the details you’ll need. Coordinates, routines, numbers….”

“And why would you do that, soldier?” Eve snarled, her voice harsher than Crank had heard it so far. She folded her arms across her chest and glared at Milo.

Crank grinned. Eve was gonna fit in just fine.

Milo blinked. “I know you, don’t I?”

She nodded. “We met about seven years ago. You were the rising star, I recall. Now answer my question. Why would you waltz in here—into what amounts to the enemy’s HQ—andbetray everything you’ve been fighting for? And yes, I’m doing exactly the same thing, but I’ve got a damn good reason for doing it. What’s yours?”

“My mate Jana is in that camp,” he blurted. “And if you don’t help, she’ll die.”

All the color drained from Eve’s face. “You… you have a mate too?”

He frowned. “You mean….”

“Why should we believe a word you say?” Roadkill hollered.

“Because you won’t only be saving Jana—you’ll be saving Seth, Jake, and Jamie.” Milo’s gaze swept around the room. “And if you want more incentive to trust me… how about the fact that I know the location of every Geran compound on the planet—including the main camp.”

Chapter Sixteen

IT TOOKHorvan less than a second to realize few members of his team were buying what Milo was spouting, not that he could blame them for that; it was a fantastical idea.

And Saul was leading them, gimlet-eyed. He folded his arms, his jaw set. “This is a plot. We throw all our forces at these camps, and guess what? They’re waiting for us.”

“But what about the mates part?” Horvan was determined to be the voice of reason, especially because no one else seemed to be keen on the role.

Seth said to listen to him.

Crank rolled his eyes. “What about it? The Geransknowabout mates. Hell, they tried to convince Saul that Vic and I were already mated, and that was a fucking lie.” He pointed at Milo, who despite his size and build, shrank back, trembling. “All that shit you came out with? It’s nothing but a line, designed to make us believe you.”

“Hey, now wait a minute.” Aric’s cheeks were red as he glared at Crank. “Seth told me he was coming here.”

“That still doesn’t mean we should just roll over and take his word as gospel,” Brick yelled. Then his eyes went wide, and he clutched Aric to him, burying his face in Aric’s hair. “I’m so sorry, baby. I didn’t mean to yell at you. I’m angry and frustrated, but I should never take it out on you.”

Horvan’s heart ached for them.This business has to end, and soon. It’s tearing too many people apart.

Aric managed a chuckle. “It’s fine. Seth tells me all the time how frustrating I can be. He’s said I could make a nun curse.”

Brick didn’t crack a smile. “Maybe Seth was duped into believing this shit, but it doesn’t mean we have to be. And let’s not forget, he’s a fucking Geran.”

“And?” Eve’s eyes flashed. “So was I, but I didn’t see you kickingmeout the door.”

“That’s because you’re different,” Brick retorted. “You’re Hashtag and Roadkill’s mate.”

Her eyes bulged. “So?” She pointed at Milo, her hand shaking. “He’ssomeone’s mate too, and the thought of losing her has driven him to this. Do you have any idea what he must have gone through to resort to coming here?” She swallowed. “BecauseIsure do. I always thought my job was what I lived for. I truly believed what we were doing was right, that this is the way it was supposed to be.”

Milo nodded, his face pale. “I felt the same way. Until I met Jana, I thought we were doing the right thing.”

Horvan felt the shock that reverberated through Dellan before he even opened his mouth.

Aw shit.

“Theright thing?” Dellan snarled. “How is taking a scared one-year-old kid and turning him into some kind of monster the right thing? They made himmurderpeople in cold blood, for fuck’s sake. Including Brick’s family. So right now, Brick’s lost his parents, his mate…. But I’mreallyglad you had an epiphany, Milo.” His voice was heavy with sarcasm. “Pity you couldn’t have had it before it affected you.”

Then Dellan was out of there, Rael chasing after him, and Horvan couldn’t help but sag with relief. Dellan had been seconds from shifting and pouncing on Milo. He could see the images in his head of what Dellan wanted to do.

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