Page 83 of Visions, Paws, and Claws

“What kind of visit? Who’s coming, the president?”

“Some VIP or other. Jake’s been listening hard all day, trying to find out what he can. From what he’s gleaned, this big shot is arriving this weekend, and yeah, he might as well be the president for all the preparation they’re doing.”

Aric knew he should be paying careful attention, but he was more interested in the feeling of being in Seth’s arms. “Can’t wait until we can do this for real.”

“Me too, baby.”

Aric smiled. “Brick calls me that. I like it.”

Seth froze. “Sorry, but I’ve got to go. I’ll try again tonight, okay?” He kissed Aric on the lips. “Take care of our mate.”

“You know I will.” Then Seth was gone, and Aric woke up with a start. Brick enfolded him in his muscular arms, and Aric sighed.

“You dreamed of Seth, didn’t you?”

He nodded, then repeated Seth’s message.

Brick made a low grumbling noise. “I guess I can play nice, if he’s that important.”

“Brick? Aric?” That was Hashtag. “Quit jerking each other off and get your butts down here.”

“I should be so lucky,” Brick muttered.

Aric had a feeling that once they got Seth back, they wouldn’t see beyond their bedroom door for at least a week.

Maybe two was nearer the mark.

They hurried downstairs and followed the sound of voices into the living room. Everyone was there. Horvan and Saul stood by the fireplace, talking, and Rael and Dellan were busy pouring coffee.

Horvan arched his eyebrows when he saw Brick. “Glad you could join us.” He surveyed their faces. “Okay, I’ve gotten through talking with Duke and Aelryn. We’re gonna need every team we can mobilize if we’re gonna liberate the camps. They assure me that if we put a plan together, they’ll get us the manpower we need—which might be more than ever before, now Vic’s spreading the word. Aelryn’s talking to the west coast leaders. Well, as soon as he can get them all to wake up.”

“How many camps are there?”

Horvan flashed Milo a glance before answering. “About two hundred.”

Aric’s gasp was echoed around the room.So many?

“They’re everywhere,” Milo added. “I don’t have precise coordinates for all of them but I can get them.”

Hashtag let out a low whistle. “Now I understand why we’re gonna need to mobilize everything we’ve got.” He peered at Eve. “Did you have any idea of the number?”

She shook her head.

“How many inmates are there at the Maine camp?” Brick asked.

“About one hundred fifty, with an armed force of around seventy, give or take. The camp is fortified, with towers along the perimeter.”

Saul snorted. “Goddamn concentration camp.”

“There’s an airfield too,” Milo told them. “You’ll have to take that out first.”

Horvan nodded. “Our biggest problem is surprise. The camp is out in the open, with an airstrip to the east. There are trees on two sides, and it’s built on land in the loop of a river, the Saint John. That’s their water supply.”

“So we could launch an attack from the trees, the river, or both,” Brick suggested.

“Yes. We can target buildings using drones, but we wanna minimize loss of life. That means a night raid. Milo is going to draw us a plan of the camp, showing the barracks, the sleeping quarters, the lot.” Horvan stared at Hashtag. “It’s a fair bet the camp won’t be visible on the regular sites, so you’re gonna need to hack that satellite again.”

Hashtag gave a sharp nod. “I’m on it.”

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