Page 128 of Claimed By the Band

This is it.

Time to show my past I won't be ruled by it anymore.

The lights dim, and the crowd roars as the first notes of music fill the air. I watch through the monitors as Asher steps into the spotlight, his voice rising clear and strong above the instruments. The sound wraps around me like a caress, familiar and comforting even through the speakers.

"Your boy's got pipes," Adam comments, his eyes never leaving the security feeds he's monitoring.

I smile, pride warming my chest. "He really does."

Maria squeezes my shoulder supportively as we settle in to wait. The hard part now is staying patient, staying alert. The Sons of Epsilon will make their move—Trakiss practically guaranteed it. We just have to be ready when they do.

"Got movement at the southeast entrance," Adam reports suddenly. "Two males attempting to access the service corridor."

I lean forward, studying the footage. Even through the grainy screen, I can see the way they move, practiced and coordinated. Military training, or something like it.

"That's them," I say firmly. "I recognize one on the right. His name is Reese, one of my father's enforcers."

Maria is already speaking into her radio, coordinating with her teams. But something about this feels too easy. The Sons of Epsilon are many things, but sloppy isn't one of them.

"Wait," I say, grabbing her arm. "This is wrong. They wouldn't be this obvious unless..."

"It's a distraction," Adam finishes, already switching to different camera feeds. "There!"

He points to another screen showing the side entrance where the crews load in equipment. More figures are slipping in through a door that should have been locked, moving with the same deadly grace as the others.

"Get into position as soon as they release the compound," Maria says grimly. "Clever bastards."

But we're cleverer. I grab my phone, sending a quick text to the pack. One of them will be able to glance at it during the performance. They need to know what's happening, need to be ready.

"Teams are moving to intercept both groups," Maria reports, her voice steady and professional.

I watch the security feeds intently as the cult members make their way through the service corridors. I'm on edge, sure, but there's no fear now. They can go ahead and try their little trick with the compound. We're ready for them this time.

"They're approaching the main ventilation hub," Adam announces as he tracks their movements. "Should we stop them?"

"Not yet," I say, unable to help the small smile tugging at my lips. "We'll let them think they've won. It'll make the takedown that much sweeter."

Maria raises an eyebrow at me but doesn't argue. She trusts my judgment when it comes to these people, just like I trust hers when it comes to law enforcement operations.

On stage, the band transitions seamlessly into their next song. Asher's voice soars over the crowd, strong and defiant. If he's nervous about what's happening behind the scenes, it doesn't show in his performance. None of them miss a beat.

"Compound released," Adam says, his voice tight. "Air circulation is distributing it through the venue now."

I lean forward, watching the cult members' faces through the grainy footage. They look so smug, so certain of their victory. They have no idea that every alpha in that crowd is either wearing blockers specifically formulated to resist their compound or is actually a beta in disguise.

"How long do you think it'll take them to realize something's wrong?" Maria asks, a hint of satisfaction in her voice.

"Not long," I murmur, watching as one of them—Reese—starts gesturing frantically to his companions. "They're expecting chaos by now. A stadium full of alphas going feral, attacking the band..."

Sure enough, confusion is spreading through their ranks as the crowd continues enjoying the show, completely unaffected by their weapon.

"Now?" Maria asks, her hand hovering over her radio.

I nod sharply. "Now."

She barks orders into her radio, and the response is immediate. Officers who've been blending into the crowd suddenly surge into action, converging on the cult members from all directions. The Sons of Epsilon might be well-trained, but they're completely outnumbered and caught off guard.

"All teams moving in," Maria commands. "Secure the suspects and clear the building."

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