Page 25 of Beast

King called a meeting, and we gathered around a dusty area.Using a stick, he began sketching a map of the soldiers’ camp so the layout would be fresh in our minds.There were two main ways in: north and south.We were currently at the southern edge of the city.King’s scaled-to-size drawing impressed me.I could barely draw a straight line.

“The boxcars are here,” he said, pointing with the stick to the cluster of shapes.“We don’t know Smythe’s location, and that bothers me.”

My earlier thoughts on handling the soldiers had shifted.“What if we block the fronts of the shipping containers with something heavy to keep them from releasing the hellhounds?”I went on before King could stop me."One of the large construction beams," I said, waving a hand around us, “would work.There’s a tall building about a hundred yards from the railcars.I could stage on the roof and pick off anyone who tried to remove the beam.It would take several humans to lift it."

King shook his head slightly."That still doesn’t cover how we get the beam in place."

Beck interjected."We take the beam in early tomorrow morning, a few hours before sunrise.It needs to be heavy enough that the humans can’t lift it easily.If two of us manage it quietly, we should be able to drop it in place without being spotted."

I was beginning to understand why King wanted Beck at his back."With me on the roof, whoever goes in will be safe."

"What about their snipers?"King asked, his words edged with skepticism.

I gave him my duh face, which probably looked identical to my bored Warrior face."If they had snipers, they’d have spotted us yesterday when we went to their camp."I held back the eye roll threatening to break free.King was being stubborn.

"No, I’m being smart," he snapped, answering my silent thoughts.Drat the man.He knew me too well.

"A third person could take out the perimeter guards," I added, shifting my tone to reasonable.

Finally, after running the plan through his head and weighing its feasibility, King gave a sharp nod."We need to know how often the guards change.If we attack right after blocking the containers, it could work."

"I’m on it," Labyrinth said, standing."I’ll watch the camp and get the timing."He gave me a quick smile, but it vanished as soon as King grumbled under his breath.

Garret spoke up for the first time that morning."I’d like to scavenge the city and see if there’s anything we can take back or stash for a return trip."

Axel stood as well."I’ll go with Garret.I need to check out what’s left of the hospital."At King’s approving nod, Axel glanced at Garret."If we find medical supplies, you can have them.I’ll know what’s needed."

"Deal."A look passed between the two men, something subtle but noticeable.Or maybe I imagined it, because when they caught me staring, they raised questioning brows.

"Be safe," I said, feeling a bit ridiculous for stating the obvious.

They emptied their packs and set off, hoping to refill them.That left King and me alone.I could’ve used a bath, but I didn’t see that happening anytime soon.We had too much time to kill before tomorrow, and my patience was wearing thin.

"Well?"I asked, raising a brow at King."We’re alone.What are we going to do to fill the time?"

Chapter Thirteen

King

I watched Marinah like she was prey.She glanced around, clearly trying to figure out how to keep herself occupied, but all I could think about was her.My focus sharpened as our eyes met, and I saw the exact moment she realized I was going to pounce.She was quick.Quicker than I’d expected, and though I had every intention of catching her, she eluded me.She crouched low several feet away, her breathing heavier, her entire focus locked on me.

"What do you think I’m after?"I asked, circling her slowly, the predator in me fully awake.

She turned with me, her movements fluid."I know exactly what you’re after."

"It’s been two minutes, and you’re already going stir-crazy.I thought some sparring was in order."

She shook her head, her sharp eyes catching mine."That’s not the look I see in your eyes."

"I’m not surprised—" I lunged before finishing the sentence.She moved fast, using a leg block and twisting her body to the right.I’d seen her pull this move before and was ready for it.My arms caught her low at the waist, my head at her hip.Using the powerful drive of my legs, I lifted her off balance and brought her down solidly on her back.She hit the floor with a huff of air.

"Now what are you going to do?"I asked, a grin tugging at the corner of my mouth.

"What is this about?"she gasped, catching her breath.

I rolled off her and settled at her side, both of us staring up at the ceiling."I want uninterrupted time with you.Somewhere no one can find us.If I can’t make love to you, and now isn’t the time, sparring works."

She turned toward me, and I felt her gaze, though I kept my eyes fixed above."It’s a tough life when you’re king."

---