Page 39 of Marked For A Bite
"The secret location is here," Lena said, tapping a spot near the center of the largest map with her delicate finger. "Adjacent to Moon Hollow, where the High Council holds their quarterly meetings."
Zoe leaned forward, studying the terrain markings. "That's rather arrogant of them, isn't it? Hiding something this important right under their own noses."
"Classic misdirection," Kieran's commanding voice filled the room as he moved to stand behind Maya's chair. "Sometimes the most obvious place is the safest because no one thinks to look there."
Malcolm shifted in his position near the fireplace, his blue eyes serious despite his relaxed demeanor. "I took a scouting party there late last night to assess the security situation." He moved to point at several marked positions on the map. "Heavy guard presence here, here, and along this perimeter. The approach to the hidden valley will be our main challenge."
Zoe felt her heartbeat quicken as the reality of what they were attempting began to crystallize. This wasn't Logan's training course in the safety of his backyard—this was a real infiltration mission with actual guards who would try to kill them.
"How many guards are we talking about?" Logan's voice cut through her spiraling thoughts, his mind already processing threat assessments.
"Six on the outer perimeter, rotating in pairs," Malcolm replied. "Two more stationed inside the underground bunker itself, based on what we could observe."
Lena's violet eyes grew distant, as if seeing something beyond the physical room. "My mentor Rhea's vision showed magical energy surrounding the scroll as well. Ancient protective wards that have been strengthening for centuries. I'll need to counter those magical traps with my own ritualistic magic."
Zoe watched Logan's jaw tighten as he studied the map, his green eyes calculating distances and angles with military precision. The sight of him in full tactical mode sent heat flooding through her despite the serious nature of their discussion.
"The bunker entrance appears narrow," Logan observed, his finger tracing the mark on the map. "We can't all fit down there effectively, and too many bodies will create noise and confusion."
Kieran nodded, his Alpha authority settling over the group like a protective blanket. "Maya, Malcolm, and I will maintain perimeter security and provide cover if we encounter additionalresistance. Logan, you'll take point with Zoe and Lena for the underground retrieval."
"Wait." Logan's voice carried the sharp edge of command that made Zoe's wolf growl with attraction. "That approach is too aggressive for a stealth operation. We need a more staggered insertion."
Zoe found herself admiring the way Logan's tactical mind worked, watching as he repositioned himself to better view the map from multiple angles. His movements were fluid and purposeful, every gesture speaking to years of mission planning and execution.
"We go in quiet," Logan continued, his finger tracing a modified approach route. "Kieran and Malcolm neutralize the outer perimeter guards silently, creating a clear extraction path. Maya maintains overwatch from this elevated position. Once we have confirmation of perimeter security, Lena, Zoe, and I descend into the bunker."
Kieran studied Logan's proposed modifications, his silver-blue eyes sharp with consideration. "The staggered approach minimizes noise and reduces the chance of triggering backup responses. I like it."
"Agreed," Maya said, making notations on her map. "The modified plan gives us better control variables."
As the group began gathering their gear, Zoe felt nervous energy crackling through her veins like electricity. Her hands moved instinctively to check each weapon in her harness—throwing knives on her thighs, primary combat blade at her hip, and backup knife at her shoulder blade. The weight grounded her, but couldn't fully calm the anxiety building in her chest.
This is it,she thought.My first real mission. My chance to prove I'm more than just a liability.
Logan appeared beside her as they prepared to leave Kieran's cabin, his presence immediately soothing her frayed nerves.Without saying a word, he guided her slightly away from the others, his large hand settling on her lower back.
"Your breathing is shallow," he observed quietly, his green eyes studying her face with intimate knowledge. "And your pupils are dilated."
Zoe laughed shakily. "Is that your way of telling me I look terrified?"
"It's my way of telling you that fear is normal, but panic will get you killed." Logan's voice dropped to that alpha rumble that made her knees weak. "Look at me, Zoe."
She met his intense gaze, feeling the mate bond pulse between them with reassuring warmth.
"Combat is ninety percent mental preparation," Logan said, his hands settling on her shoulders. "Your body already knows what to do—I've made sure of that. Now your mind needs to catch up."
"How do I do that?"
"First, control your breathing. Slow, deliberate inhales. Feel your heartbeat steady." Logan's thumbs traced small circles on her shoulders as he spoke. "Next, visualize the mission in segments. Don't overwhelm yourself with the entire operation—focus on each individual component."
Zoe followed his instructions, feeling her nervous system gradually settling under his guidance. The scattered thoughts in her mind began organizing themselves into manageable pieces.
"Now," Logan continued, "when we encounter resistance, remember that your enemies will telegraph their intentions through body language. Watch their eyes, their weight distribution, and the tension in their shoulders. You'll know their next move before they do."
The mental conditioning felt like another layer of armor settling over her consciousness. Combined with her physicaltraining and weapons, Zoe found herself feeling genuinely ready for whatever awaited them.
"That actually helps," she admitted, surprised by the confidence growing in her voice. "I feel much more centered now."
