Page 51 of The Alpha's Forced Rejected Mate
“He suspects that part, but he knows for sure that your power isn’t bound.” Dominic tossed her a hooded sweatshirt. “Put this on. We need to blend in once we’re off compound grounds.”
She winced as she pulled the sweatshirt over her head. “What about the others? Your squad?”
“They’re not affected, that much I have confirmed. Adrian’s covering our escape. Marcus and Kieran are leading the defense on the south side.” Dominic strapped on a holster containing what looked like a silver dagger. “Roman’s doing what he does best, creating havoc.”
Luna zipped up the sweatshirt, noting how it hung loose. Everything of his seemed to swallow her. “And then what? We just run?”
“We have a safe house.” Dominic checked the windows before returning to her side. He passed her boots. “Only the alphas know about it. We’ll regroup there, figure out our next move.”
She pulled on the boots, lacing them quickly. “And what is our next move? We can’t hide forever.”
He scowled and slung the duffle over his shoulder, saying, “One problem at a time.” He walked to the broken doorway and looked from left to right. “The coast is temporarily clear. Remain close to me.”
Luna rose to her feet, ignoring the protest of her bruised body. “I can fight, you know. I’m not completely helpless.”
Dominic’s eyes flashed silver in the darkness. “I never said you were.” Then, almost grudgingly, he added, “That was quick thinking with the knife. Your magic is improving.”
Coming from him, it felt like high praise, but Luna tried not to let her pride show.
“Ready?” he asked, extending his hand toward her.
After a brief moment of hesitation, she took it. His hold was tight but not painful, his palm warm and rough against hers.
Outside, there was anarchy. The sky was illuminated by distant explosions, creating unsettling shadows across thefacility. Inhuman screams and shouts reverberated through the shadows.
They could smell the smoke everywhere. Following the shadows, Dominic guided them around the cabins’ perimeter. Luna’s shorter legs had to work extra hard to keep up with his lengthy strides. She didn’t want to slow him down, sensing his urgency.
“This way,” Dominic murmured, guiding her to a fence opening that was hardly perceptible to the unaided eye. A figure emerged from behind a tree as they got closer. Dominic gave her a warning squeeze as Luna stiffened, power building at her fingertips.
“Marcus,” he acknowledged.
The commander with the auburn hair gave a somber nod. “I’d say you have precisely five minutes, because Xavier is concentrating on the main buildings.” His amber eyes flitted to Luna, taking in the cut on her cheek and her unkempt appearance. “Are you alright?”
“I’ll live,” she replied, surprised by his apparent concern.
Marcus turned back to Dominic. “Roman’s buying you time, but you need to move now. I’ve got a car waiting half a mile east.”
“What about you?” Dominic asked.
“I’ll maintain my cover,” Marcus said. “Xavier doesn’t suspect me yet. I’ll keep tabs on what’s happening here, feed you information when I can.” He handed Dominic a small device that looked like a pager. “Secure channel. Use it only in emergencies.”
Dominic tucked the device into his pocket. “Watch your back.”
Marcus’s mouth quirked in a humorless smile. “Always do.” His expression sobered as he looked between them. “Whatever this is, it’s bigger than we thought. Xavier’s rounded up three more witches.”
Luna’s stomach dropped. “What? More witches?”
“Brought in last night,” Marcus confirmed. “Locked up in the east wing.”
Luna felt a shiver go down her back. She recalled the vision she and Dominic had during the ceremony: demons assembling the abilities of witches and utilizing them to create a portal between worlds.
“We must set them free,” she declared right away.
Dominic tightened his hold on her hand. “No.”
“But—”
“If we’re dead, we can’t help them,” he interrupted in a firm voice. “Getting you to safety is our top priority right now.”
