Page 84 of Sergi
“It appears the explosion didn’t impact the overall structure of the facility,” Remus said.
“It’s best we don’t take a chance. Who knows what impact the explosion might have in a volcanic area.” Devon nodded for Bella to continue.
She placed her tablet on the hood of the Range Rover as everyone gathered around her. The red dot was clearly displayed and was currently stationary. “Sergi hasn’t moved from this spot for the last thirty minutes. With it getting dark, I assume they’ve found shelter until morning.”
“That would be for the best.” Remus tapped the tablet. “This entire area is teeming with wild shifters. They wouldn’t be safe out in the open. Alex knows this from her mission briefing.”
Bella nodded. “Which might explain why Venizi selected this location all those years ago. The terrain on the other side of the mountain is difficult to navigate and has dozens of volcanic springs.”
Devon glanced at Remus. “How do you feel about going after them?”
Remus stared at the map. “A team of six. I suggest the team be half vampire and half shifter. We need to be well-armed. Some of these packs are large.”
“Bella, select four others to go with us. We’ll move out as soon as the road is finished. Once we’ve loaded the shifters from the lab into Aramburu’s plane and it’s back in the air, contact the Sentinels. Let’s not wait for them to interrogate the guards and lab staff. Record the discussions. I want names and faces.”
“And the shifters from the cargo vans?” Bella asked.
Remus pointed to a spot on the map southwest of their location. “I’ll call for my plane to arrive at our predesignated extraction point once we meet up with Sergi and Alex. The shifters taken from European locations should go to Aramburu’sestate with the other shifters. Those from the States will come with us.” Remus looked at Cadfael. “I’d like you to fly back to the States with us, at least for a short time.”
“The Sentinels will want to question the shifters,” Bella said. “Without that, they only have one side of the story.”
“They can be questioned under Aramburu’s presence once Remus gives his approval.” Devon hoped he hadn’t crossed a line with Remus, but the shifter was nodding along.
“There’s a strong shifter presence in Spain. I’ll contact the lead Alpha. Perhaps he can be present to meet the plane. With Aramburu’s agreement, of course.”
“I don’t think that will be a problem. We can call Gregor together.”
They spent the next hour preparing the team for their trek into the woods. Neither Devon nor Remus wanted to wait until morning, but they understood the dangers of being out at night. Since the closest path to the other side of the mountain was near the village, they would follow the road and stop when they found the best trail to cross over. They’d find a place to rest, then begin their trek up the mountain an hour before dawn.
The two leaders gave Bella and Cadfael their final instructions.
“The guards and staff can go without food for now.” Devon had no sympathy after seeing how thin the imprisoned shifters had been. He glanced over at them where they were now running as wolves through the parking lot, darting in and out of the forest. He couldn’t blame them. If he’d been locked up for as long as they’d been, he’d want to sniff everything, stretch his legs, and hunt. Remus confirmed his thoughts.
“Don’t worry,” Remus said. “They’re running in fresh air for the first time in a long time. They’ll run as a pack to find food and return soon. I doubt the wild shifters will go near a pack their size.”
“I’ll call them back when it’s time to leave.” Cadfael looked to Bella.
She nodded. “We still have to finish repairing the road. Once the shifters are back, we’ll leave for Bravos.”
“It will be three or four days before we get back to the village,” Remus added.
Bella, as usual, had the logistics already worked out. “Team One, the vans, and the drivers are still in the village. They’ll wait for you, then you can meet us at the airstrip.”
With the plan set, Devon let Remus round up the rest of their team while he found a spot next to a tree. He pulled out his burner phone and typed a text.
“I miss you.”
It took a minute before the response came.
“Oh, thank god. I was worried. Miss you too.”
“Sergi alive but haven’t caught up yet. Hoping tomorrow or the next day.”
It took a moment before Cressa responded. “Are you okay?”
“Lab destroyed but Sergi has evidence. There were captive sifters. Sending to Gregor for safety.”
“That’s horrible about the shifters. Gregor is a good idea. Are you okay?”
