Page 49 of Tracking the Alpha
“Major Stevens had a feeling you were lying to him,” Brittany stated as bushes rustled.
Tanis felt her stomach sink. “You’re working with him.”
“I’m obeying my superior officer,” Brittany corrected.
“As all good soldiers should,” said the major, emerging from the shadows with a gun pointed.
“Oh shit,” Tanis murmured as she realized how badly she’d messed up. She spun on her heel, ready to bolt, but Brittany moved fast and slammed into Tanis, taking her to the ground.
“Since we don’t need her anymore to catch Barrett, want me to take her out?” grunted Brittany as she pressed her knee hard in Tanis’ back while her hand pushed on her head hard enough to grind her cheek into the mossy ground.
“Keep her alive. I’ve got some hungry predators back at the facility who love fresh meat.” The most chilling thing Tanis had ever heard. Stevens crouched down to peer at Tanis. “I knew you were keeping secrets. Guess your betrayal explains your failure.”
“What you’re doing is wrong,” Tanis spat.
“Do you know how many visionaries were told that exact same thing? A good thing the general doesn’t listen.”
“You won’t get away with it,” Tanis stated.
“We already have, and now that I know Barrett is inside the walls, we no longer have to worry about loose lips or ends.” Stevens rose from his crouch. “I’m going to contact the general and let him know about Patient 73. You’re in charge of bringing back the huntress.”
“Yes, sir,” Brittany quipped as the major walked off, murmuring into his walkie-talkie.
“Don’t do this,” Tanis begged.
“Quiet,” Brittany barked as she rose from her kneeling position.
Tanis flipped to face her. “Why are you helping the asshole who did this to you?”
“You mean the genius who made it so I can keep up with the boys?” Brittany’s lips quirked. “Not all of us see this as a bad thing.”
“You can’t be serious. You were just a wolf. You complained about having to eat dog food.”
Brittany laughed. “And you bought it.”
“I can’t believe you betrayed Barrett. He was going to save you.”
“I don’t need saving and I am not listening to this the entire ride back,” Brittany grumbled.
The last thing Tanis heard before the fist she couldn’t avoid cracked her head sideways. A second blow ensured darkness snared her in its embrace.
Chapter Fifteen
Barrett found himself in a foul mood that began with his abrupt awakening. While rousing spooned against Tanis had been nice—and titillating—the fact he’d been passed out so hard—and vulnerable—angered. Instead of scouting the facility under the cover of darkness, he’d slept. Slept so soundly it took someone coming into the room to rouse him. He’d spent a tense moment under the covers, ready to act had the soldier posed a threat.
However, the guy who’d barged in saw nothing amiss. Why would he? Naked man in a woman’s bed and a uniform on the floor? The assumption seemed obvious, unless you were a guy who’d recently been a wolf, who would have smelled the intruder immediately. Good thing Davidson kept his special soldiers locked up instead of out and about, or Barrett would have never made it this far.
Once Tanis left for her meeting with the major, Barrett wasted no time. He dressed quickly and waited until he could be sure no one lingered outside the door of her cramped room. Upon exiting, he heard the murmur of voices along with the splashing of water coming from the lavatory. While the soldiers were busy, he slipped into another room and quickly scanned the space. Sloppily made bed. Closed chest at the foot of it. A hook with a cap.
Exactly what he’d hoped to find. Barrett grabbed the hat and jammed it onto his head, tugging the brim low before quickly exiting not only the room but the makeshift barracks. He stalked out into a somewhat gloomy day, which suited his mood. He scanned the area before sidling around the barn-like building to the rear. He hugged the wall, unsure of camera placements. To his surprise, none appeared pointed inward. Of those he perceived, one was on an empty platform that should have held a sentry and two others were attached to poles that extended from the wall, all looking at the forest.
Well, hell, that was a stroke of luck. Then again, the general probably didn’t want anyone monitoring to know what went on inside the walls, not even his own troops. Why else drug them at night? Would their lack of knowledge save them? AKA, would their posting here only be temporary? Knowing the ruthlessness of the general, Barrett highly doubted it. More likely the soldiers brought here to serve under the general and major were considered expendable.
Like me and my section.
It still rankled.
No time to fume over a grudge, though. Barrett needed to scout as much as he could without being caught. He understood that he had only limited time to act. Eventually someone would notice his presence and the fact he didn’t belong.
