Page 14 of Knot Shattered
Jace gave a slow, serious nod, clearly comfortable with the role of quiet enforcer.
Kingston then turned his attention to Pack Frost—Jex, Fox, and Dare. “Pack Frost, your team’s covert ops experience makes you perfect for ground-level surveillance and reconnaissance. Slip in unnoticed, identify their safehouses, establish their routines, and narrow down that location as quickly as possible.”
“Consider it done,” Jex confirmed firmly, confidence in his quiet reply. Fox and Dare both nodded, their faces already sharpening with anticipation of the stealth mission ahead.
Finally, Kingston’s attention shifted toward me and my packmates—Salem, Ravik, and Haze. “Pack Hael, you’ll handle infiltration and security takedowns. Once Pack Frost identifies the specific location, you’ll neutralize security measures, clear the way for us to extract the omegas and dismantle the ring.”
I met Kingston’s gaze, acknowledging the responsibility he was entrusting to us. “We’ll be ready. The moment we have coordinates, consider their defenses down.”
Haze leaned forward slightly, a hint of eager anticipation dancing in his amber eyes. “Just tell us where to strike. We’ll handle the rest.”
Salem nodded calmly, already taking notes, calculating potential security weaknesses. Beside him, Ravik’s jaw tightened slightly, eyes sharp with silent resolve. My team was ready.We thrived on precision and rapid execution, and this mission required both.
Kingston straightened again, his expression turning serious. “We move swiftly and silently. Every detail matters. Keep communication clear and secure, and report immediately once you have actionable intel.”
The room murmured in agreement, the packs united in purpose. My eyes drifted briefly toward Odette, still seated quietly between Haze and Salem. She caught my gaze, giving me a faint but encouraging smile. Something protective and fierce tightened in my chest, deepening my determination even further.
“All right,” Kingston said, leaning forward, palms braced against the table. “We’ve got our assignments, but let’s get into specifics. Romano?”
Romano clicked a key, and the screens lit up again—images, surveillance shots, and dossiers flickering around us. He pointed to a cluster of faces, voice clear and calm. “Here’s what we’ve got confirmed: CEO Damon Reed, Judge Arthur Bennett, and councilman Vincent Hale. All seen in this area repeatedly.”
Fox whistled lowly, arms crossed tightly over his chest. “That’s a lot of power concentrated in one spot.”
“That’s exactly the problem,” Kingston agreed, his tone firm but edged with concern. “These aren’t your typical criminals. They’ve got money, influence, and connections. That means security is tight. It also means discretion is key.”
Voss smiled darkly from his corner, eyes glittering dangerously. “I’ll take discretion under advisement.”
Fallon gave him a pointed look, nudging his side gently. “Your kind of discretion leaves bodies.”
Voss shrugged unapologetically, the corners of his mouth twitching. “Bodies tell fewer lies.”
Odette shifted slightly, eyes widening. Haze noticed immediately, leaning toward her with a soft, playful grin. “Don’t worry, sweetheart. We’ll handle the discreet part. Voss can stick to terrifying people.”
“That’s comforting,” Odette murmured dryly, but she smiled despite herself, shoulders relaxing slightly.
Kingston cleared his throat softly, redirecting the conversation. “Pack Frost, what’s your strategy on recon?”
Jex leaned forward, tapping his knuckles lightly against the table. “We go low-profile. Establish vantage points around the perimeter. Fox and Dare will do surveillance runs first. Once we confirm patterns, I’ll move in to identify specific entry points and guard rotations.”
Violet smirked slightly, her tone teasing but genuinely impressed. “He’s better at sneaking around than anyone I’ve ever met.”
Fox chuckled, glancing at Jex. “Can confirm. If Jex wants to watch you, you’ll never know he’s there.”
Jace chuckles. “Don’t forget about me. According to Fallon. I’m a ghost.”
Jex rolled his eyes while the girls laughed.
Kingston nodded approvingly, turning next to me. “Pack Hael, how are you planning to approach once we’ve narrowed the location?”
“We’ll move quickly,” I responded evenly, holding Kingston’s gaze steadily. “Salem and Ravik can disable security remotely or physically. Once we get eyes inside, Haze and I willsecure entry points. We’ll have a safe pathway cleared before anyone inside knows we’ve arrived.”
Romano speaks up. “That would be helpful. I can do a lot by myself, but having help doesn’t hurt.”
Salem’s calm voice chimed in, analytical and steady. “I’ll have equipment ready to knock out cameras and alarms within seconds. Ravik will neutralize the guards quietly.”
Ravik nodded once, his voice low and gritty. “No alarms. No noise.”
Haze stretched lazily, eyes glinting with anticipation. “All the fun happens before they even realize we’re there.”
