Page 76 of Forbidden Devotion
“Get out,” Russel ordered. “Back to your post.”
Sinclair wondered if Gutter would realize they’d sent him away so he wouldn’t hear any discussion about the ransom. With any luck, he’d figure it out, and with more luck, he’d tell the other three lurkers who were out there somewhere, keeping him prisoner.
Gutter left, and Russel turned toward Sinclair. “All right, let’s call your rich daddy. A few ground rules. When he asks to talk to you, you’re only allowed to confirm that you’re unharmed. Nothing else. You tell him anything about us, this room, or anything that’s happened here, and we’ll shoot you in the knee. Understand?”
Sinclair nodded, but the threat rang false. They wouldn’t shoot him. Not yet. They needed him alive and unharmed, at least for now.
“All right, bloodsucker, what’s the number?” Russel demanded.
Sinclair took a deep breath and told them.
* * *
Mitchel
Everyoneon the rescue mission had a chance to study the layout of the funeral home. They were approximately half an hour out from the location. Becket was driving. Mitchel felt jumpy. The three vampires all had guns, but none of the werewolves had handled guns before and were uncomfortable with the idea. They went without, though Luther was persistent.
“It truly is simple. Point and shoot. I’d feel better if you were armed,” Luther said.
“I’m used to fighting with my hands. A gun would get in the way. I’ll be more useful without it. But, Nathan, Josh”—Mitchel turned to the others—“you’re welcome to take him up on the offer. I want you safe above all else.”
Nathan and Josh both shook their heads. Mitchel wasn’t surprised. They probably felt the same way he did. Guns were more of a risk than an aid.
“If that’s what you think is best. We should go in first, then,” Luther offered. The plan was for the wolves to scout before the group disembarked.
“I think Nathan and Josh will be able to collect more intel than you’re expecting,” Mitchel said. “Assuming they can circle the perimeter without being seen, they should be able to tell you approximately how many are holed up inside and even the location of those next to an exterior wall. They may be able to pinpoint Sinclair’s location.”
“That’s good. Even still, when we’re ready to enter, Ann and I will lead. We have no qualms about shooting them, and it’s unlikely they’ll be able to wound either of us. And if they do, you’ll be ready.”
“We’ll have your back,” Mitchel said.
Luther continued. “We’ll proceed as far as we can without being spotted. We attempt to stay together. If we’re separated, call out if you need help. ‘Clear’ means we’ve reached a dead end and neutralized all dangers. ‘Target’ means we’ve found Sinclair.”
Luther gazed out through the tinted window at the sky. “We have approximately three hours left before we’ll be forced underground at sunrise. If that should happen, we’ll bury ourselves. Do not worry about us. Understood?”
They nodded. “Understood,” Mitchel said for them all. “You’re very prepared. Have you done this before?”
Luther sighed. “I’m old, Mitchel. The stakes have never been so personally high for me as they are tonight, but yes, I’ve conducted rescue missions before. Usually, when vampires were kidnapped by wolves. Humans should be easier to conquer.”
The potential extent of Luther’s age dawned on Mitchel. “You’ve been alive since the Great Wars?” he asked incredulously.
“Since before them,” Luther acknowledged. “Ann too.”
She hummed in agreement.
“How many children do you have?” Mitchel asked.
“Living?” A shadow crossed his expression. “One.”
“And turned?” Mitchel asked.
Luther shook his head sadly. “All departed. Sinclair is the only child we have left. He is priceless to us.”
Mitchel wondered what had happened to the others, but he wouldn’t ask. “No wonder you want to turn him. You must be worried all the time.”
“Yes,” Ann said. “All the time is an accurate assessment. Sending him to the middle of werewolf territory wasn’t my first choice, but if you know Sinclair, then you know once he sets his mind to something, he won’t take no for an answer.”
“I’m beginning to understand that.” Questions lingered on his tongue. This wasn’t the time.
