“Is that an order, boss?”

“You bet your fucking ass it is.” I toss back and then cringe slightly remembering Cassie in my arms, but there are worse things to worry about other than cussing right now.

We knew the risks in coming here, all of us more than willing to take them, but as I stare at the knife, I feel sick. His black clothing stops me from seeing the blood I know will be soaking there, but I know it’s there. My brother’s blood might as well be my blood. I can’t lose him. I won’t lose him.

I push my fear aside as I step towards him to check it out. "Want me to pull it out?"

"Don't even think about it," Logan's voice startles us both as it comes from behind us instead of in our ear as him and Elijah round the corner.

I see he has a bloodied lip and Elijah seems to be limping slightly, but apart from that they both appear unharmed.

"Uncle Lo?" Cassie asks tentatively and Logan immediately zones in on the bundle in my arms.

He moves towards me until he is close enough to peek inside the blanket, "Hey little one, you alright in there?" He asks with a big smile on his face.

"You got boo boo?" She asks and he reaches up and wipes his lip.

"Just a little one, but don't you worry about me, us Roytons are tough, aren't we?"

"Tough as nails," she replies, and he smiles widely.

"That's right, now let's go home, everyone has missed you." He tucks the blanket securely around her and nods at me.

Elijah speaks, "Let's get out of here."

Logan moves to Lincoln checking the knife sticking out of his back, you okay?" He asks as he steps in front of him bringing them face to face and Lincoln nods.

"I'm fine." He says in exasperation, not enjoying any attention as usual.

Logan smirks, "you certainly are."

"Just get the fuck out of there," Asher snaps into our ears and Logan smiles even wider.

"Yes sir," he replies before tossing Lincoln a wink, "don't worry baby, I'll take care of you when we get home" He purrs at him and I don't miss the slight tip of Lincoln's mouth at Logan's words.

"Let's just get out of here alive," he grits back through his teeth and I can see he is panting through the pain from his wound.

Elijah takes the lead as I follow right after him, leaving Lincoln and Logan at the rear. We hear grunts and shots every so often through our earpieces. Numerous threats being dealt with by the rest of the guys, but thankfully we make it back to the tunnel the others entered through, without coming across anyone else.

As soon as we enter the tunnel, we all break into a run, we have probably been inside the house for no longer than ten minutes, but it feels like a lifetime. I don't think of anything other than putting one foot in front of the other as I cling on to Cassie with everything I have. Almost there. When we get to the entrance of the tunnel Elijah halts us all.

"Leaving the nest with package in hand and three allies." He says into his mic and waits for a response.

Max responds almost instantly, "moving through the west tunnel with all remaining allies."

We all collectively breathe a sigh of relief as we exit the tunnel and move into the trees at a quick pace, not stopping until the van is in sight. Liam flings open the door as we approach, and we all climb inside awaiting the others. It isn't long before they clear the trees on the other side. Oliver jumps back into the driver's seat as Mason slides in next to him and Max, and Jace dives in the back with us

The van doors close behind them and Oliver tears out of there like a bat out of hell. I look at each of the guys ensuring everyone is okay and apart from the knife in Lincoln's back it seems that there isn't more than a black eye or busted lip between us

I shake my head in disbelief at the feel of Cassie in my arms and all of us back here and alive. I lean down into Cassie and take comfort in the fruity smell of her hair.

We did it.

Chapter 19

ELLE

Ifeel weightless, like I am floating towards consciousness, but not fully there yet. I push myself to try to open my eyes, but they feel as if someone has glued them shut. What the fuck? My head is pounding, and I feel the nausea swimming around between my stomach and throat. I am probably going to throw up any minute, but I can barely move. My limbs feel awkward like I don't have control over them, and I begin to panic.