Page 145 of Into the Woods

Moments later, three more guys dressed head to toe in black burst into the room.

“Where?” Royal demanded, his voice just this side of human. I’d read enough paranormal romance to question whether or not Royal was a bear shifter; the guy was that big and growly.

I pointed at the curtained area. “Door back there.”

“Court—”

“You’re not sidelining me,” Court hissed, his gun still aimed at Alex as he pressed a boot into Alex’s back to hold him still.

I couldn’t see his face, but I got the distinct impression that Royal was pissed. Maybe because that was his default setting, but still, he didn’t like anyone questioning his orders.

“What building will they come out of?” Rook asked, crouching by Alex’s head.

“You think Eric’s stupid enough to tell me that shit? I have no idea, man,” Alex whined. “There are five different buildings, so five different options.” He hesitated. “But there’s one that leads to the other side of the pier. I doubt you guys hit it. There’s a small boathouse they could use.”

“Goddammit,” Royal swore.

“How long would it take them to get there?” Rook asked.

“It’s almost a mile away,” Alex offered.

I turned to Royal, assuming by default that the guys flanking him were Bishop and Ryan. “They have almost two dozen women and children with them, including my cousin. I’m going too.”

“The fuck you are,” Royal snapped.

Court stiffened. “Don’t speak to her like that.”

“This isn’t a fucking democracy,” Royal retorted. “And we’re losing time standing around here. Civilians stay the fuck out.”

“He’s right, Becca,” Court said. “You need to go somewhere safe.”

“Fuck that noise,” I challenged. “I’m going.”

“Fuck me sideways,” Royal hissed. “Trick, can you hear me? Yeah. I need backup, if things can be managed out there by the cops.” He paused, listening for a minute before angling his body toward Court. “You want your girl safe?”

Court nodded.

“Then you get her the fuck out of here,” Royal told him. “Goes for you two as well.”

Linc sighed. “Guess that means it’s time.”

“You sure that’s smart?” Ryan asked. “You might need the support.”

Heavy footsteps clomped from inside the entryway. A moment later, Trick, Wanda, and seven more guys who looked like a terrorist’s worst nightmare stormed into the room, armed to the freaking teeth with weapons. They looked ready for war.

“National Police and Europol are here,” Trick said, Wanda sitting at his side. Her head tilted up to watch him. “My CO is working with them, setting up a containment zone. I heard what you said about the boathouse—we’re sending people that way to pin them between us.”

“Then let’s go,” Linc growled, bouncing on the balls of his feet.

“Phoenix protocol,” Royal snapped, sucking the wind from Linc’s sails. “We’re going. Court, get that fuckwad in the hands of the cops.” He motioned with his gun to Alex. “Get your girl safe, and then all of you get the fuck out of the public eye before the press shows.”

“Ask for Lieutenant Striker,” Trick advised, ripping back the first curtain. He tore down a second, revealing a simple wooden door that led to the tunnels Alex had described.

“What’s Phoenix protocol?” I asked, confused, as Court yanked Alex to his feet.

“It means Royal’s in charge,” Linc replied with a weary sigh. “And we’re getting benched.”

Bishop cackled as he ran by, following Trick and Royal into the curtained area. “Catch you on the flip side, Bex.”

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