by Cheree Alsop
“Alright,” Alex replied. “Trent can fly the chopper. I’d appreciate it if you’d keep Jaze posted of what’s happening.” He paused, then said, “Unless, of course, things here need his attention more.”
Professor Mouse gave a relieved smile. “Thank you.”
“Rafe and I will get in contact with the Black Team,” Kaynan told Alex.
Alex had forgotten the Black Team entirely. He gave the red-eyed professor a smile of gratitude. “Thank you. Let’s be prepared to leave in ten.”
“Will do,” Brock replied.
All of the adult werewolves from Jaze’s team left the medical wing. Alex looked up to find his mother watching him from the doorway of Nikki’s operating room.
He gave her a quick hug. “How is she doing?”
“It’s going to be rough,” Meredith replied. “Dr. Benjamin says we might have to do a cesarean.” Worry creased her brow. “But you have a job to do. Stay focused and get back here as fast as you can.”
“I will,” Alex promised his mother.
He put a hand on the wall panel.
“Alex?”
He turned.
Meredith hugged him again. “I’m so proud of you. Be careful, okay?”
He nodded and stepped into the darkness.
Chapter Eleven
Alex jogged down the sloped tunnel toward the Wolf Den. He could hear the commotion of Caden handing out guns, Brock setting up headsets and earpieces, and Trent starting the helicopter.
Kaynan’s voice reached him. “Keep it tight and follow Alex as you would Jaze,” the professor said.
“He’s younger than all of us,” Chet pointed out.
Alex paused in the darkness just inside the door.
“I’ve seen his leadership skills,” Vance replied. “Alex can do it.”
“What if he freezes again?” Brock asked.
Alex’s heart clenched.
“Again?” he heard Dray ask curiously.
“You shouldn’t have said that,” Trent said.
Alex was surprised at the anger in his best friend’s voice.
“Alex has this.” Trent’s tone was firm. “If Dean Jaze believes in him, you should, too.”
Silence filled the Wolf Den for the space of a heartbeat.
A deep voice broke it. “Of course, Trent. We’ll follow Alex. Jaze would never turn his team over to someone who wasn’t worthy.” Vance’s voice was light, but carried truth when he said, “But Alphas question authority because we should. We’re born to lead. Alex is young and hasn’t taken up the reins as a true Alpha yet. We follow our instincts as much as our heart. If there is reason to question, we should.”
“There’s no reason to question.”
The surety of Siale’s words calmed the doubt that had filled Alex at the professors’ questioning.
“Alex has this,” Trent echoed.
Alex stepped into the room. “Let’s go.” He grabbed the gun Caden held out and checked it on his way to the helicopter.
“Did he hear them?” Terith whispered.
“I’m not sure,” Cassie replied.
Alex climbed into the helicopter and was grateful when Kaynan and Vance did the same. His team and the rest of Jaze’s followed without question. Kaynan took the seat next to Trent and put on his headset. Trent’s hands shook slightly as he checked the helicopter equipment. Alex squeezed his shoulder.
“Trent, you’ve got this,” he said into his headset.
Trent threw him a worried look. “I’ve never flown by myself before.”
“You built me a motorcycle.”
A slight smile touched the small werewolf’s eyes. “What does that have to do with flying a helicopter?”
Alex gave his friend a confident look. “Anyone who could build a motorcycle from scratch can handle this. Trust me.”
Trent let out a breath. “You’re right. I’ve got this.”
Alex sat back. He watched the chopper rise through the split greenhouses and into the night.
“These missions always happen at night,” Tennison said. “Why do you suppose that is?”
“Our sources sweep at night,” Vance replied. “They’re sneaky like that.”
Alex stared at the huge professor. He had never known Vance to joke about anything. When the Alpha looked at him, he realized the coach was trying to lighten the mood. It worked to ease the tension a bit in the helicopter.
“Brock, what do we know?” Alex asked.
“A few things,” Brock replied. “We know that Drogan’s given up his apparent penchant for warehouses. They’ve taken up residence in a mansion purchased under an alias, and by the looks of things, this operation has been going on for quite a while. We also know that there are thirty-five guards, give or take.”
“Where does Drogan find these guys?” Jericho asked with a shake of his head.
“Good question,” Chet answered. “I don’t suppose there’s a network for muscle looking to be hired by homicidal werewolves in the middle of an identity crisis.”
“We should search for that,” Kaynan said.
Dray shook his head. “I think you’d have to throw in torture-inclined and willing to die for someone else’s losing battle.”
“Term too broad?”
“Exactly,” Dray told the red-eyed werewolf. Both of them grinned.
“Also,” Brock cut in as if slightly annoyed at the professors’ banter, “We’re not positive that Drogan’s there, but I’d be willing to bet he is.” The sound of a wrapper crinkling ended his statement.
“What are you eating?” Dray asked.
“A cupcake,” Brock replied. He paused, then said, “I have a stress-eating disorder.”
“It’s okay,” Kaynan said. “The first step is admitting it.”
“The second is not eating the box of donuts under your desk,” Chet said.
“It’s impossible to hide anything from werewolves,” Brock muttered.
At Alex’s orders, the helicopter landed within the hills at the edge of the city’s limits. They jogged silently through the trees until they could overlook the location Siale guided them to.
Alex stared down at the mansion that made the one Kalia had lived in look tiny.
“What’s the power situation?” Alex asked in a whisper.
“I’m going to cut the grid,” Brock answered. “Less chance of questioning that way. I’ll give them a wild goose chase for a bit on locating the source to buy you guys some time.”
“Thanks,” Alex answered.
Without Jaze to guide him, the task looked intimidating. Guards patrolled the walled lawn and rooftops. Three separate buildings made up the main living structure along with a pool house and series of sheds and garages.
“How do you suppose our pal got the financing for this place?” Kaynan whispered.
“Politics,” Chet replied. “Someone on each side of a war makes the money. Drogan apparently has the ear of some very influential individuals.”
“Let’s hope we catch him in the act,” Vance said, his low voice a quiet grumble.
Alex nodded in agreement. “Kaynan, Rafe, sweep the left lawn. Chet, Vance, take the right. Dray, you, Jericho, and Terith clear the front and set up a post to monitor traffic. We don’t want anyone coming in or out while we search the place. Trent, Cassie, and Tennison, you’re with me. We’ll hit up the back. As soon as we get the signal, move in. Take the lights as go.”
Everyone stared at him. Alex fought back an embarrassed smile at their shocked expressions.
“Huh,” Chet said. “I guess he won’t do too badly.”
Trent gave Alex a thumb’s up when the others left, but didn’t say anything they would overhear on the ear monitors. The pride that shone on his friend’s face warmed Alex.
“Ready?” Brock asked into his ear.
“Ready,” Alex answered.
A moment later, the lights shut down.
“Low and fast,” Alex said quietly. “Take out all guards. We don’t want t
o alert Drogan if he’s in there. He’ll have at least three escape routes if I know him at all.”
The near silent buzz of darts from their guns answered. A shadow fell near the porch. Dray caught him before he hit the ground and pulled the man out of sight. Two others disappeared.
After a second, Kaynan said quietly through their earpieces, “All clear. There’s lots of movement inside, but no one seems concerned. We need to hurry before they call for their guards to check in.”
“Got it. Move in,” Alex commanded.
He ran down the hill with Trent on his right and Cassie and Tennison on his left. They reached the back door just as Kaynan and Rafe crept through. At Alex’s motion, the professors angled left. Alex’s gun felt warm in his hand as he led the others to the right.
Two shadows appeared in the darkness. Alex shot each square in the chest. He dove forward to catch the first before the guard knocked a chair to the floor. Trent grabbed the second, but the man fell against a marble bust. It teetered, then tumbled backwards. Alex cringed, but only a muted thud followed.
“That’s why you need girls,” Cassie whispered. A quick glance showed that the bust had fallen on a pillow.
“How did you do that?” Tennison asked.
She lifted her shoulders with a grin.
“Thanks,” Alex whispered. “Stay alert.”
The smell of blood touched Alex’s nose. He reached the landing. Stairs led to the basement while another set went to the second floor.
“Any sign of movement in the basement?” Alex asked in a whisper. His senses strained. While he heard confusion in the darkness upstairs, below was quiet. Kaynan and Rafe met them in the hall. Chet and Vance paused close behind.
“Heat signatures aren’t reading belowground,” Siale replied. “But the equipment might not be able to pick up through the building material. The mansion has a strange layout.”
Alex motioned to Vance. “Take a quick look below. If things are sketchy, don’t take any risks. Call us and we’ll bring the team.”
“The Black Team is here,” Dray said over their ear monitors.
“I’ve got them on the frequency,” Brock said.
“Good,” Alex replied. “Darian, take the second floor from the outside. By the sound of things, the more, the merrier. We’ll go as soon as you give the word.”
“Ten-four,” Darian’s gruff voice replied.
A few seconds later, he said, “Go.”
Alex led his team upstairs while Chet and Vance went down. Alex’s footsteps were silent on the stairs. He could hear the confusion as the Black Team broke through the windows. Alex reached the top step and dove to the left. Trent did the same to the right, leaving Cassie and Tennison to clear out the center.
Two shots took down two guards. Alex rolled and shot two more entering the room. The smell of blood was thicker and human, tangling in the air with a scent of iron so heavy Alex could taste it. He searched the darkness for the source.
It was strongest near the door to the south. Alex put a hand on the doorknob.
“Ready?” he whispered to Trent.
“Maybe we should send Kaynan and Rafe,” Trent replied with a hint of worry in his voice.
Alex knew his friend was concerned about a repeat performance of last time, but Alex refused to back down. Both teams counted on him. He would be the leader they needed.
Alex shoved the door inward with his shoulder. The blood scent rushed out so strongly it clouded his senses. He blinked, focusing on the objects in the darkness.
Humans were strapped to the vertical tables like last time. Tubes filled with blood ran from the plugs in their arms and legs. The only thing missing was the scent of death.
One of the humans moaned.
Alex let out a sigh of relief. “We have live ones,” he said. “Get them down.”
Trent, Kaynan, and Rafe quickly responded. Kaynan cut the first set of straps with his wristband blade. The man would have hit the floor if Trent didn’t catch him.
“Darian, we’re going to need a medevac,” Alex said, glancing quickly at the other humans. They were all pale and lethargic, but strength appeared to be returning to them at the prospect of escaping from Drogan’s clutches.
“Our chopper’s ready,” Darian replied. He entered the room with three of his werewolves at his back.
“You’ve got the humans while we continue our sweep,” Alex said.
“Got it,” Darian answered.
Alex left the room with Trent close behind.
“What was that?” Siale asked into their headsets.
“It looked like the other place. Drogan’s collecting their blood,” Trent answered.
“For what?” Brock asked.
“I’m not sure,” Alex answered. “Run it by Mouse. See if he has any ideas.”
“Will do,” the human replied.
“Alex, we found a trapdoor in the basement,” Chet called into his earpiece. “It’s got some sort of contraption keeping it shut. We need Trent down here. Drogan’s scent is all over this place.”
Alex’s steps slowed. “You can smell him down there?” he asked.
“Yes,” Vance replied. “This is definitely where he went.”
Though the Extremist leader’s scent had lingered in the blood room, the faintness of it had given Alex doubt that there was even a chance of finding his half-brother in the mansion. A thrill of excitement ran up his spine at the werewolf’s words.
“The third floor is clear,” Cassie called. “We took down four guards, but no humans or psychotic lab experiments.”
“Way to keep your opinion out of it,” Jericho said from the porch.
“She has a point,” Tennison replied. “Drogan’s pretty psychotic.”
“Point taken,” Alex said, “But let’s stay focused. Kaynan and Rafe, do a final sweep of the second and third floors. Trent and I are heading to the basement.”
Terith’s voice came over the earpiece. “Alex, there’s a truck pulling up to the gates.”
Alex’s heart slowed. “If they’re coming to the mansion at this hour, it’s not by accident. Dray, question the occupants and Jericho do a sweep of the vehicle. Whatever you do, don’t let that truck up the drive. If that’s Drogan’s escape plan, he’s not going to make it.”
“Will do,” Dray answered.
Alex thought quickly through his plan. He wanted to get to the basement to investigate the trap door with Chet and Vance, but the truck was definitely a security hazard. “Cass, you and Tennison monitor the front and back of the house. If Drogan’s here and he’s called in his escape, it won’t be that easy.”
“Okay, Alex,” Cassie replied.
“We’re heading down,” he said. “Give us the word when the humans are clear and let us know what you find out about the truck.”
Chapter Twelve
Alex jogged back down the stairs with Trent close behind. The scent of blood in the air lessened when they reached the open basement door and continued down. They passed four rooms. Similar tables from the second floor sat in each room. The scents that lingered in the air spoke of werewolf and human along with anger, body odor, stress, and Drogan. The last one made Alex’s stomach turn.
“What are we going to find?” Trent asked quietly.
Alex wasn’t sure how to respond. He followed Chet and Vance’s scents to the last door. Vance pushed it open when they approached. Drogan’s scent flooded out along with a strange musk Alex didn’t recognize. It smelled of werewolf and human, but something else tainted it that made his muscles tense and his hands close into fists. He approached the strange door in the middle of the floor.
“Leave it to a psychopath to construct some sort of bomb on the door,” Chet said with heavy annoyance in his tone. He gestured at the door and crossed his arms as though done with the entire thing.
Trent crouched and studied the apparatus that sat on the door. Two glass vials filled with liquids and another filled with a white, salt-like substance were connected w
ith slender tubes and an array of mechanisms Alex didn’t dare to touch.
“What do you think?” he asked Trent quietly.
Alex’s instincts screamed for him to smash the entire thing and tear through the door to get at the Extremist hiding beneath, but a lingering need for self-preservation warned him that if it was a bomb, smashing it would be the worst thing he could do. He knew Siale would be glad that his voice of reason still remained. She and Cassie feared he had lost it long ago.
“It’s on a trigger system,” Trent replied, his voice distant as he worked gingerly through the mess. “One wrong turn and this place will be leveled. Brock, can you put me through to Mouse?”
“Siale already left to get him,” Brock replied.
“So he’ll blow himself up just to kill us?” Alex asked with a hint of amazement. If anything, his brother had shown more drive to protect himself than Alex had ever had.
Trent shook his head and gestured at the floor. “This cement appears to be coated in a metal alloy that will no doubt protect whoever is underneath from harm. That’s why Brock’s heat sensors didn’t pick anything up.” He looked up at Alex. “Drogan could be the only one beneath here, or he could have a hundred guards. There’s no way to know for sure.”
Alex let out a slow breath. Opening the door could mean death for both teams he had brought to the mansion, but not opening it meant Drogan would escape yet again. They would never know what the Extremist was up to until it was too late. Jaze’s orders had been to capture Drogan; they had to go through the door.
“I’m here,” Mouse said over their ear monitors. “Describe what you see.”
Trent launched in a detailed description of the bomb and mechanisms. Alex paced the room in an effort to contain how badly he wanted to be down that hatch and chasing Drogan. The minute Trent and Mouse took to discuss the bomb felt like hours.
“How long will it take to disarm?” he asked when silence followed.
Trent studied the mechanisms for a moment longer. “Give Mouse and me seven minutes.”
Mouse agreed. “If we don’t have it by then, we won’t have it at all.”
