by Bianca D’Arc
“Wouldn’t you like to know?” Georgio answered good-naturedly.
“Actually, I would.” Arlo hitched his weapon higher, cradling the semi-automatic in his arms like a child.
“Didn’t Sam tell Jesse we were holed up underground?” Georgio countered, unwilling to give up all his—or Frank’s—secrets without resistance.
“Intel said a bunker, but we’ve been all over the satellite data and beats me if we can find an entrance,” Arlo admitted. Georgio smiled.
“That’s good.” Georgio was very pleased that such experts as the Wraiths could bring to bear hadn’t been able to spot Frank’s little hidey-hole. “The guy who owns this mountain will be pleased to hear that.”
“Eccentric billionaire is what Jesse said,” Arlo offered, clearly fishing for at least some tidbit of information.
Georgio took pity. “Friend of Sam’s. Guy by the name of Frank Malone. Owns a huge corporation by that name. Malone Enterprises. He’s a recluse. Claims to be unable to be around people and had this place built as a retreat from the world.”
“And the woman you were tracking? She came here because of Malone?” Arlo kept poking to see what Georgio would reveal.
“Pure luck, actually. Though, not too lucky for him, since he took a beating rather than reveal her presence.”
“Sounds like a stand-up guy,” Arlo said after a short pause. “Human?”
“Near as I can tell, though he seems to find something about the lady and myself tolerable to be around, when most people get on his nerves. I’d like to investigate that further, once we settle things here. Could be he has some kind of sensitivity that someone might be able to help him with so he can function in the real world, again. I don’t think he enjoys being so isolated. He does it because he has to, for his sanity.” Georgio shook his head. He really did want to try to help Frank, if he could.
“So, what’s the mission?” Arlo asked after another short pause. “We’re cleared to help in whatever way you want. Sounds like you want to catch the bastards that hurt the human.”
“That I do,” Georgio admitted readily. “They were hunting the lady. They are most likely connected in some way to the shifters that were held in that menagerie in Oregon. Either they’re the same bastards or they’re a separate set of bastards intent on the same thing. They have to be stopped, and this looks like as good a chance as we’ll get.”
“Roger that,” Arlo agreed. “What do you need us to do?”
“Frank’s safe where he is, and I wouldn’t really want to move him at this point, anyway. He’s bruised real good, and it’ll take time for him to heal, being human and all,” Georgio said quietly. “I think it’s time to hunt the hunters. How do you feel about helping me lay a few snares to trap our prey?”
Arlo grinned. “I say, let’s go hunting.”
*
They devised a detailed plan before Georgio went back down into the bunker to coordinate with Frank and Matilda. They’d both need to help spring the trap. Frank by calling the number his attackers had left and Matilda by allowing herself to be seen, as bait.
Georgio really didn’t want to involve her in anything even potentially dangerous, but he knew he had to have her active participation in the resolution of this situation. It was important for her mental health and eventual healing from the horrendous ordeal she’d been through. He knew that from his own experience. She’d do better if she took an active role in bringing at least some of the evil men who were hunting her to justice.
Shifter justice. Something a lot more basic than any human legal system. These men would be judged right here, on the spot. Justice would be swift…and deadly.
“I assume you want in on this, right?” Georgio asked Matilda, just to make certain he’d pegged her response correctly. He’d already filled Frank in on what they intended to do, and Frank had approved wholeheartedly.
“You bet I do,” Matilda replied eagerly, a steely glint in her eyes. “I want to see their faces. I want to see if any of them were my jailors. I especially want the ones who cut me.”
Georgio approved of her bloodthirsty side. His bear roared inwardly at what had been done to her. She deserved her chance to look into the eyes of those who had hurt her. She deserved the chance to no longer be a victim, but a victor.
“When shall we do this?” she asked, sounding stronger with each word she spoke. At’a girl.
“No sense waiting. Might as well start the ball rolling,” Georgio said. “The Wraiths are in position and ready when we are. I just need to call Arlo and let him know when things start moving.”
“And it all starts with Frank calling that number from Belasco Industries?” she asked, sounding just a tad unsure, now, which Georgio understood.
They were on the point of beginning something that, once started, could not be stopped until it ran its course. She had every right to feel a bit of trepidation. She wasn’t a trained soldier. Not like him and the Wraiths. They’d done this kind of stuff for a living for a long time. She hadn’t.
“Frank makes the call, and we have a series of different plans depending on the result of that contact,” he told her. He’d outlined their plans already, in brief, but he would go through every last detail, if that helped her nerves settle.
“All right, then.” She swallowed and nodded firmly. “Let’s do this.”
*
Frank was able to get up from his bed and walk slowly into the communications room to place the call. Georgio didn’t have to coach Frank at all. His past as a powerful CEO shone through as he called the number and spoke briefly with the woman who answered. When he hung up, after receiving instructions, he looked thoughtful.
Both Georgio and Matilda had heard both sides of the conversation, of course. Matilda was surprised by what she’d heard.
“Why did that woman sound like the boss?” Matilda said finally, into the silence.
“She did, didn’t she?” Frank replied, thoughtfully tapping the handset against his chin before placing it down onto the console. “I didn’t expect that. The only people who came to my place were men. I figured one of them was the ringleader, but this makes it sound like they were just hired help, and there’s a woman giving them orders.”
Frank had told the woman who’d answered the phone that he had seen Matilda in the woods that morning. He’d asked flat out if there was a reward and was belligerent enough to complain about his treatment. His voice also held an undeniable hint of fear that was very convincing. Matilda was impressed. She hadn’t known Frank was such a good actor.
Georgio was sitting at a console and tapping on a keyboard while they spoke. He paused and turned to them.
“She’s closer than we thought,” he said shortly. “That number routed through a switchboard and back to a cell phone that pinged off a tower on the other side of the mountain.” He picked up a phone and started dialing. “I’m going to warn Arlo. We’re going to have company a lot sooner than expected.”
Things happened quickly from that point. Frank felt well enough to stay in the communications room and monitor the feeds. He could watch a great deal of what went on up top from there. Georgio wasn’t altogether thrilled about that. He would be able to see the Wraiths’ skills should they act within camera range, for one thing. Most of the guys were smart enough to note camera locations and avoid them, but the enemy probably wasn’t as careful.
Frank—as wealthy, powerful, and connected as he was—probably knew more about the real world and the beings in it than most humans, but Georgio wasn’t sure if Frank knew about shifters, and he couldn’t ask without giving the secret away. Still, the man had proven able to keep secrets, and he was friendly with Sam Kinkaid, after all. One didn’t get to be friends with the lion king casually. Sam, it was said, had a very small circle of friends, and there were very few humans numbered among them. Frank must have already proved himself in some way to be counted as a friend of the Kinkaid Alpha.
As it was, Georgio had good instincts about people
. His instincts said Frank would be a good man to have as a friend and ally. Whatever transpired outside, Frank would see a military unit in action. Perhaps they could limit it to that. It would depend, at least partially, on what the other side brought against them. If they had a magic user among them, for instance, things might get a bit showier than Georgio wished, but they’d have to wait and see what happened.
“Almost ready?” Georgio asked Matilda as he came back from getting the last of his gear. He was going fully armed up top. He would help the Wraiths if they needed it, but mostly, his mission was to keep Matilda safe, though she wasn’t necessarily in on his plan.
He wasn’t keen to have her in danger, but he knew she had to do this. She had to be part of her own rescue so she could feel powerful and reclaim her identity as an Alpha lioness more easily. Georgio didn’t like it, but he knew he had to help her in whatever way he could. Right now, that meant watching her back while she dangled herself as bait in front of the enemy.
Matilda came toward him. She’d been getting some last minute comfort items for Frank, in the comms room.
“He’s all set,” she said, brushing her hands down her borrowed clothes.
She was wearing stretchy dark pants and a loose T-shirt. She had layered the rather bright tee over a form-fitting dark top. Once she’d been spotted by the enemy, she’d lose the tee and use the darker colors to help her blend into the forest.
“I helped him arrange the chairs so he could put his feet up, and brought him a pot of tea and some snacks. He’s good for the next couple of hours, at least. And he’s moving around a lot better, now, than he was before,” she reported, sounding relieved about that last part.
Georgio knew guilt was wracking her about Frank’s injuries. She felt responsible for bringing her troubles to his door, but Frank wasn’t the type to see things that way. No, Frank had risen to the challenge and wanted to fight back. He had even talked to Sam about paying the Wraiths’ fee, Georgio knew. Frank was a fighter who didn’t run from adversity, which was probably what had made him so successful in the business world.
Georgio paused by the door to the bunker and turned to her. “I won’t say you don’t have to do this, because I know you do, but just promise me you’ll be careful, okay? It’s driving my bear nuts that we’re knowingly walking into danger.”
She surprised him by walking right up to him and hugging him. It took only a split second for his arms to fold around her as she embraced him. She felt so right in his arms. The wonder of her being his mate washed over him, again, settling his bear.
“You’re one of those big protective types,” she said with a hint of humor in her voice. “I know this is hard for you. And I have to thank you for doing it anyway, because you’re right. This is something I need to do. I have to see some justice done. I have to be part of fighting back against those who imprisoned me. It’s important to me and to my lion. We aren’t used to sitting on the sidelines.” She pulled back slightly to gaze up into his eyes. “I’m glad you understand.”
“I do,” he said softly. “More than I wish I did.”
She nodded, her gaze going soft. “Same here,” she replied.
He knew she understood how much he wished they didn’t have the knowledge they shared about captivity and torture…and coming back from it. But it also made them who they were. They couldn’t change the past, but they could overcome it and make a better future. That’s what these next few hours would be all about.
Georgio led Matilda to the surface through the alternate exit he’d used when he’d met up with Arlo. He wasn’t too surprised to find Arlo waiting for them when they emerged from the crevice in the side of the mountain that was well-hidden by bushes and bracken. Arlo was a wolf, after all, and they had pretty keen noses.
“Figured it out, eh?” Georgio said, by way of greeting.
“It’s pretty ingenious,” Arlo replied. “You say humans designed this?”
Georgio nodded. “They can be pretty clever when they put their minds to it.” Matilda chuckled, and Georgio motioned her forward. “Arlo, this is Matilda.”
“Ma’am,” Arlo said, nodding respectfully. “Pleased to meet you. Your cousin, Alpha Kinkaid, was very specific in his instructions regarding your safety.”
Matilda laughed. “I’ll bet he was. Did he also tell you I’m a lioness with a mind of her own?”
Arlo looked pained. “Yes, ma’am. He did say something to that effect. I think his final words were something like, ‘Just do the best you can.’”
Georgio got a chuckle out of that. He was glad to learn the Alpha of her Pride knew Matilda so well that he wouldn’t put unnecessary constraints on her. Everything he’d heard about Sam Kinkaid had told him he was a good Alpha. This was just one more bit of proof.
Arlo tapped his ear and moved off to the side. Georgio knew that look. He was getting an update over his earpiece.
“Looks like the party is about to start,” Georgio commented to Matilda. “Are you ready for this?” She glanced up at him.
“Yeah. I think so.” She breathed deep of the pine-laden air.
“You want to pull out at any time, you just give me the signal, okay?” he asked her, all seriousness.
She nodded. “I’m glad you’ll have my back. Lions usually hunt in a group. It’s been hard being out here all alone.”
Georgio’s heart melted. “You’ve done incredibly well on your own, Matilda. You can be proud of your performance. But, yeah, I’m here, now. You have allies in the Wraiths. You don’t need to go it alone anymore. I’ll always be there, to be your backup…or whatever you want.”
Matilda caught her breath. He sounded so serious. Was he implying…?
“Sit rep,” Arlo said, his voice intruding on her thoughts as he came back to them. “Three vehicles are headed toward the cabin. We’re repositioning.” He handed a small black device to Georgio, and Matilda realized it was an earpiece when Georgio put it on with expert fingers. He’d obviously used one like it before.
“Three?” Matilda felt a momentary dismay. “So many?”
“It’s nothing we can’t handle, ma’am,” Arlo reassured her. “We just have to recalculate a bit. Nothing we haven’t done before. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll just go take my place with my team.” Arlo moved off, melting into the trees like a ghost.
He had tried to make his words sound casual, but Matilda feared she’d heard a bit of strain in the man’s voice. She reached for Georgio’s hand and immediately felt the warmth of his reassurance.
“We can always hide below if things go south,” he told her quietly. “We’ll be near an entrance most of the time we’re above ground.”
Right. Frank had given her a map with detailed notations of where the entrances were to the underground tunnels all around his cabin. She’d memorized it and marveled at how often she’d been past some of the entrances and never even suspected they were there.
The plan was for Matilda to be spotted in the woods near the cabin. She would then draw out the goons into the woods where Arlo’s team would deal with them. Only, they hadn’t really counted on three vehicles full of people. They’d planned for the original group of men who’d beat up Frank, plus maybe a few extra.
“Do you really think the Wraiths can handle the numbers?” she asked Georgio worriedly.
“Piece of cake,” Georgio replied immediately. His casual tone made her look sharply at him.
“You’re not just saying that to make me feel better, are you?”
“Honey, I will never lie to you. The Wraiths are a lot like my old team. In some ways, they’re even better, though I’ll deny it if you ever repeat my words.” He gave her a small grin. “Thing is, they can handle just about anything. If the enemy is all human, this won’t even be a contest.”
“What if there’s a mage or something?” she asked, worrying.
“Then, it’ll get more interesting, but still not impossible. Remember, I’m a bear. Most magic rolls right off my fur. Wolves
are pretty good at dodging mage bolts, too, though they’re not quite as resistant as I am. If they need my help with a mage, I’m there. As long as you’re in the tunnels, first, okay? My primary goal here is keeping you safe. Everything else is secondary. If there’s a mage, I want you to go to ground, and then, I’ll help them deal with it.”
“I don’t like running and hiding.” Her inner lion’s growl came out in her voice. “I’m pretty much through with hiding. Now that I’m fit, I have no reason to be as cautious as I have been.”
“It’s not really hiding.” Georgio shook his head. “Frank is trapped inside the mountain if things go badly out here. You’re his only protection, Matilda. You need to be inside, with him. Protecting him.” She wasn’t totally buying his argument, but he went on. “You need to be inside, where I know you’ll be safer, so I can do my part out here. My bear would go nuts if you were out here with me, and I had to split my attention between your safety and helping the Wraiths.”
Okay. That, she believed. His words convinced her and held a lot more emotion than she had expected. Once again, she was struck by the almost-declaration. He sounded so serious about them as a couple. Not straight out, but in ways that made her wonder if he was planning on something long-term with her.
He hadn’t declared his intentions in so many words, but she felt more and more that he was heading that way. Her breath caught, and her heart swelled with hope, but Georgio pointed toward his new earpiece, and his eyes went to the tree line for a moment.
“We’ve got to move. Will you agree to seek cover if there’s mage involvement so I can stay sane and help the Wraiths?” He spoke quickly, and she felt a sense of urgency.
“Okay. If it’ll help your crazy inner beastie do what needs to be done, my lion agrees. I don’t like magic and it doesn’t bounce off me the way it does for bears—or so I’ve been told.” Her words sounded grudging, even to her ears, but he grinned and dipped his head to give her a quick kiss.
