Chapter 11
SABRINA
The mine loomed ahead, a jagged scar against the mountainside as our convoy approached.Logan’s security team was made up of ex-military shifters with hard eyes.As they arrived, they fanned out in precise formation as they worked with the sheriff’s deputies and environmental inspectors in securing the perimeter.My medical bag weighed heavily on my shoulder.I had packed extra supplies in preparation for the worst-case scenario.
Workers in mud-caked boots and hard hats gathered at the entrance, their faces rigid with distrust.A few spat on the ground as we passed.These weren’t just employees but Roberts’s loyalists, men whose livelihoods depended on the mine’s continued operation regardless of who got sick.One burly man with a salt-and-pepper beard stepped forward, deliberately blocking our path.
“You got no business here,” he growled, eyes fixed on Logan with unmistakable hostility.“This is private property.”
The sheriff stepped forward, unfolding a document.“Not anymore.We have a warrant.”
Tension crackled in the air.Anger poured off the workers in waves.Logan positioned himself slightly in front of me, a subtle protective movement that didn’t go unnoticed by the miners.
“Victoria Song sends her regards,” another worker muttered, just loud enough for shifter ears to catch.
Logan’s shoulders tensed, but his voice remained measured.“Clear the area.Now.”
The police made sure the workers dispersed, though they moved with reluctant slowness.One lingered, his eyes meeting mine with a look of pure malice that chilled my blood.
I adjusted my bag strap, watching Logan direct his team with authority.Rusted machinery and the layer of gray dust that covered everything gave the mine an apocalyptic feel.The wind carried the stench of corroded metal and something worse, industrial chemicals that stung my nose and burned my eyes.Even before reaching the main site, I could feel that everything here was wrong.It was nature violated.Logan’s gaze flickered to me, concern etched in his tight mouth as he noticed my discomfort.
My heart pounded as I surveyed the operation.This wasn’t just about exposing corporate negligence anymore.I’d faced aggressive alphas and treated dangerous shifters, but something about this felt different.It was personal.
“Secure all exits,” Logan ordered his head of security, as his eyes constantly scanned for threats.“No one leaves until we’ve found Vance.”The team dispersed, radios crackling with status updates about evacuating remaining workers.Logan’s hand found mine, large and warm.
“Stay close,” he murmured, his breath warming my ear.“I don’t trust this silence.”
We moved toward the main office building together.Every shadow and rustle of wind against the sheet metal walls agitated my nerves.The office door stood slightly ajar.Setting off all the alarms in my head at its wrongness.
Inside, chaos greeted us.Papers were scattered across the floor, drawers were pulled out and emptied, and a computer monitor still glowed with a progress bar on the screen as files were being deleted.The place reeked of fear, sweat, and desperation.
“He’s destroying evidence,” Logan growled, kneeling to examine a half-empty filing cabinet.
The walls seemed to close in around us, the air thick with dust and lingering cigarette smoke.Outside, machinery creaked in the rising wind, metal contracting as temperature dropped with the setting sun.Each sound made me flinch.
Somewhere, a metal pipe clanged rhythmically.Then stopped.The silence that followed was worse than the noise.
I moved to the desk, rifling through scattered papers.My fingers brushed against something sticky.I brought my hands up and examined the dark red drops on my fingertips.Fresh blood.Someone had been hurt recently.
“Logan,” I whispered, showing him the blood.
He touched it, rubbed it between his fingers, then brought them to his nose.His expression darkened.“One of my security team.Nox.He was supposed to scout ahead.”
A silent communication passed between us.If Vance had taken down Nox, one of Logan’s best men, we faced someone far more dangerous than a corporate doctor covering his tracks.
I scanned the room, my medical training kicked in immediately.I observed for patterns and anomalies.That’s when I noticed it, muddy footprints that led toward the back door.Fresh.Still damp.
“Logan,” I whispered, touching his shoulder and pointing to the tracks.
His nostrils flared, taking in the scent trail.Before he could respond, a crash echoed from outside.The bang of metal against metal, deliberate and taunting.Logan immediately reached for his radio.
“Team Alpha, report position.Possible suspect movement behind admin building.”
Only static answered.He tried again, his expression darkening with each crackling second of silence.
“Communications are being jammed.Stay behind me.”
We moved toward the back door, with Logan walking in front.
