“I’m not sure yet.I want to spend the day gathering information and arranging a meeting at our house for anyone willing to help.Do you know where they’re holding Sophie?Has anyone heard whether the hunters plan to leave soon?”
“The mayor let them stay in one of his rental properties.”Arthur’s voice cracked.“And now…now that monster wants to come see his prize.”
“Do we know when he’s expected?”Sienna asked.Timing would be critical.
Arthur scowled.“Butcher said this afternoon.Flying in from Scotland.”
Scotland?That was where they had intended to seek safety.They’d have to reconsider this or at least investigate the reclusive man to determine if he’d pose a danger to them.
His wife burst into noisy tears, and Arthur sent Sienna an apologetic look.
“So they’re keeping Sophie at the rental?”Sienna asked.
“We think so, although we don’t know for certain,” one brother said.
Okay.She needed to confirm this info.“Are the rest of the hunters staying there, or are they still at the hotel where they’ve been to date?”
“The hotel.I saw four men returning from the hunt this morning when I was going to work.”One of Arthur’s brothers spoke up.“Two men at the holiday home.”
“How do you know?”Sienna asked.
“Asked around, then went to see myself.”He shot a glance at Arthur.“I couldn’t do nothing.”
They’d need to strike before the boss arrived, in case he brought more men with him.He’d need someone to look after his prize and maintain Sophie’s health.An involuntary shudder rippled through her.They had to move fast.The hunters weren’t stupid.Soon, someone would connect the clues and realize the number of shifter sightings might bear closer scrutiny.
Everyone was in danger, and doing nothing was the greatest threat of all.
Chapter 15
Theirplanwassimple.
They’d distract the hunters standing watch at the rental home and pick them off one at a time.For once, fortune favored them—fog had delayed the boss’s plane.Sienna had overheard that bit of intelligence while skulking around the house, trying to learn the hunters’ positions.
Now, she and the others—an unlikely mix of family and allies—closed in on the holiday home.Sienna had hoped more village men would step up, but most wanted to avoid trouble and protect their families.She understood.She did.But didn’t they see?If that billionaire collector left Stoneford with Sophie, the child might never see her kin again.And if the vets drew blood, it could spell trouble for them all.
“Stop stewing.It won’t change the locals’ opinion or their inaction.We’re doing the right thing,” Liam said.
“I know.Liam, I’m so sorry I kidnapped you.I can’t make it right, but I am sorry.”
“I’m not.”
She stopped in her tracks and stared at him.
“Head in the game,” he whispered.“We’ll talk once we ensure Sophie’s safety.”
It sounded like forgiveness, but his casual tone left her stunned.Could it be that simple?Had he dismissed her crime with a single word…or was it a distraction for the mission?
She shook herself and gathered her thoughts.Liam was right.Each of them needed to focus and do their part of the plan.The window of opportunity was incredibly tight with Edwin Smith on the way to Stoneford.
When they neared the rear of the rental home, they split into pairs and waited.Jago undressed and placed his clothes under a handy bush.He shifted, and after a nod at her and Liam, he padded through the thick undergrowth, a silent and deadly predator.
Today, they didn’t intend to kill anyone, but they would render them unconscious if necessary and leave them bound and gagged.
Jago released a soft growl.
The guard they were targeting heard because he whirled and peered into the undergrowth.His hand twitched toward his weapon, body rigid, before he called out, “Who’s there?Come out where I can see you.”
Sienna and Liam slipped behind the hunter and waited for Jago to appear.Long seconds passed before Jago growled again.
