“She’s probably running scared which means it’s imperative we get to her. And fast. She has no idea we’re coming here to get her.” I remind him.
We’re both dressed for the harrowing occasion in black long-sleeve tops and matching slacks to conceal any identifiable marks. The generic latex face masks, complete with scraggly brown hair to keep our faces hidden, and conceal our neck tattoos are essential for us to remain undetected. Our Games crashing outfit ensemble is nothing we wouldeverwear—because being well-dressed is a part of our identities—which makes it perfect for our mission here.
Slip in. Grab the girl. Slip back out.
That’s our mission.
A massive brute pops out of fucking nowhere, both meaty fists gripping the gnarliest of knives. I don’t even need to intervene, though, because Rodion has already flicked his wrist, launching a shurikeninto the side of the burly man’s thick neck. The fool tries to look down at the shiny star that’s gashed through the fat vein in his neck, but the blood spurting out ofhim tells him all he needs to know. He blinks several times and then collapses to the ground with a guttural sound of defeat.
Too easy. Pathetic.
Screams and shouts fill the arena, but we continue our pursuit without hesitation, swiftly eliminating any threats as we search for our prize. Hours go by as we navigate through this wicked place with stealth and precision. Finally, Rodion grabs my arm and slams me against a wall making me grunt.
“We’ll wait here,” he instructs, voice muffled behind the mask. “The door she was sent through will lead her along this path at some point, and that’s the room with the exit hidden inside.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
“Was the rough handling necessary?” I ask, my dick twitching in my slacks.
“You don’t usually complain.”
“Who’s complaining?”
“Shhh, listen.” He taps his mask where his ears sit beneath. “Do you hear that?”
My heart pounds every time I hear a woman scream. All my instincts urge me to keep moving, to find her and save her. But we could end up going in circles, never catching each other’s scent. So, I wait, and eventually a tug pulls me out of the shadows where I’ve been hiding. I step out of a doorway when I hear a familiar voice.
It’s hers.
She’s about ten feet in front of me, gripping a bloodied machete, and pride swells in my chest.That’s our girl.
“Out of my way, Jesus Freak,” she spits, and I can’t help but smile behind the mask. She must think it makes me look like Jesus. You never know with her. The strangest shit comes out of her mouth.
I ignore her taunt and take a step in her direction, but she darts toward a door, disappearing inside before I can reach her. The door slams shut.
Dammit.
Sounds of a struggle pulse against the walls, her screams sending my heart rate skyrocketing. I slam my fist against the door, then my shoulder. It won’t budge.
“Brother!” I bellow. “Stop messing around. I need you.”
Rodion dodges an axe that a random female contestant attempts to cleave him in half with and swipes her feet from under her.
“Give me that,” he snaps, snatching the axe from her grip before she can recover. As she scrambles to her feet, a look of shock on her face, she quickly retreats, taking off in the opposite direction.
Without missing a beat, Rodion jogs to where I’m still pounding on the damn door with all my strength. The wood creaks under the assault but holds strong until he begins chopping at the fucking thing like it’s firewood. His strikes are powerful and precise, sending splinters flying. By the time we break through, Alyona is tied to a table, and the freak who put her there throws a knife our way.
I move fast and without hesitation, executing a roundhouse kick to the man’s head. My foot connects with his jaw, sending him flying backwards, knocking the table and Alyona sideways. She cries out and begins thrashing to free herself.
“Shhh,” I coax, squeezing her thigh to reassure her.
It only lures the beast out of her. Despite the restraints, she tries to strike me with her knee but misses, her frustration coming out in little grunts. My laughter sounds odd when muffled by the mask.
“Let me go, you asshole!” she screams, her voice filled with anger and desperation as she squirms, kicking with the one leg that has managed to break free.
Rodion appears beside us and shoves a pill into her mouth, knocking her jaw upward to crush the casing and spill the sedative liquid within it down her throat. It’s designed to calm her and make her more compliant. Getting her out of here will be a lot easier without causing a scene. As the drug takes effect, I untie her. Her body visibly relaxes, becoming pliant as Rodion takes her into his arms.
