I keep my face blank, even as her words land hard. “I agree.” I knew the second I left her behind, it was a mistake. I’m going back for her, and this time she’s leaving with me whether she wants to or not. I’m not leaving her there for the vampires to abuse. She doesn’t have to live with me or have anything to do with me if she doesn’t want to, but she deserves to have her life back. I can at least give her that...or die trying. I shove back my chair the second Bryce finishes the calls. “I’m going to get back to work.” I don’t leave Bryce a chance to argue with me. The second I’m out of earshot, I pull out my phone and call the alpha of the Northwoods Pack. Garrett answers on the first ring.
“Garrett.”
“It’s Hunter.” I don’t waste any time getting to the point. “I’m going back. Do you want in?”
“Yes.” There was not a moment’s hesitation. “Does Bryce know?”
“No.”
“Why not?” Garrett asks in a voice that borders on harsh.
“Because he’s got a mate who’s pregnant.” I am very aware that I am talking to a male in the same position. “I don’t want him to have to choose between staying with her or coming with me. Besides, I can’t guarantee he could make it through the barrier. They’ve made their wards stronger. I can’t guaranteeyou can make it past the wards either, but you have the best chance of it.” Garrett was definitely the strongest alpha among wolves; if anybody could make it through and survive, it would be him.
“When?”
I’m already working the plan out in my mind. “As soon as I can work it out, but it will probably take a few days.”
“Let me know. I'll meet you. Send me coordinates for where you want to meet.”
“I will.”
It takes a few days to get things back in control in our pack, where I feel like I can be gone for a little bit. I finally convinced our pilot to fly me and not to tell Bryce, but it took some convincing. The date is tomorrow. Garrett will meet me there.
I let my wolf run until he’s tired and then crash for a few hours before getting up early and leaving my house while it’s still dark. I make my way to the hangar that’s so close, it’s almost on our property. I greet our pilot before climbing aboard and settling in. The hours drag by as I think through plan after plan, idea after idea. In the end, I finally give up and lean my head back against the seat.
When we land, I send him back without me. I don’t know how long I’m going to be here, and I’m not going to make him wait for days if that’s how long it takes. I got in about three hours ahead of Garrett, so I have some time to kill. I spend the time scoping out the area but not getting too close to vampire territory, at least not yet. Garrett texts me that he’s arrived, and I head to our meeting point.
“Thanks for coming,” I tell him.
He nods. “Ready?”
We walk the last few miles on foot and come to the vampire wards. I let him know when we’re close, but I think he can probably feel it. There's a good amount of power coming fromthe wards. “Did you tell your mate?” I ask when we’re about a yard away from the barrier.
“No.” I glance over at him, but he stares straight ahead. “She’s pregnant and recovering from her attack. I’m not adding this fear. Besides, she’d probably argue to come with.”
“Okay. I’m not sure how crossing the wards will affect you. They’re definitely stronger than last time. I’ll keep my hand on your arm; it will help a little to offset the blast.”
He gives me a dubious look. “You’re going to hold my hand?”
“No. You ready?”
“What’s the plan?” he asks.
“I am going to surrender myself to them. They’ll take me in as a prisoner, and you will use my capture as a distraction. When you get a chance—”
“Kill Ajax and get out.”
I eye him. “That’s the goal, but it will take time to get to him. I will figure out a way to get him to you. You won’t be able to get into the facility. Just lay low, and I’ll get him out of the building somehow.”
“Or I’ll get to him first,” Garrett adds in a voice that speaks of vengeance and justice.
“Yeah. If you do, just get out. I’ll get out on my own with Sherese, but it might take a little while.”
Garrett nods. “Okay. Ready to get yourself caught?”
“Yes.” I am. It’s the first step to getting Sherese. No matter how long this takes or what happens, I’m not leaving without her this time. I turn to Garrett, and he waves a hand.
“Go ahead and do your getting captured thing.”
