“But that’s not true, Sawyer,” Quin said, softly. “Dylon said someone would be going with him as protection.”
“I agree with the plan,” Mason said. “From everything I’ve heard, it’s well thought out, giving us the best chance of rescuing our brother.”
“Sorry, Sawyer, I’m with Mase and Quin,” Mac said.
“As I am, too,” said Robin. “Even if you could come up with a better plan, I see two problems with that…one, time…it’s running out because as I understand it, if Fionn doesn’t make the deadline, our brother will pay the price. And two, Fionn has already approved this plan and since he’s Hunter’s mate, we are bound to follow his wishes.”
Robin was right, Sawyer had to admit to himself, and since all his brothers were in agreement except for him, he acquiesced. Nodding his head, he said, “Fine, I’m in.”
Chapter 41
Steel stood. “Everyone who’s been assigned to the enforcers, follow me.” After seeing Mac, Mason, Robin, Carson, and Sawyer rise, he strode out of Jackson’s study, leading them across the great room and outside where his head enforcer waited. “For those of you who don’t know, Groose is in charge of our enforcers. Is everything ready?”
“Yup,” Groose responded. “I divided the men into seven groups and stationed them along the western border wall.
“Is that the only way they can get to us,” asked Sawyer.
“Yes,” answered Groose. “The other three sides are impassable…high mountains.” Then, turning to Steel, he said, “As soon as you’re ready, we can head out and introduce your cousins to my enforcers.”
“Let’s go,” Steel replied. “We don’t know exactly when they’ll attack so I want everyone in place as soon as possible.”
“Right,” Groose said, heading over to some all-terrain vehicles. “There’s one for each of you,” he said, handing out walkie-talkies before climbing onto his. “Steel, you’re first and I’ll bring up the rear.”
Waving that he understood, Steel gunned his ATV, aiming for the path that ran parallel to the border wall.
~/~/~/~/~
After his mate left with Carson and the cousins, Jackson turned to Theo and Norm. “Guys, Daniel and the twins are with Oracle in the playroom. Cody has set up the portable cribs in there, so after you give them their bottles, they should fall asleep quickly.”
“What should we do if one of the attackers gets into the house?” asked Theo.
“I don’t think that’ll happen, but if it does, your job is to protect the pups at all costs…whatever it takes,” Jackson said.
“Don’t worry, Alpha,” Norm said, puffing out his chest. “No one will get past me.”
“I’m counting on it,” Jackson said, smiling at the bears. “Now, go. Let me know if you have any problems.”
“C’mon, pooh bear,” said Theo, grasping Norm’s hand. “This will be good practice for when we have our own cubs.”
“Cubs?” Norm asked dubiously. “As in more than one?”
“Poor Norm,” chuckled Jackson as he watched Theo lead him out of the study. “Good thing they love each other.” Then, turning to Cody’s mate, he asked, “Is everything ready?”
“Yes,” Dylon responded. “Fionn, you know what to do when you step out of the portal, right?”
“I do,” Fionn responded. “But you better make sure your team gets to Hunter right away.”
“Don’t worry,” Dylon said, “we’ll have him free in no time. Just make sure you stay within a step of the portal so you can step back in when you get the signal.”
“Right,” Fionn said.
“Good,” Dylon said, glancing at his watch. “Time to go, guys.”
Zane hugged David, whispering in his mate’s ear, before looking over at Jackson. “Promise you’ll keep him safe?”
“I will, you have my word,” Jackson replied.
Holding Slate’s hand, Dakota led his mate over to join Dylon and Cody. He was nervous about the fighting that might ensue if the plan failed, but as his hand settled protectively on his belly, his mate’s wolf howled in response, reassuring Dakota that no matter what, their pup would be safe.
