I released the latches and lifted the lid on the box, revealing my pretty mate inside.
Smiling, she emerged from the compartment with typical grace, stretching muscles that had to be cramped from the awkward position. No complaints, no dramatics, just an acceptance that made my heart constrict with love.
Tressa bounded over and licked her face.
“That was actually more comfortable than some hotel rooms I’ve stayed in,” she said.
“You have terrible taste in hotels.” I wrapped my arms around her.
“Or excellent survival instincts.” She melted into my embrace before pulling back and peering around, nodding to my brothers and Holly.
“Everyone else is here now,” Sel said softly as he locked the back door and gestured to the front room.
Like before, the dining area in the front of the building had been transformed into a command center. My brothers and their mates sat around the tables they’d grouped together. Holly moved between them with a tea kettle, pouring water and adding sachets of herbs. They’d already placed platters of pastries and thick slices of bread slathered with butter in the middle of the tables, plus smaller plates for us to serve ourselves.
The stranger sitting beside Ostor caught my attention, a human male in plain clothes. Everything about his posture shouted law enforcement, from the way he observed our entrance, cataloguing details, to his careful positioning that kept his back to the wall and eyes on all exits.
“Everyone, this is Detective Raymond Fernandez,” Dungar said, nodding toward the stranger. “He’s coordinating with federal authorities on the Will Carmichael investigation.”
Detective Fernandez rose to shake our hands, his grip firm and his eyes kind despite the seriousness of the situation. “I’veheard a lot about you, Hail and Allie. Thank you for agreeing to help us bring this guy down.”
“Will’s caused enough damage.” Allie settled into the chair I pulled out for her. “It’s time he faced consequences.”
“My thoughts exactly.” Fernandez pulled out a tablet, swiping into a document. “We’ve been tracking him for months, but he’s always stayed ahead of us. He’s careful and well-connected. This is our best chance to catch him, and we appreciate you reaching out. He’s slick. I’ll give him that.” His smile rose. “But we’re slicker.”
“The plan is straightforward,” Dungar said, spreading a map of the town and surrounding area on the table. “Allie will return to normal activities, making it look like we think he’s left for good.”
“Using me as bait,” Allie said. No accusation in her tone, only acknowledgment of reality.
“Using you asleverage,” Detective Fernandez said. “We’ll have eyes on you every second. The moment Will makes a move, we close the trap.”
I studied the map, noting the positions marked for surveillance, the escape routes highlighted in red. Professionally planned, carefully coordinated. It should’ve been reassuring. Instead, every tactical detail felt like a blade pressed against my spine.
“What’s the ti-ti-timeline?” I asked.
“As soon as possible,” Dungar said. “We want to capture him while we have the element of surprise.”
“So now?” I ground my tusks at the thought.
“Every hour we wait gives Will more time to plan, more opportunity to bring in reinforcements.” Detective Fernandez leaned forward, his expression sympathetic but firm. “I know this is hard, but speed works in our favor here. Please know I have a full team on this. You’re not handling this alone.”
Allie covered my hand with hers. “I’m ready.”
Ready to face down the male who’d been hunting her for months and ready to risk everything for the chance at a normal life.
“We’ll go over weapons and communication systems next.” Ostor placed a duffel bag onto the table. “Everyone needs to know what they’re carrying and how to use it.”
The next hour blurred past in a haze of preparation.
“Will you arm Hail and his brothers?” Allie asked.
She shouldn’t have to think about such things. If only she could be tucked safely away in my pottery barn, creating beautiful things with her hands instead of preparing for violence.
“Would you like sidearms?” the detective asked. “Per the treaty, you’re allowed to open carry.”
I tapped the hilt of the sword riding my back. “I’m already arm-armed.”
Detective Fernandez grunted. “A sword will not work well in a gunfight.”
