The two married not long after, and Amos wanted to shove them both off the mountain every time they made eyes at each other.
“I asked you all here because the next target will take a lot of planning,” Amos began, “but I needed to speak with Marcus and Ruth first.”
Sariah, a woman in her early thirties with dark, golden-brown skin, dark brown shoulder-length natural curls, and sharp black eyes, leaned forward in her chair. “Why? We make decisions together.”
“Because it’s Merrick Hammond,” Ruth cut in. Silence fell hard. Everyone knew the story of Clover’s mother and what this kill meant to the Ambroses.
Sariah’s eyes widened, then hardened with resolve. “I’ll help however I can.”
Sariah had been sacrificed when she was nineteen years old, and she quickly rose in the ranks of the Hydra. There wasn’t a skill she couldn’t master.
Amos tipped his head. “Good. I need a woman to incapacitate him and carry him out of the palace.”
She smiled viciously. “Gladly.”
“This kill belongs to Marcus. Anyone who goes only kills Merrick if their life is in danger,” Amos told the table. “Rainer, we’ll need your glamour. Will you come?” The biggest rule in the Hydra was that everyone had a choice. Yes, Amos, Rainer, Ruth, and Sariah gave commands, but anyone could refuse or walk away. They never did.
Rainer looked to Marcus, who’d not said a word since Amos told him about Merrick. “You know I will.”
Marcus cleared his throat. “I have an idea, but there are kinks to work out.”
The team spent the next few hours going over plans until everyone felt comfortable it would work. As they were leaving, Amos halted and turned back. “Sariah, do you have the list of supplies for the den? I can pick everything up on my way to the post.”
Sariah dug a folded piece of paper from her back pocket and handed it over. “Thank you.”
“Oh!” Isabella rushed over. “Can you stop by the seamstress and pick up my new gaffs and padded breast bands? They should be ready.”
Amos glared at her. “I’m not picking up your undergarments.”
“My gaffs are stretched out, and I really need my new ones. You know I can’t go into the village or someone might recognize me. Please Amos.” She clasped her hands in front of her chest. While most of the village was Hydra or allies, there were still travelers who passed through.
He looked to Rainer for help, but the traitor held up his hands. “Better you than me.”
Amos looked at Isabella, his mouth curling into a wicked grin. “Fine. But I need a favor from your mate.”
“He’ll do it,” Isabella volunteered. “Won’t you, honey?”
Rainer glared at Amos. “What do you need?”
Amos clucked his tongue. “We need to speak in private. Will you do it or will you be joining me to pick up her things?”
Isabella poked Rainer’s side. “Say yes. I need your help at home.” Once they’d married, Isabella had moved out of the den and into Rainer’s house on the Ambroses' land. Happy fucking couple.
Rainer sighed. “Alright.”
“Walk with me so we can talk,” Amos said. “Isabella, he’ll meet you at home.”
Rainer pointed at her. “If anyone you don’t know shows up, do the trick I taught you.”
Isabella shot him a thumbs up. “I will.”
Once out of earshot, Amos turned to Rainer. “When we’re back from the capital, I need you to bring Clover to me.”
Rainer folded his arms across his chest. “Why can’t she come on her own?”
Amos took off his hat to run a hand through his hair. “Because she won’t come willingly.”
Rainer dropped his arms. “You want me to fucking kidnap her?”
