Jace chimes in, words clipped. “Move up. Eyes on the target. Stay alert. This isn't over yet.”
I watch as they move again through the shadows. I pick at my nails.
“How have you been sitting here when I was going out there?” I turn to Maeve.
She shrugs, “I don't have any training or experience to be out there. I worry about you but I know you're strong enough to hold your own.”
“Ouch.” I make a face at her.
“Hey, you asked.” She smiles at me.
I take a deep breath, taking her words in. They can do this. They've done missions without me. They'll have to do missions without me.
The feed goes black for a heartbeat, then flickers back to life with night vision. The interior of the warehouse is illuminated in green.
“Entry team in,” Jace whispers. “Luca, left side. Felix, Kellan, rear cover. Move.”
“South side clear.” My eyes scan over the screens.
“Copy,” Luca murmurs. “Don't worry, pretty girl, I got this.”
A small smile forms, and I roll my eyes. But I don't respond. His confidence helps, but it makes my heart race.
“I swear I heard that eye roll.” Felix chuckles quietly.
“Isobel, did you see your brain?” Kellan asks.
“Focus!” Jace snaps.
“Two guards, east hallway,” Noah cuts in.
“Luca, flank. Jace, team branch west,” I relay, seeing the guards that Noah spotted.
“On it,” Jacesays, then gives Felix and Kellan exact positions, routes, and angles.
A soft, muffled grunt comes through the comms.
“Everyone good?” Noah asks.
“Caught a wild one,” Luca pants. I can even hear the smirk in his voice.
Jace spits, “Don't get cocky, that's when mistakes are made.”
“I'm not cocky,” Luca replies, smooth and teasing. “I just like showing off while my girl is watching.”
“Stop flirting and focus,” Jace snaps.
Maeve gives me a look and I mute myself.
“Did he just say 'my girl'?” Maeve all but squeals.
“Shut up.” I hit the button to unmute.
“Moving forward,” Noah says, “Target's in sight— loading dock, marked crates.”
“Copy,” Felix and Kellan say in unison.
I watch as they split off.
