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Alaric’s order came through the command channel.

“Fire.”

The Mountain’s guns opened fire, sending a powerful tremor through the floor beneath my boots.

“Brace!”

The room shook, and dust fell from the stone overhead. On the sitting room display, one of my soldiers caught himself against the barricade just as another explosion rocked the residence.

Our main entrance vanished beneath a cloud of dust and debris. Almost simultaneously, the eastern service doors blew apart, and armed men began pouring through both entrances.

“Fire,” I ordered.

My soldiers opened fire, cutting down the first attackers before they could advance into the residence. More men forced their way through the breaches, only to fall under the gunfire as our guards held their positions.

“Close the section.”

The security barriers slammed shut behind the attackers at both entrances, cutting off their retreat.

I collected a crystal arm and left the command office, heading straight for the sitting room. Heat rose from the damaged floor, and dust caught in my throat. Two soldiers passed me carrying a wounded female Alpha, who attempted to straighten when she recognised me.

“At ease, soldier. You’ve done your duty.”

I continued into the sitting room, where my soldiers had forced the surviving attackers to their knees, their hands secured behind their backs. The sight brought a smile to my face.

Harrow approached. “The residence is almost secure, Director. Four more attackers are being brought here.”

The violence had steadied me. These men had come armed into my home, intending to take the woman I loved and our unborn daughters. I had spent months watching Elowen endure pain I could neither prevent nor take from her, but this was a threat I knew how to deal with. Here, I could put myself between her and something I could kill.

“Team Eight, report.”

“Lady Stormforge remains in the nest, Director. She requires no immediate medical assistance, but she’s extremely frightened.”

Not long now, sweet Omega.

A report from House Vaelor confirmed that its defences were holding, Magnus was safe and all six hostile ships had been destroyed.

Thirteen minutes after the first surveillance feed failed, the last entrance was secured. Three of my soldiers had been wounded, and seven attackers remained alive in our custody.

Harrow joined me. “Requesting authorisation to transport the wounded, Director.”

“Granted.”

Lucien opened our Pack channel. “Caius has captured the enemy commander and his communications officer. We’ve confirmed the targets of both attacks. Elowen and our daughters.”

I looked towards the hallway leading to her nest.

“Harrow is sending you the identities of our seven prisoners. Do you need any of them?”

“Hold them until I’ve checked.”

I waited by the lifts while our wounded were taken to the transport below. Less than ten minutes later, Lucien returned to the channel.

“I’ve reviewed all seven. None is required for questioning.”

“Understood.”

I returned to the sitting room, where the seven prisoners remained on their knees. Satisfaction spread through me as I approached them. One of Elowen’s cushions lay on the floor beside an open equipment case, and I picked it up and returned it to the sofa before accepting the handgun Harrow offered me.