Page 50 of Wicked Fate

Ryker caught up to the rest of our pack and Bruce.

Bruce shook his head. “I should’ve brought some men after all. The vampires have to know we’re coming.”

“Yes, but they don’t know we were able to locate the witch.” Ryker rubbed his hands together. “So they’ll be expecting us to attack them.”

A little bit of tension was released from my body. He was right. They wouldn’t expect us to go for the prison.

Reid leaned against the Mazda. “How far away are we from the entrance?”

“It’s about two miles in the woods from here.” Kendric crossed his arms. “So about a mile from the mansion. There were no guards around, at least that I could see. It was hidden.”

I linked with Ryker,Even though Reid is holding up well, I don’t think he should come. He’s still injured, and if we’re traveling four miles total, he’ll slow us down.I turned to look at Sun, Cassi, and Reid, and I could see Sun’s strained expression as she studied Reid.

She had to be worried about the same thing as I was.

You’re right.Ryker pivoted and tilted his chin up, ready to play alpha.

Yeah, that wouldn’t go over well, so instead, I spoke before Ryker could.“Reid, I know this is important to you, but with all the pack link connections and everything, it would be best if you and Briar stayed here for when we return. We’re going to need the cars ready to take off and not try to be fumbling with everything then.”

Ember, no,Briar linked.I want to be beside you.

Selfishly, this plan helped ease some of my worry.Reid is sweaty and pale. He’s not going to make it, and you know the area and its hiding spots better than most. We’re one of the packs that know the surrounding areas well. It makes sense for you to stay with him.

“What? No—” Reid started.

But Sun jumped in. “I agree with Ember.” Her eyes glowed, and I had no doubt she was speaking to him.

After a moment, he frowned and exhaled. “Fine, I can do that, but I need Bruce and Ryker to swear they’ll take care of Sun.”

Both alphas agreed, and Ryker pushed his pride toward me.

He knew what I’d done.

“Then let’s move. Time is running short.” Bruce pointed to the lightening sky.

“Gage, Xander, and Kendric, I need you three to shift. Leave your guns on the car so the rest of us can double up.” Ryker rocked on his heels. “Ember, Sun, and Bruce can have two guns each.”

Everyone nodded.

Kendric removed his holster and placed it on the trunk then jogged to the tree line. Xander and Gage followed suit, and the three of them yanked their shirts over their heads as they disappeared behind three large trees. Within seconds, bones began to snap.

While we waited, Reid and Sun hugged, and I could see the lines of worry already deepening his forehead. He didn’t want his mate to go, but at the same time, he knew he couldn’t stop her.

Taking my hand, Ryker turned me toward him. He kissed my lips and linked,Please, don’t do anything reckless. I can’t handle losing you.

I won’t do anything I consider reckless.I returned his affection, but I couldn’t agree to his terms. There were things I’d done in the past that he’d thought risky, and I hadn’t agreed with him.

He huffed.I guess I’m going to have to accept that.

The guys emerged in wolf form and waited for us.

Kendric’s massive black wolf shook his head, his hackles already raised. Xander’s wolf—a dark brown—flanked him, and Gage’s blonde coat bristled.

Do you want us to scout ahead?Xander asked, pawing at the ground.

No, but we do need your enhanced hearing in animal form.Ryker stepped back.If they’re cloaked, only Ember can see them, so I don’t want to put you at unnecessary risk.

Maybe Cassi should ride on one of their backs?I bit my lip. Since Cassi was a witch, she couldn’t move as quickly as we could. We needed to be as fast as possible and silent.

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