Page 31 of Hansen

“There’s nothing to talk about.You’re going to help me escape.”

“You could escape on your own right now.Everyone is busy fighting.They won’t notice you sneaking away.”

“I’m not going to risk it.”The man waved his gun.“If I take you hostage, they’ll be forced to let me go.”

“Do you really think that’s the best idea?”

An explosion made both of them jump.From the sound of it, it hadn’t been very big, but it had been close.Hansen hoped that Teddy had caused it.He didn’t want to have to deal with explosions not caused by their side.They never ended well for anyone, not even the hunters.

Hansen moved toward the guard, only to find himself facing the gun again.

“Stop moving,” the guard snapped.

“I’m not going to stop you from leaving,” Hansen tried to reassure the guard.He knew how to deal with hunters, but guards were always a little more complicated.He was sure that some of them had taken the job without knowing what they’d have to deal with.They’d probably been horrified, but they’d stayed.They’d gotten paid to guard shifters and humans who were being hurt by their bosses.

Something moved behind the guard, but he didn’t notice.Hansen did his best not to look in the direction so he wouldn’t draw the guard’s attention.He sucked in a breath when that something moved closer and revealed itself to be another guard.He was wearing the same uniform and had a gun in his hand, too.

Shit.Hansen really was in trouble.

The first guard started to turn when he realized there was someone there with them.Hansen didn’t know what to expect, but it wasn’t for the second guard to raise his gun and hit the first guard in the face with it.

Someone in one of the cages whimpered, but Hansen kept his focus on the second guard.He was looking down at the first guard, who was unconscious on the floor.The guard didn’t stay still for long, though.He quickly put his gun away, then grabbed the first guard’s arms and dragged him toward one of the cages.He hesitated, but instead of opening the cage, he grabbed handcuffs from the guard’s belt and used them to tie the man to the cage.He pulled on the handcuffs to be sure they wouldn’t open, then finally turned to face Hansen.

“I think you should either shift back or find some clothes,” he said.

“I’ll shift back.Why did you do it?”

“Because the only reason I’m here is to find my siblings.”

Hansen supposed that was as good a reason as any other.

* * * *

“WHAT DO YOU MEAN, YOUdon’t know?”Evan asked Matthew.

“Exactly what I said.I don’t know what’s going on.”

“You just got a call that explained it to you.”

Matthew shook his head.“I got a call from Olga telling me that things had gone sideways and that I needed to be ready to get picked up if they needed me.”

“Well?Areyou ready to get picked up?”

“I need to go to Moore’s house.That’s where they’ll pick me up.”

“Let’s go, then.”

Matthew was already shaking his head again.“You can’t come with me.”

Evan had never threatened anyone seriously.Today, though, he put his hands on his hips and glared at Matthew.“You know that thing you told me to do with roots?”

“The one where I thought you could immobilize hunters by using your ability with plants?”

“That one.Do you want me to use it on you?”

“I know you want to help, but getting yourself hurt and putting yourself in danger isn’t going to do anything.Hansen is just going to be even more worried if he finds out you’re there.”

“I need to dosomething.”

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