Page 57 of Alien Warlord's Fury

Nirako's eyes narrowed as he studied the compound. "There," he said, pointing to a small structure near the perimeter. "That's new. Likely covering the tunnel entrance."

"So they know about it."

"They suspect, at least." He sat back, considering. "We need a new approach."

I chewed my lip, thinking. "What about the power distribution node we damaged? They'll have crews working to repair it. We could use that as our entry point."

Nirako shook his head. "Too obvious. Hammond will have that area heavily guarded."

"Then what?"

He pointed to the western edge of the compound. "There. The waste processing facility. Minimal security, and it connects to the main complex."

I grimaced. "Through the sewage system? Charming."

"Effective," he countered. "And unexpected."

I had to admit it made sense. "Alright. When do we move?"

"Nightfall. The shift change will provide additional cover."

I nodded, though the thought of waiting hours more when the children were suffering made my skin crawl. "And once we're inside?"

"We find the children first," Nirako said. "Then deal with Hammond."

"And if he's with them?"

Nirako's expression hardened. "Then we deal with Hammond first."

The cold certainty in his voice should have disturbed me. Instead, I found it reassuring. Nirako understood what was at stake.

He wouldn't hesitate when the time came.

We settled back from the ridge's edge, finding a sheltered spot to wait out the day. Nirako pulled out our rations, handing me a portion of dried meat and fruit. I took it automatically, though hunger was the furthest thing from my mind.

"You need to eat," he said, reading my reluctance. "We'll need our strength."

I forced myself to take a bite, chewing mechanically. "Do you think we can do this? Just the two of us?"

"Yes." No hesitation, no doubt.

"Why?"

He looked at me, his eyes intense. "Because we must. Because there is no alternative. Because together, our strengths complement each other."

"That simple, huh?"

"No." He took my hand, his thumb tracing the silver markings that now pulsed in time with his lifelines. "Nothing about this is simple. But it is necessary."

I nodded, some of his certainty seeping into me through our bond. "I'm glad you're here," I admitted quietly. "I couldn't do this alone."

"You would have tried," he said, a hint of amusement in his voice.

"And probably gotten myself killed."

"Yes." His hand tightened on mine. "That was not an acceptable outcome."

The possessive note in his voice sent shivers through my body. "Because of the mate bond?"

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