Page 112 of Forbidden Moon
If his information proved correct, the path they were using broadened out soon and then skirted the edge of an old burn scar. They would regroup there and then split up to move towards the central complex. His plan to surprise them early on a Sunday morning worked perfectly, as they hadn’t come across a single guard. The stupid sons of bitches wouldn’t have a chance to run before he blew their brains out.
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ACTING AS THE REARguard, the Cooks pack slinked through the woods behind the group of armed humans. There’d been no hesitation when Alpha Blair asked for their help, and Andy Tipton, as Second, was tasked to lead them. His Alpha, Weston Frazier, joined with several other local Alphas to support Ben on the front lines. The humans never suspected they were being followed by twenty wolves, all eager to help their friends put a stop to this threat once and for all.
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STILL OUT OF SIGHT, Ben spoke quietly into the satellite phone.
“Base, report on readiness.”
“Acknowledged, Team Leader. Kitchen, medical, triage, and additional backup are all ready. Rearguard is on the move. Toys are safely in the box. Cameras are recording. Lou is standing by.”
“We are ready to roll, base. Enemy ETA?”
“Arriving now at the burn scar. Three minutes until they all clear the trail. Be advised they may split up from there.”
“Acknowledged base.”
Ben turned to take in the defenders surrounding him. Nolan, Garrett, Ash, and Scooter were part of the front line. Behind them, a mixture of men from various packs, Gladstone’s security team, and the group sent by Alpha Sheppard. This small team was meant to throw Russell off balance and encourage overconfidence. There were scores more hidden among the trees, both in human and wolf form, ready to join in when needed.
Donna suggested inviting area Alphas since their help might be needed after the shooting started. Ben knew what she hadn’t said—that if he died, the other Alphas could force the wounded to shift. She was right, of course, but he didn’t dwell on it. A modulated series of static bursts alerted everyone that it was time to go. Ben led the way, ready to face his elusive enemy. He opened the mind-link and sent Evan a final message.
“Whatever happens, be strong. I love you.”
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RUSSELL WATCHED THElast of his men emerge from the forest into the large clearing strewn with burned rock and a smattering of knee-high vegetation. There was nothing left of the trees which stood here years ago except the rotting remains of charred trunks. It struck him as something of a natural graveyard—an omen of what else may die here today, and he smiled.
“Listen up! Once we clear the curve up ahead, split into your assigned groups. Move fast and take down anyone you see on the way in. Once we meet up again at the central complex, I’ll choose a few to save for the cops or scientists—whoever wants ‘em. Afterward, we check every building for stragglers. Until then, don’t fire unless I say so. Got it?”
Russell and his inner circle led the way, making good time across the scar. They almost reached their dividing point before a small cluster of men assembled out of nowhere to block their path. Surprised, Russell raised his fist, and the men behind him stopped in their tracks. A big, muscled guy with dark wavy hair and an air of authority called him out.
“Russell Hook! You and your men are trespassing on private property. Go, now, before anyone gets hurt.”
Who the hell was this, and how did he know Russell’s name?
“Well now, I don’t think you’re in any position to tell us what to do! I appreciate the welcome committee, but your time is up.”
Russell raised his rifle, and the others joined him. They were too close together to maneuver, but they did have an excellent line of sight. Just as Russell began to squeeze the trigger, an unholy chorus of howls erupted behind them, sending chills up every spine. They whirled around to find a snarling pack of wolves running straight for them at top speed. Someone fired. Scared shitless, many others followed suit, and the melee began.
Several wolves were hit, going down with agonized yips and sprays of blood. Almost forgotten, Ben and the others raced forward to disarm their attackers from behind before anyone else got hurt. More shots were fired, and though some went wild, others found their mark. Bodies crumpled on the rocky soil as fear and confusion prompted the humans to keep shooting.
Ben’s people erupted from their hiding places and rushed into the scuffle, using their speed and superior senses to deal with the militia. More blood spilled, even as the Alphas spread out to assist the wounded, along with Donna and her team. Screams and howls filled the air as frightened humans and determined shifters struggled for control.
