Page 45 of Anders
He took it, immediately noting the unusual weight distribution.This isn’t really a book.
Carefully, he examined the binding, finding a nearly invisible seam along the spine.When he applied pressure to the right spot, the fake book opened to reveal a compartment containing what appeared to be a small computer terminal.
It’s some kind of control unit,Anders murmured, studying the compact screen and keypad.Military-grade encryption, biometric security protocols…
What does that mean?
Anders looked up at Etta, his expression grave.This is the command center for the entire surveillance network.
Etta stared at the device, her face pale in the dim light.Can you access it?
Not without triggering security protocols that would alert whoever’s monitoring.Anders carefully photographed the unit from multiple angles, making sure to document every component.But this confirms what we suspected.This building was specifically prepared as an observation post.
He continued examining the terminal, noting details that troubled him more with each passing second.The technology is advanced, but there are some aspects that seem…familiar.
Familiar how?Etta asked, crouching beside him.
Like it was designed by someone who understands shifter physiology,Anders said.See these sensor arrays?I think maybe they’re calibrated to detect pheromone patterns specific to wolf shifters.
Etta frowned.Could it be another pack?Some kind of interpack espionage?
No.This goes beyond normal pack politics.The level of technology, the integration with human military design…His jaw tightened as he shook his head.This has government involvement written all over it.
But why?What could they possibly want with us?
Control,Anders said sternly.Knowledge is power, and if they can understand how shifters operate, how we organize our packs, our strengths and weaknesses…
Etta’s hand went to the mark on her neck again.So I’m what?Their first successful infiltration?
Maybe not the first.But definitely one of their more sophisticated attempts.
He carefully closed the fake book, returning it to its place on the shelf.We need to get this information to Malcolm and Larissa, but we need to be smart about it.If the people behind this realize we’ve discovered their operation, they might move against us—againstyou—before we’re ready for them.
Etta nodded, though Anders could smell her fear.What about these devices?Should we destroy them?
No.For now, it’s better they think their surveillance is still active.It gives us time to plan our next move.He stood, scanning the basement one last time to ensure they hadn’t disturbed anything obvious.We should go.We’ve been here too long already.
As they turned to leave, Etta suddenly stopped, her head tilting in that unconscious wolf gesture of listening.Do you hear that?
Anders froze, extending his senses.A faint electronic hum had begun emanating from the book they’d just replaced—a sound too quiet for human ears but perfectly audible to a shifter’s enhanced hearing.
It’s activated,he said tersely.Something triggered it—maybe your proximity, or mine.
Before he could say more, Etta gasped, clutching at the back of her neck.The mark was glowing now, visible even through her hair, pulsing with an ominous red light.
It burns,she whispered, panic edging her voice.
He moved quickly, gathering her into his arms.We need to get out of here.Now.
They hurried up the stairs, Anders supporting Etta as the pain from the mark seemed to intensify.
By the time they reached the main floor, she was trembling, her face pale with effort as she fought against whatever the mark was doing to her.
Just a little further,he encouraged, guiding her toward the back door.The car’s right outside.
But as they reached the door, Etta stiffened, her eyes flashing gold, and hissed,Someone’s coming.
He heard it then—the soft crunch of tires on gravel, the quiet purr of an engine being cut off.Someone had pulled into the alley behind the building.
