Page 54 of Anders
Hot fury surged through him, his wolf responding to his mate’s distress.A growl built in his chest, rumbling outward as his fingernails lengthened into claws, digging into the metal desk.
Anders.Malcolm’s voice came from far away.
But all he could see was Etta dropping to her knees, her body contorting in what could only be excruciating pain as the man approached, still holding the device.
They’re activating the mark,Anders snarled, the words barely human.They’re hurting her.
Without conscious thought, he was moving toward the door, his body already beginning the shift as rage and instinct overrode any rational thought.Malcolm stepped into his path, hands raised.
Don’t.The alpha’s voice carried a command.You run in blind, you’ll make it worse.
Get out of my way.Anders could feel his canines lengthening, his vision sharpening as his wolf pushed forward.She needs me.
And you need a plan.Malcolm didn’t budge.You’re the head guardian.Act like it.
The words hit like ice water, shocking Anders back to clarity.
He forced his wolf down, fingers shifting back to human, though his claws remained sharper than usual as he moved back toward the computer system.I need eyes on Mesa View Road.
Conall was already on his radio, coordinating with his twin.We can be there in minutes.
No direct engagement,Anders ordered, his tactical training finally reasserting itself.Observation only.These aren’t ordinary humans—they’re trained operators with unknown capabilities against shifters.
He turned back to the monitors, watching as the men hauled Etta to her feet.She was conscious but clearly in agony, her movements jerky and uncoordinated as they dragged her toward one of the vehicles.
Despite her pain, she fought them.
That would buy Anders time.
I have to go,Anders said, his voice leaving no room for argument.But I’ll be smart about it.
Malcolm studied him for a long moment, then nodded.Take Conall.I’ll coordinate from here with Quinton.He gestured to the monitors.Take an earpiece.Keep your comms open.
Anders grabbed his tactical vest from a hook near the door, checking the specialized equipment he kept for emergencies.Nonlethal weapons, tracking devices, communications equipment, medical supplies—all designed with shifters in mind.
If they get her into those vehicles, we lose her,he said, strapping the vest into place.Government black ops don’t leave trails.
How do you know they’re government?Conall asked as they hurried down the corridor.
The equipment, the tactics, the resources—this isn’t some rogue scientific group.This has federal backing.Anders pushed through the back door, breaking into a run the moment they hit open ground.Military precision, intelligence training.
Like yours,Conall observed, keeping pace easily.
Anders didn’t respond to that.His years in the Army Special Forces had taught him to recognize various agencies’ operational signatures.What he was seeing matched the classified projects he’d glimpsed during his service—projects the public wasn’t supposed to know existed.
As they reached the tree line bordering the residential area, Anders slowed, signaling for stealth.From here, they could see the black SUVs, Etta now slumped in the grip of two men as they approached the lead vehicle.
Wait,he whispered to Conall.Don’t move until—
The sensation washed over him—terror, pain, and desperate need surging through a connection he’d only begun to understand.The mate bond, still forming between them, suddenly flared to life with urgent intensity.
Anders gasped, actually staggering under the force of Etta’s emotions flooding through him.
Her fear tasted metallic in his mouth, her pain burned along his spine as if the mark on her neck had been carved into his own skin.
Anders?Conall’s voice barely registered.
The bond pulsed again, stronger this time.
