Page 58 of Rescued By Four Alphas
Seconds later, he projects the images onto the wall screen. The facility sits in a valley surrounded by mountains, accessible only by a single road that winds through dense forest.
"It's a fucking fortress," Axl mutters, studying the images. "Look at the perimeter fencing, the guard towers. That's military-grade security."
"Hammond said it has three levels above ground and five below," Evan adds. "The lower levels would be where they're keeping Dahlia."
Leo zooms in on the images. "There are multiple security checkpoints on the access road. Surveillance cameras cover every approach, and what looks like automated defense systems are along the perimeter wall."
"And inside?" I ask.
"According to Hammond, it's a fully equipped medical research facility with specialized containment cells for shifters," Evan says. "Armed guards, biometric access controls, the works."
"So, a frontal assault is suicide," Axl concludes.
"We wouldn't make it past the first checkpoint," Leo agrees grimly. "They'd see us coming a mile away."
I slam my fist on the desk again, making everything on it jump. "So, what's the alternative? Leave her there and let that monster cut our babies out of her?"
"Of course not," Evan's voice is ice cold. "We're getting her out. We just need a plan that doesn't get us all killed before we can reach her."
"We need more people," Leo says. "This isn't something the four of us can handle alone, no matter how motivated we are."
"Who can we trust?" Axl asks. "If Reid has government backing, going to the authorities is out of the question."
"What about the regional Alpha council?" Leo suggests. "They have resources and warriors."
Evan shakes his head. "I found out that several council members have suspected government connections. We can't risk it."
The room falls silent as we all contemplate our limited options. Then a thought occurs to me.
"The underground networks," I say slowly.
Three pairs of eyes turn to me.
"The rogues, the outcasts, the independents," I continue. "Shifters who operate outside the official pack structures. They have no love for the government and plenty of experience with covert operations."
Evan's eyes narrow. "Do you have contacts in those circles?"
"My pack has always maintained relationships with the fringe elements," I admit. "We call it having insurance, in case the mainstream packs ever turned against us."
"And you trust them?" Leo asks skeptically.
"I trust their hatred for government interference," I say. "And I trust that they'll do anything for the right price."
"Money isn't an issue," Evan says immediately. "Whatever it costs."
I shake my head. "It's not about money, not entirely. These people deal in favors, in blood debts. I'll need to call in some markers."
"Do it," Evan orders. "Get whoever you can."
"We'll need more than just fighters, though," Leo points out. "We need someone who can hack their systems, neutralize their surveillance. Someone who knows the layout of missile silo complexes."
"I have a friend," Axl says unexpectedly. "From my wilder days. Some of them owe me for keeping them out of jail. Others would do it just for the thrill."
"Great," Evan says. "Contact them."
"What are we talking about here exactly?" Leo asks, though his tone suggests he already knows. "This isn't just a rescue mission anymore."
"No," I agree, my voice dropping to a growl. "It's a war. Every person in that facility is complicit in kidnapping and torturing our mate. Every single one of them should die for that."
