Page 59 of Rescued By Four Alphas
"Collateral damage needs to be minimal," Leo says. "The more bodies, the more attention we'll draw afterward."
"I don't give a fuck about afterward," I snap. "I care about getting Dahlia out alive. Everything else is secondary."
"I understand," Leo says, his voice softening slightly. "But if we end up on every international wanted list, our freedom won't do Dahlia much good."
"Well, we would need our freedom if we can't get to Dahlia in time."
"I agree. No survivors," Leo's eyes go cold and hard. "And no witnesses."
"We'll need a multi-pronged approach," Evan says, "A diversion at the main entrance to pull their resources there. Meanwhile, a smaller team infiltrates from another angle."
"The mountains," I suggest studying the satellite image. "It's rugged terrain, but that works to our advantage. Shifters can navigate it better than humans, especially at night."
"What about once we're inside?" Axl asks. "We don't have the layout. We don't know where they're keeping her."
"We grab someone who knows and make them talk," I say simply.
"Once we have Dahlia, we need a clean exit strategy."
"We can use the helicopter," Evan says decisively. "I can have it on standby. We just need to get Dahlia to a clearing large enough for pickup."
"They'll have anti-aircraft measures," Leo points out.
"Then we'll need to disable them first," Evan counters.
We map out timing, resources, and contingencies. Every scenario ends with Dahlia safely recovered and the facility reduced to rubble.
"We should move fast," I insist. "Every hour she's in there..."
"We move when we're ready," Evan cuts me off. "Not before. Going in half-cocked gets us all killed and leaves Dahlia with no chance of rescue."
As much as it kills me, I know he's right. "Three days," I say. "That's how long we have to pull this together. After that, we move, ready or not."
"We'll be ready," Leo assures me. "I'll coordinate with the tech team, get everything we need for communications and surveillance."
"I'll handle weapons and transport," Evan says. "And medical supplies. We need to be prepared for any condition we might find Dahlia in."
The unspoken fear hangs in the room like a physical presence. What if we're too late? What if Reid has already...
I push the thought away. "I need to make a call..."
I step into the hallway, scrolling through contacts I haven't used in years. Rivera's number sits there, a last resort I never thought I'd need. I hit dial and wait.
"This number is inactive," a mechanical voice announces. Of course. Rivera would change his contact information regularly as the fucking paranoid bastard that he is.
I dial a secure line I memorized years ago. It rings three times before connecting.
"Gateway Pizza, how can I help you?" A bored female voice answers.
"I need to speak with the owner," I say. "Tell him it's Stonefang, and I'm calling about the debt from Calgary."
The line goes silent for nearly a minute. When I think I've been disconnected, a deep, accented voice comes on the line.
"Stonefang. I had not expected to hear from you again." Rivera's voice brings back memories of blood and fire, of a night five years ago when I saved his life and that of his daughter.
"I need you," I say simply. "A government operation has taken my mate. She is in a medical facility in Montana with heavy security."
A low whistle sounds across the line. "You do not ask for small favors, my friend."
