Page 103 of Pretty Lethal
“We’re coming, Angel. Just hang tight.”
A sob wrenches free from my throat at the sound of Wilder’s voice, my whole body beginning to shake with relief as I listen to them get closer. Their voices become less muffled as the last of the dirt is scraped aside, and a moment later, I hear Kai speak.
“Cover your face if you can, Blackbird.”
In the confines of the box, I’m just about able to bring my hands up to cover my face, and I listen as the wood creaks around me, resisting whatever Kai is doing to it until it gives with an almighty crack.
Strong arms reach in and grab me; the next thing I know, my face is buried in someone’s chest. I’m eclipsed by a spicy, honeyed scent that is uniquely Wilder, and I cling desperately to the front of his top, pulling him closer than is physically possible as I breathe him in.
Only when I feel the other two press in around me do I lift my head, looking each of them in the eye. I pause when I take in the blood crusted on Wilder’s skin. It looks like he dunked his head in a vat of it.
“How…”
“It doesn’t matter, Little Sparrow,” Hawk says, staring at me in wonder. “All that matters is that we’re together. We’re all safe.”
“What about Carrie?” My eyes swivel to Wilder, softening. “I can’t believe she’s your mom. I feel like such an idiot. I thought of her as a mentor.”
“Don’t blame yourself,” Wilder pleads, stroking his hand through my hair. “She had everyone fooled. This is some sick plan she has had in the works for years.” He glances over at Hawk. “I still can’t believe she was tight with your mom.”
“Right? And a silent investor for Nocturnal Mercenaries,” Hawk agrees.
“I thought it was just your families that were in charge?” Wilder questions, still holding me in an iron grip against his chest.
Hawk shakes his head and shrugs, appearing baffled by the whole revelation. “So did I. They were the ones ultimately responsible, but I guess there are plenty of other sick fucks like them out in the world who helped fund what they were doing and, in return, wanted their names kept off any paperwork. We didn’t trace where any of the financial backings were coming from—we just shut down the entire operation.”
“What about your grandfather?” I ask. “Does this mean he’s not in on any of it?”
“I haven’t a fucking clue, but I’d guess not? Or at least, he’s not the one running the show.”
My eyes search his face, before I tentatively ask, “Robbie?”
“Dead,” he snarls, not the slightest bit apologetic.
Good. He deserved to die for the way he manipulated Wilder all these years.
“And your mom?”
His lips curl in a savage snarl. “Will soon be joining him in the burning pits of hell.”
Wilder reluctantly lets me go so I can embrace Hawk and Kai while they catch me up on what happened after I was dragged away. I can’t believe that bitch ordered Robbie to kill Hawk and Kai. I want to stab her myself for that alone!
“So, what’s the plan?” I ask, glancing between them. “Carrie is going to find out pretty soon that you two aren’t dead, and Wilder is missing.”
“Yeah, and then she’ll rally her mindless followers to finish the job,” Hawk drawls, his lips pursed in disdain.
“We can’t give her the opportunity to do that,” Wilder states determinedly.
“We’re not exactly in the position to stop her right now,” Kai points out, waving at each of us. He’s right. We’re all worse for wear after the shit we’ve been through today. It’s obvious Wilder’s shoulder is still hurting him, Kai looks exhausted, my head is pounding, and Hawk’s probably is too.
“Not alone,” Wilder argues cryptically, arching an eyebrow as he stares pointedly at Hawk.
Hawk’s eyes dart back and forth between Wilder’s before his brows lower. “No!” he states adamantly. “We are not dragging Hadley into this!”
“You know she’s more than capable of handling herself, and we need the extra manpower,” Wilder argues.
“Then I’ll call someone. There are people on Kai’s team, and I’m sure Jasper and his team will help.”
“Yeah, and it’ll be tomorrow at the earliest before they are mobilized and ready to go. Hadley and the guys could be here inhalf an hour, armed and ready. We could end thistonight.”
