Page 56 of The Rabbit's Foot
Mal dressed and followed behind her, with Alp bringing up the rear. As soon as they exited their room, they saw the sea of shifters, all checking one another to ensure they were set to go.
“Are you all using guns?” Alp asked.
“No, sugar,” Cece replied. “This fight is personal, so the weapons of choice will be claws and teeth. The guns are there in case we need them. Our people can fight in either form. If something happens, they’ll shift to start repairing the damage, but then they’ll swap to the guns so they can continue. We’ll have a central hub of operations where we’ll leave the gear, but for now, we’re ensuring everything is as it should be.
“Plus, we have some noncombatants who will have weapons should they need them. They’ll be setting up a triage station to deal with any injuries that come in. We’ll leave two guards with them, but in the expected chaos, anything could happen.”
Alp swallowed hard. Mal could tell he was conflicted about taking Lydia into this. “Can’t we leave Lydia behind?” Alp asked, obviously worried for their friend.
“We could, but we only have one healer, and Lydia would be a great asset. It’s up to Mal how we proceed. She’s his, so what he says goes.”
“No,” Mal replied, putting a hand on Alp’s shoulder. “He was there. He’s seen what they’ve been doing. I have to trust in him to guide me in this.”
Alp pressed into Mal’s touch. “Thank you, First,” he said, his voice cracking. “I don’t want to take her, but Cece is right. We need everyone we can, and as much as I hate the idea, Lydia wants to go, and we will definitely need her help.”
“Okay, then, let’s ride,” Mal said, slapping his hip. When he saw how Alp and Cece were staring at him, he grinned. “What? I’ve always wanted to say that.”
Cece shook her head and led the way to where the gathering was taking place.
Mal drew in a breath.
It was time to go to war.
Chapter 18
Damon called the wolves and bears into a huddle, then gave them their final instructions. Mal listened, wanting to know things were going according to plan.
“I will designate two teams. One is going to trail behind the truck to see where they go. If they’ve got houses nearby, I want to know. If they’re staying together, I want to know that too. Then, after the attack starts, another team will allow a few of them to escape so we know where they go, in case it’s somewhere other than their places. Kern and Davis, you’ll be the ones who keep watch. When they get to whatever hole they’re heading for, you call and tell me. Donottry to handle this on your own, unless I tell you otherwise. We don’t know how many people they’ve got, so you’re to watch and report. Is that understood?”
“Yes, First,” they both replied.
“Where’s Lydia?” Alp asked, scanning for his friend.
“They’re setting up to deal with casualties. Once we breach the complex and can clear an area, she and our healer will be led to a secure location where we can protect her and our own people.” Damon glanced over to Mal. “Malachi? Do you have anything to say before we go in?”
Mal pulled Alp along behind him, striding forward until they got to the center of the crowd. “This is my mate, Alp. We’re here to rescue the shifters who are being tortured, much like he was. While we will grieve at the loss of life, we cannot—will not—allow these monsters to hurt anyone else. Stay safe, be cautious, but don’t show mercy.”
Damon clapped him on the shoulder. “Well said.” He faced his people. “Now, if the timetable Malachi gave us from his visit here is still accurate, they should start changing shifts in the next thirty minutes. I want you all to gather your groups and be ready to move as soon as that door opens. Any questions?” One shifter raised his hand, and Damon’s brows shot up. “Squire?”
“Yes, sir. I was wondering what we’ll be doing for dinner tonight? That stuff we had yesterday was deelish! I especially liked those little burgers.”
A laugh rolled through the group, breaking the tension.
“Hopefully we’ll have time to eat. We don’t know what we’re going to find in there, and this might take us days to sort out. I’ll have a better answer for you once we get the information.” Damon grinned. “If that’s okay with you.”
Squire snapped to attention. “Yes, sir!”
“Then gather with your groups. Group leaders, prep your teams. Good luck, and may the Maker be on our side this day.”
Those gathered broke into smaller groups. Mal could hear the thrum of conversation as they gave out additional orders to their people. Damon pulled Mal and Alp to the side, his expression grim.
“I’m glad you gave us the lay of the land, Malachi. It’s going to be tricky getting in undetected thanks to those cameras.”
“Agreed, but I like the idea of swarming in. Once we get inside, we can cut any feeds. I still think the element of surprise is ours. I mean, who’s going to expect the pack to descend on them?”
“From your lips to the Maker’s ears,” Damon murmured, glancing around.
“Are you looking for Cece?” Alp asked.
