Page 37 of Broken Forced Mate
The thought brings unexpected comfort. Whatever happens next, I have allies who chose to be here rather than people who made decisions for me without my consent.
That has to count for something.
Even if I still don’t fully understand what I’ve become or what role I’m expected to play in the conflict ahead.
Chapter 11 - Wyn
Twenty-four Thornridge operatives have been living in our territory for months, and we had no fucking idea.
I crouch behind desert scrub with Aidan beside me as we both stare at the map spread between us on the rocky ground. Red marks indicate confirmed enemy positions, while blue dots show our own patrol routes. The pattern makes my stomach turn.
“They’ve been planning this since before Bastian ever set foot in Llewelyn,” Aidan whispers as he taps the locations with his finger. “Look at the positioning.”
He’s right. The infiltrators have spread themselves across key strategic points throughout the valley—near water sources, along major transportation routes, close to communication towers. This is a coordinated siege that’s been building for months while we remained oblivious.
My radio crackles before a voice comes through. “Wyn, this is Jay. You copy?”
I key the mic. “Go ahead.”
“Found another cache about two clicks north of your position. Military-grade communications equipment and enough weapons to arm a small army.”
“Copy that. Mark it on the map and continue your sweep.”
Dorian’s voice comes through next. “Theo’s team found something similar on the western ridge. These bastards have been stockpiling.”
The scope of the operation becomes clearer with each discovery. While Bastian was playing the role of devoted fiancé and gathering intelligence about Raegan, his associateswere positioning themselves for a full-scale takeover of our territories, just in case plan A didn’t pan out.
Just like Bastian said.
“We need to get closer,” I tell Aidan. “The drone footage only shows so much. I want eyes on their main camp.”
“Oren’s not going to like you taking unnecessary risks.”
“If we don’t understand what we’re dealing with, more people are going to die.”
Aidan studies the map again. “The terrain around their main position is mostly open ground. Getting close enough for detailed reconnaissance means crossing at least half a mile of exposed desert.”
“I’ve done it before.”
“Not with professional military forces watching for infiltrators.”
I fold the map and stuff it into my vest. “Every hour we wait gives them more time to prepare.”
Aidan nods and starts gathering his gear. “Then let’s go hunting.”
We make our way back to the rendezvous point where the rest of our team waits. Dorian stands near his truck with Emin and two Ambersky scouts I don’t recognize—both young, both trying to look more confident than they feel. Theo and Jay crouch beside their own vehicle, cleaning their weapons and checking ammunition.
“Status report,” I prompt as we approach.
“Six confirmed weapons caches,” Dorian replies.
“Communication equipment?”
“Encrypted satellite phones, portable radio towers, even some kind of jamming devices.” Theo looks up from his rifle. “They could cut us off from outside help whenever they choose.”
The implications make my wolf pace restlessly beneath my skin. Cut off our communications, overwhelm our defenses with superior firepower, then claim the Amanzite reserves as spoils of war. It’s a solid tactical plan that accounts for most of our advantages.
“What about personnel?” Emin asks. “How many are we actually dealing with?”
