Page 77 of Alpha Chained
Willow’s eyes go wide with fear. “What’s happening?”
I strain to listen, my enhanced hearing picking up snatches of harried conversation.
“…Boss wants them moved…”
“…something big going down…”
“…get them out, now!”
Understanding clicks into place. They’re coming for us. Parker must be spooked about something, wants to move his “assets.”
I glance at Willow, a silent message passing between us.
This could be our chance.
The cell block door bursts open, and a group of heavily armed guards spills inside, weapons at the ready. I recognize a few of them – the same brutes who’ve dragged me out to the fighting pit more times than I can count.
“Against the back wall, hands where we can see ‘em!” the lead guard barks, his rifle trained on me.
I comply slowly, hands raised, biding my time. The guards unlock Willow’s cell first, yanking her out roughly. She stumbles but catches herself, chin lifting in defiance.
That’s my girl.
Two more guards approach my cell, keys jangling. The instant the lock disengages, I explode into motion. I slam the barred door outward, catching the first guard square in the face. Bone crunches beneath the impact, and he drops like a stone.
Before the second guard can even blink, I’m on him. My hands close around his throat, lifting him clear off his feet. He sputters and chokes, scrabbling uselessly at my iron grip.
The other guards shout in alarm, but I’ve already hurled the one in my grasp into their midst. They go down like skittles, and I leap forward, a roar tearing from my throat.
Time to show them why they call me the Beast.
I make quick work of the guards, my fists and feet flying in a brutal ballet. Years of fighting in the pits have honed my skills to a razor’s edge, and these men are no match for me. Bones snap, and bodies crumple under my onslaught until the last guard falls with a choked-off cry.
Breathing hard, I turn to Willow, who’s staring at me with a mix of awe and fear in her eyes. I soften my expression, holding out my hand to her.
“Come on, sis. We’re getting out of here.”
She doesn’t hesitate, slipping her hand into mine. Her fingers tremble slightly, but her grip is strong. Together, we race out of the cell block.
As we go, the other prisoners – shifters and wild animals alike – begin to howl and roar, sensing the chaos. Their cries echo off the walls, a desperate cacophony that tears at my heart. I pause for a split second, glancing back at the rows of cages.
I’ll come back for you. I swear it.
But right now, getting Willow to safety is my top priority. We burst out of the cell block into a long, sterile hallway. Alarms blare overhead, red lights flashing in warning.
“Which way?” Willow asks, her voice tight with tension.
I hesitate, trying to think fast. “This way.” I tighten my hold on Willow’s hand and take off at a run, letting my instincts guide me. We fly down the hallway, our footsteps echoing off the tile.
A couple of guards round the corner ahead of us, weapons drawn. I don’t even break stride, barreling into them like a freight train. They scatter in alarm, not getting a chance to react before we’ve disappeared down another corridor.
“Holy shit, Riley,” Willow gasps as we continue our mad dash. “When did you become such a badass?”
Despite the dire situation, I grin at her. “Always was one, sis. You just never saw it.”
She lets out a breathless laugh, and for a moment, it’s almost like old times. Just the two of us, running wild and free.
But the illusion shatters as another group of guards appears at the end of the hall. They open fire, bullets pinging off the walls around us. I shove Willow behind me, shielding her with my body, bracing as I anticipate the strike of a slug.