Page 122 of Alpha Awakened
It made sense now why they’d kept him alive up to this point. Secretions drawn from a deceased shifter weren’t viable, as the enzymes broke down too quickly after death. If the fluid was going to be used for anything, it had to be taken from a living shifter.
Apparently they had all they needed. The assistant closed the storage case, pulled off his gloves, and threw them on the cart. The doctor gave him a nod.
“Good work.”
After one last look at Ice, the doctor indicated to the guard that he was ready to leave. The door was opened and they left, taking Ice’s blood and gland secretions with them.
“Let’s go get something to eat,” Number Three said. “This fucker ain’t going anywhere.”
Number Two shook his head. “You know one of us has to stay in here with him at all times.”
“Fine. You stay. I’ll be back in thirty.”
Number Three used the key looped on his wrist to unlock the door. He left, closing and relocking the door behind him.
Ice was left alone with Number Two, who slouched in his chair in a bored pose. Instead of finally learning the reason for his capture, Ice had more questions. Who were these people and why the hell did they want his blood and shifter secretions? And whyhisin particular?
He was burning with curiosity. However, finding out the answers to these questions wasn’t his main concern at the moment. They had what they needed from him, which meant he’d served his purpose. Now that he was no longer useful, they had no reason to keep him.
Best case scenario, he was let go. The mercenaries had been careful to keep their faces and affiliation hidden. Knowingthat he couldn’t identify them for future retribution, they could simply drop him somewhere far from their location and let him make his own way back to Fort Grove. But they could also put a bullet in his head and leave him here to rot.
Ice wasn’t going to sit there and wait to see which plan they went with. He needed to figure out his escapenow.
Chapter 45
November 29, 1982
23:00
Downtown St. Louis, Missouri
“We’re all clear on the plan,” Ortiz said as she looked over the trio of soldiers in front of her with a steely-eyed gaze.
Hazard stood between Jax and Lance Corporal Baker, who’d they’d borrowed from team Sierra Six. Intel had finally provided information on Ice. They didn’t know who had him, but they knew where he was. With that info, they’d immediately sprang into action. The chopper had brought them here — to a field bordering a failed business district. On the other side of the field stood an empty office building.
“Our only mission tonight is to recover Ice. If you come across any intel on the way out, grab it. But until we have Ice in hand his rescue is your only priority. Anyone who gets in the way is considered hostile. Take them out with extreme prejudice.”
Dylan flexed his fingers again and again, champing at the bit to be let loose. He was dressed in a pullover shirt and drawstring pants. Ortiz hadn’t been surprised when he’d walked into the ready room, dressed in the uniform meant for shifting. He and Ice might not be mated, but Ice was a member of his pack — the one he was closest to. His lover. Hazard’s omega instincts demanded that he go after him as a wolf. And if anyone got in his way, he’d rip them to pieces.
Ortiz gave him a nod. “Hazard. You’re good to go.”
Hazard nodded back. He swiftly kicked off his shoes and yanked his shirt over his head. He was still in the process of shoving his pants and briefs down when he shifted. Once he was in wolf form, Jax came over and strapped on his protective gear.
“Let’s go find our packmate,” he said in a fierce whisper.
Hazard yipped once before they set off running toward the high-rise. On all fours, Hazard was faster than everyone else. He had just enough presence of mind to hold himself back from racing ahead. It’d be foolish to rush up to the building on his own. Besides, he wouldn’t be able to open the door with his paws.
As they crossed the parking lot, his nose picked up Ice’s scent. It was faint and old, but Ice had definitely passed through here. They reached the building’s entrance without incident. Hazard impatiently prowled back and forth, waiting for Jax to breach the door. The second it was open, Hazard sniffed the air. He breathed in Ice’s scent, fresh and live. The captain was still here.
Hazard threw back his head and howled, letting his pack mate know he was coming for him.
They moved inside, splitting up into two groups to search for Ice. Hazard with Jax and Ortiz working with Baker.
At the noise of their entrance, two guards appeared in the lobby. Hazard locked eyes with one of them. He growled deep in his throat. His hackles rose, lips peeling back from his fangs.
“Oh shit!”
The guard cursed and stepped back. He tried to turn and run, but Hazard sprinted forward and leaped...