Page 29 of Hellfire
“Sandwich?” Tank asked, raising a brow playfully.
I laughed, nodding. Maybe therewassomething between us.
Chapter Eleven
Tank
“What do you mean, the shipment hasn’t arrived?” Scar’s voice boomed.
“I sent Cyrus to scope out the area last night and the entire operation was gone. No crates, no lackeys, nothing. It was like they just packed up and left,” Steele said, as he ran a hand through Cyrus’ feathers.
“The entire operation was counting on them being there tonight. Why would they just leave?” Scar runs a hand through his hair in frustration. “It doesn’t make any sense,” he mumbled, flopping down into a chair at the head of the table.
“Pres, we should just go to the drop site. What’s the harm in at least showing up?” Snake suggested.
I exchanged a look with Reaper, him and Nate had been tracking them for weeks now. If anyone had an idea what happened, it was them. I raised an eyebrow in question, but Reaper’s eyes just narrowed in response.
“If the Hive is expecting us, then we could be walking into a trap,” Scar said.
“So send Cyrus and Snake in. One on the ground, one practically invisible,” Steele offered.
It’s a move we had done a thousand times in the past to gain intel. But something told me if they already knew we were coming, then they would expect a crow in the sky.
I shook my head. “I don’t think that’s a good idea, Steele. What if they’ve got some kind of new magic that can detect Cyrus or Snake?”
Scar sighed heavily. “He’s got a point. We can’t afford to take any unnecessary risks.”
“But what other choice do we have?” Snake interjected, always willing to spy. “We need to know what’s going on with that shipment. If we don’t, we could be looking at a major setback for the entire operation.”
Prospect leaned forward, his voice low and urgent. “I say we send in one man to do some recon. Someone they wouldn’t expect. See what we can find out.”
Scar nodded slowly. “Okay, but who do we send? We can’t just send anyone. This is a delicate situation, and we need someone that can track the shipment.”
All eyes turned to me, and I felt a sudden surge of anxiety. Everything we had worked for relied on this moment. Plus, going in blind was a risk.
“I’ll go,” I said, my body coiling with anticipation. I could feel my beast pacing back and forth, ready for a fight if it came down to it.
Scar looked at me for a long moment, his expression unreadable. We couldn’t afford to lose anyone else. He nodded once.
“Okay, you’re up. But be careful and stay in touch. We’ll stay in the shadows nearby, just in case you need backup.”
Meaning, if shit hit the fan.
My heart skipped. Everyone was relying on me. If I couldn’t pick up the scent and figure out what was going on…
Scar banged the gavel and, as I rose from the table, I felt a mixture of nerves and excitement. This was what I’d been training for, what I’d been working towards for eight years. It was time to put my skills to the test. Prove that I was worthy of my place at the table.
As I exited the basement, I saw Katrina was standing awkwardly off to the side, an unsure smile tugged on her lips. She wore a black pair of sweatpants and an oversized t-shirt.
“Morning, pretty girl. Were you waiting for me?” I asked, pulling her flush against me. Her sweet scent washed over me, calming my nerves.
“I thought you said we were doing a training session today?” she asked shyly.
I had completely forgotten my promise to teach her self defense. But now that I was going into the stakeout tonight alone, I had to teach her today. If anything went wrong, I needed Katrina to be able to defend herself.
“Of course we are. Are you ready now?”
She nodded, letting our hug end all too soon. Feeling the need to keep her close, I draped an arm over her shoulder as we walked toward the gym at the back of the property.