“Of course, ma’am,” the Beta on the left says, giving her a kind smile. “No worries at all.”She nods to him, letting him know she is grateful, and then heads to the fire where she sinks into a camping chair that has been left out for her. Marissa gives her an understanding smile and then pours her
The forest is dark, but Victor moves through it like a predator, scenting the air, his eyes attuned to the night. Every one of his instincts is alive, awake to every breath of wind that stirs a leaf, every animal tread that echoes through the night. He has been training for years for a night like t
He was glad, in the end, that he hadn’t listened to Rafe’s urgings to continue with their plan to go to college straight away, to abandon the military path. Because when their father was injured in his early twenties, it was only Victor’s precise military training that allowed him to take firm contr
“Three.”Victor pulls his trigger at the same moment as two of his Betas. All three of Rafe’s troops fall to the ground, shrieking hideously.Victor grimaces at the sounds, but works to stay perfectly still. This is one thing that is different from actual combat. If this had been a real-life situati
Alvin laughs, seeing how easy it was, and quickly follows his brother.When they’re reunited in the next tree, they grin at each other.This will be easy, Alvin says to Ian’s mind, his face carrying the message.We’ll find them in no time, Ian responds, nodding.With that, the boys move briskly thro
Suddenly, two of Victor’s Betas explode from the treeline on either side of the black figures who approach Victor. Victor’s Betas shoot at the black figures, but they dodge, leaping forward and pulling knives from their hips. The men in ski masks tackle Victor’s Betas to the ground, pressing the kni
Marissa goes to stand with him and Bridgette sits up in her chair, suddenly awake, confused as everyone else is about what’s happening. “Sir,” Evelyn says, moving quickly to stand next to the boys, her mind working rapidly to come up with some kind of excuse for them.“None of that,” Henry says, sh
The battle is drawing close, now.Seeing that they had a slight advantage, only two men down as opposed to Rafe’s five, Victor had pressed into the offensive. Even if Rafe had set a trap ahead, his superior numbers should work in his favor.Victor and his Betas had moved swiftly through the forest,