54. Peter

54

PETER

A fter forming a plan and asking for an immediate delivery of more vehicles, Peter climbed into the surveillance van while still mapping out the tactical sequence.

As Lyall shifted to make room, Drova watched him with barely contained intensity, her predatory nature evident in her extended fangs and the way her fingers flexed against the chair arms.

"I have a plan," he said, settling into the seat across from her. He tapped his earpiece. "Team One, I need two guards eliminated quietly. Strip them for uniforms and equipment. Bring one of the comms to the van." He paused for acknowledgments before switching channels. "Team Two, move into position to secure the control room. Wait for my signal."

Turning back to Drova, he pulled out his tablet. " This is going to require precise timing and control. Can you handle that?"

Her fangs retracted slightly as she focused. "Of course. What do you need me to do?"

"Once we have the guards' equipment, you'll use their communication channel to order everyone on that frequency to report to the control room for a briefing." He zoomed in on the building layout. "That way, even if the Doomers aren't on the same channel, they won't immediately suspect anything when they see guards moving through the house."

Drova leaned forward, studying the floor plan.

"You'll enter through the kitchen door." He pointed at the spot on the plan. "Two of ours will accompany you dressed as the mansion's guards. As you head to the basement, you compel anyone you encounter—staff and guests who most likely will not be wearing comms—instructing them to get outside through the kitchen door and stay there. Quietly." He traced a path on the tablet. "This is your route to the basement. Speed is crucial. We need you to reach the Doomers before they realize what's happening."

"I can do that." She sounded eager, her eyes focused on the display. "What about the guards in the control room? Won't they start to wonder what they are doing there?"

"Team Two will handle them as soon as they're gathered." Peter studied her expression carefully. " The guards are most likely human and easy for our Guardians to control."

She looked disappointed. "What are we going to do with them after we get the kids out and eliminate the abusers?"

He knew exactly what she wanted him to say, and if he could, he would have promised her that every monster in the place would be killed with extreme prejudice, but that wasn't conducive to their larger mission.

"This isn't about killing, Drova. It's about control and precision. You need to control your bloodlust."

"Even the Doomers? Can I at least kill them?"

"We need them alive to interrogate. We will take many prisoners tonight, and after we are done questioning them, we will eliminate some and use others as moles. Your services might be further required."

Her eyes brightened at that. "Good thinking. They can feed us more information." She squared her shoulders. "Got it. Quick, quiet compulsion. No excessive force unless absolutely necessary."

"Exactly." He switched channels again. "Status report."

"Two guards down," Jay reported. "Collecting equipment now."

Peter expanded the building schematic. "Memorize the layout. If anything goes wrong, you need to know every exit point. "

Lyall spoke up from his station. "The Doomers are still in the basement. Their conversation suggests they're not planning to move anytime soon."

"Good." Peter turned back to Drova. "When you reach them, your priority is preventing any harm to the children. Compel them to stand down and remain still. Nothing else until we secure the area."

She nodded. "Understood. I thought to order them to get on the floor and lie face down."

"That's good," Peter approved.

Thankfully, every Guardian and even the Kra-ell participating in this mission wore earpieces that filtered out compulsion so none would be affected by Drova’s commands.

She lowered her eyes, suddenly looking unsure. "What do I do about the children?" she whispered.

"Nothing. The Guardians will secure them and thrall them to sleep. We will take them to someone who will take care of them."

Drova let out a breath. "You've thought of everything."

"Of course. That's my job." He patted her shoulder. "If the uniforms fit, I'll get Pavel in one of them. Your mother wanted one of hers to make sure you are safe."

"Thank you." She gave him a smile that betrayed how young and unsure she was despite her bravado .

"Who do you want in the uniforms?" Alfie's voice came through.

"Pavel, if he can fit in one of them, and whoever fits into the other."

"Roger that. Approaching the van now, with the comm for Drova."

A moment later, the van's side door opened, and Alfie passed in the comm to Peter.

"Thank you."

His friend saluted and closed the door.

Peter handed the comm over to Drova. "Get ready. Once you're in position, everything moves fast."

Peter watched as Drova efficiently donned the tactical vest and comm gear.

"Remember," he said as she checked the comm, "Quick, quiet, precise. No deviations from the plan unless I give the order. Clear?"

"Crystal." Drova's voice was steady, and her fangs had receded to almost their dormant size.

She seemed focused on the mission now rather than her predatory instincts.

He tapped his comm again. "All teams, prepare for simultaneous execution on my mark."