Chapter 9

CHAPTER 9

LUCAS

As soon as we skidded to a stop right outside the entrance to the concrete bunker built underground in the middle of nowhere, I dashed out of the vehicle.

The rest of the team hadn't bothered to try to stop me at this point. I'd already screwed up the plan by pulling up outside rather than a kilometre away. Urgency had me ignoring their grumbles.

The drive had taken too long, each second that passed burying me deeper and deeper into a spiral of claustrophobic despair.

In retrospect, the explosion had probably been unnecessary, but with no idea of who was in the bunker, I'd thought going in fast and hard was best. From Callen's complaints as I'd raced through the now-blown-open doorway, you'd have thought he'd never done anything as irresponsible before.

He absolutely had and far too many times for me to count.

I followed my nose. It led me to an open doorway. Once there, I all but stumbled in relief. Valeria was wedged under Ethan's broad body, both of them covered in concrete dust and a little debris.

I dragged in a breath, my chest expanding, muscles loosening. As Ethan looked my way, all wide-eyed and giving me crap, I glanced to their side, my growing smirk slipping off my lips.

Maya.

It was really her.

I felt the blood drain from my face, dread threatening to creep into the crevices of my mind.

After all this time, she was back from the dead and continuing to try to blow up my world.

She'd taken my child. Screwed with Ethan.

No.

I straightened, swallowing back the bile churning my gut. The woman had stolen too much from me already. This had to stop. No more.

"Dad?"

I jerked at Valeria's voice, the softness there taking me by surprise. Concern coloured her voice and gentled her expression as she took a step towards me. While hurt pulsed off her, she continued forwards until I swooped her in a hug, my limbs trembling as I held her tightly.

I breathed her in, my soul singing in gratitude that she was okay. She was here, alive, and holding me as firmly as I held her.

"I'm so sorry," I whispered against her ear, not controlling the shake or the sadness in my tone. "I have so much to tell you."

She nodded against my shoulder, a shaky whoosh of air leaving her, revealing her vulnerability.

"Are you okay?" Reluctantly, I held on to her arms and eased back to rake my gaze over her body. I'd already noted the redness of her neck, the puncture wounds, and the dried blood.

Making eye contact, she bobbed her head and stroked her fingers against her neck before dropping her hand. Almost instantly, the softness surrounding her slipped away. The woman before me morphing into the steadfast agent she was known to be both broke my heart and made me proud.

I dropped my hands, and she moved back a step, finally looking away and taking in the rest of the team. She nodded, quickly hiding the sliver of emotion that appeared for a tiny moment when her eyes landed briefly on Tarka.

A gentle thud drew my attention to Ethan. In ill-fitting clothes and covered in dust, he looked ridiculously sexy. Warmth pooled in my gut, our gazes connecting for a second time. He'd protected Valeria—even though she likely wouldn't have needed it. Still, he'd stepped up, done what I hadn't been able to do.

His lips tugged up just a little, his eyes telling me everything. He was okay. He was relieved.

My chest expanded, my fingers twitching, wanting to reach out to him. But I couldn't. There was too much unsaid and unknown. Plus, the audience around us was one thing, but my ex stirring awake was a step too far.

"It looks like we missed the party," Callen said, cutting through the tension as he stepped into the room, his shoulder brushing mine briefly before he nudged me lightly and flicked me a wink. Then he looked at Ethan. "Wilder, you're alive." He pushed out his bottom lip and nodded. "I'm impressed, man.

Ethan expelled a heavy breath. "What the fuck ever, man."

My lips twitched despite the shitshow that was still unravelling.

"You might want to get on top of this fucked-up situation before Hornell figures out what's going on here and disappears into the ether."

We all froze at Ethan's words, backs straightening as we went on high alert.

"Hornell's responsible for this?" I asked, running a cursory gaze over Maya. So far, her finger and shoulder had twitched. It wouldn't take much longer. I didn't want to see her eyes, hating that Valeria's were so similar.

"They were after Wilder here. Something about a chip." Valeria headed back to where we'd found them and picked up a laptop off the floor. She blew on it, turned it upside down, and shook it. "I think I was a little collateral and a lot compulsion."

My jaw ticked. Maya had been unhinged for over half of our relationship. All attempts to protect Valeria were well and truly burned to ash. It was beyond time that she knew the truth. I just wished I'd had the courage to share with her on my terms.

"Meaning what, exactly?" Callen asked.

"That I arrived at the old water station too early, and rather than race away with my buddy bear here"—Ethan huffed a quiet snort of laughter, but Valeria didn't break her stride—"she took one look at me and thought it would be a super awesome idea to try to play happy family and bring me to the dark side."

"You sure this kid isn't your secret love child with Kent? 'Cause I swear—Ow, fuck!" Michaels was cut off with a punch in the gut from Kent.

I dropped my head in exasperation and fondness. Rather than giving me shit and questioning why I never opened up to him, Michaels, like all my team, was rolling with this pretty huge development.

"The dark side being working for Hornell?"

Thank God Callen was somehow keeping things together.

"Oh God, please don't tell me she wants Hornell to be your new daddy or something."

And he went and blew it.

"For fuck's sake, Callen." Kent's exasperation was a replication of my own. "Valeria, I wish I could say I don't work with idiots"—she waved her hand at the evidence—"but clearly I can't plead my defence. Maya is about to wake up. Is there anything that needs discussing away from here, or is that pointless?"

Valeria offered Kent a genuine smile. Damn, I missed that look on her face. It had been so long since I'd seen her, let alone with such a genuine amused reaction.

"We may as well talk this out right here. I'm not sure we'll get anything from her but?—"

Ethan cut in. "Maya's under Hornell's influence." All our attention turned to him, but his gaze was on me as he continued. "I don't think it's a chip, not the one I worked with, but there's been some modifications. I think chemically induced."

Dread bunched my muscles tight. "How do you know?"

"Take a look at her eyes when she's awake. Plus, I know vampires are strong, but she definitely has something helping her up her ability to kick arse. She has a grip like a vice, way stronger than it should be. I've never seen anything like it before."

"I have," Callen said.

We all had. The last couple of years had been hella busy with the amount of terrifying developments made in chemical and technical enhancement. All illegal for all the right reasons, considering how brutal and morally wrong the experimentation was.

My mind raced, trying to connect the dots.

"She was also wearing this earpiece." Valeria tugged a small device from her pocket. "We're hoping we can trace the feed."

"Do you mind?" Kent stepped forwards.

"Go for it." My daughter passed it to Kent, who immediately left the room with Smythe following her. If a trace was possible, the two of them would get it.

A grunt alerted us to Maya waking. A low moan followed, her leg shifting. The rattle of metal chains clicking echoed around the room. Immediately she froze, her eyes springing open.

Wide-eyed, she gazed at us, hesitating briefly on Valeria before settling on me. A sneer contorted her features. My gut squeezed, my heart crawling into my throat.

How had she manipulated me so thoroughly? How had she managed to make me doubt and question my sanity, not to mention my own worth?

Hate poured off her, slamming into me with such ferocity that it threatened to buckle my knees. She'd worn the same expression three months after I'd discovered the truth about her identity, about why she'd married me, built a fake life with me, even had a child with me. It had bled into her features as she'd watched me being beaten and clawed at. As she'd stared on with sinister amusement and disgust that she'd had to waste so much time on me and my pathetic existence.

Her lips pulled back, revealing fangs and spittle, and then she was gone from my view. Broad shoulders, a bushy beard, and an intense gaze took her place.

My shoulders sagged as I took a breath, focussing intently on Ethan. Before me, he stood as an impenetrable wall, guarding me from the poison and the painful memories Maya was responsible for.

Without speaking, without explanation or instruction, he took hold of my arm and turned me slowly towards the doorway before he stepped in front of me and led me out. I kept my eyes on his back, not daring to look around or listen to the sharp, venomous words falling free from Maya.

I didn't want to see my team's expressions, their sympathy. Hell, maybe their disgust that their boss didn't have his shit together.

Taking one step in front of the other, I followed where Ethan led. He drew me out of the room and down the corridor before ushering me into an empty office. The door snicked shut, cutting off Maya's shouting in an instant.

Warm, strong arms clamped around me, holding me close and tight, reassuring and reminding me I was okay. I wasn't alone.

I hugged him back, squeezing him tight and inhaling his scent. Morning dew on pine needles. Absorbing his quiet strength, I took a breath, my muscles easing the longer we stayed this way.

"Why do I let her pull this reaction from me?" I eventually whispered. I couldn't hide away like this. If I did, it would be like she was winning. For years she'd taken my power. Losing any more to her meant I wouldn't be able to look at myself in the mirror, let alone step foot into work.

Ethan didn't release me as he spoke. "From the little I know, I imagine it was what she was trained to do. Add in her inclination for cruelty, and I don't think anyone would have a choice."

After everything had gone down, the SICB had insisted on mandatory therapy. I'd jumped into it willingly. Rationally, I understood what Ethan said was true. I was also fully aware of my coping mechanisms—some not exactly healthy—and my limits.

Maya was my limit, and I hated that was the case.

"I don't think I can be in the same room as her."

"Then you don't be in the same room as her." Ethan angled back, the understanding in his gaze almost drawing out more emotion than I was comfortable with, which was ludicrous considering the situation.

"But my team…. Valeria…. What will?—"

"I'm sure Callen will insist that you and Valeria are not there. You're too close to all of this. Everything about Maya being here is personal."

I leaned forwards, seeking comfort by dropping my head and pressing it against his chest. When he dotted a kiss on the top, I melted a little more. I inhaled and tensed at the metallic scent, standing bolt upright and nearly smacking him in the chin in the process. "You're hurt?" I studied his face, taking in his tight smile. "Show me."

"I'm fine."

I arched my brow, fighting to not grind my molars. This right here was the issue. My struggle, my seeking his support, didn't make me fragile or incompetent.

Without saying a word, he lifted the too-tight T-shirt, revealing his muscular chest and abs covered in a smattering of hair that I absolutely wanted to run my hands over.

"It's healing. It just hurts like a fucker."

The slash on his side was red and raw but looked to be recovering. They'd split some of the ink in his skin, damaging the design a little. I angled closer, scenting him, frustrated I hadn't realised before that he'd been injured. Singed skin, sickly and tainted, reached me. My brows shot high. "You were burnt?"

He had the grace to look guilty and lifted his sleeves to reveal the burns. I winced. Layers of skin had been damaged. It would take some time to heal.

Our gazes connected, and I readjusted my stance, more than aware he watched my every move. "If you're injured, you tell me. If you're in pain, you're not a prick who suffers in silence."

Amusement that I wanted to kiss off his face appeared, and he crossed his arms. "Since when did you become the boss of me?"

"Since you were working on my team after fucking up."

He snorted. "Don't hold back, Matt. Tell me how you really feel."

A shudder rippled down my spine at the sound of my name on his lips.

"I'm sure this might come as a surprise, but it's been a long time since I've had a boss. I'm not sure I play too well with one."

His teasing mixed oh so perfectly with his smartarse mouth.

"I don't know. I think you handled your boss pretty darn well on the kitchen table." Heat hit my cheeks, and I clamped my lips together, barely believing those words had spilled from me.

It didn't mean I regretted them. Rather I was surprised as hell that I found it in me to flirt and tease.

Ethan's eyes darkened, and he took a step closer, his voice dropping to a husky whisper. "Oh, I handled you well, did I? Might need to test that theory again."

My breath hitched as the heat between us intensified. "Maybe you should. Just to be sure."

His smirk grew, wicked and promising. "Don't tempt me, Matt. I'm not one to back down from a challenge."

Before I could respond, Ethan closed the distance between us, his mouth capturing mine in a searing kiss. It was possessive and hungry, filled with a promise that made my knees weak. I clung to him, desperate to feel more, to get lost in the sensation.

A throat clearing at the door pulled us apart. Shaw stood there, looking super embarrassed and awkward, but there was a glint of amusement in his eyes. "Uh, sorry to interrupt, but we need you both."

Ethan's hand lingered on my waist as he turned to Shaw. "We'll be right there."

Shaw nodded, his eyes darting between us. "Right. Just… uhm, is this something I need to keep my mouth shut about?"

I choked down an awkward laugh before sighing and shaking my head. "Shaw, get out of here."

Hell, the whole damn unit would know in less than five seconds. Not a chance he wouldn't be telling his boyfriend or his best friend.

Shaw nodded quickly and backed away. As he left, Ethan leaned in close, his breath warm against my ear. "This isn't over."

I shivered, anticipation curling in my stomach. "I'm counting on it."

It felt right, even in the middle of my world cracking apart, with all the lies and my fears rippling to the surface.

As we left, I had a decision to make: could I face Maya? Did I even want to?

I had just a few seconds to figure that out as we walked down the corridor, the flickering lights guiding our way. As we edged closer, Ethan's palm found mine. I glanced at our joined hands.

I was strong and capable. I was also a mess, and I definitely didn't have a life outside of work. Nor did I have a relationship with my daughter.

But all the latter could change. It felt like it had already started to.

What was it about the man at my side, someone I barely knew, who seemed to simply understand me and my needs and what made me tick?

"Have you decided?"

I shot him a look. It was foolish at this point to be surprised by his ability to read me.

"I want to go in, but I'll let Callen take the lead."

"Okay." With a final squeeze of my hand, he released me, and we followed the voices and stepped back into the room where Maya remained chained up.

"Huh." I darted my gaze around, wondering who was responsible.

Michaels stood there with a syringe and didn't look the least bit sorry. He shrugged. "She was talking shit and wasn't being helpful. Plus she was giving me a damn headache."

My "Fair" appeared to catch him by surprise as Michaels burst out in shocked laughter.

"Shit, if getting laid was all it took for you to—" An elbow to the gut from Shaw cut him off. " Oof , for fuck's sake. What?" Michaels looked genuinely perplexed while I balanced on a fine edge between mortification and amusement. "He seems more chilled. Plus Wilder can't be such a fuckface if bossman likes him."

My daughter snorted.

Immediately, Michaels's eyes grew to the size of full moons as he faced Valeria. "Shit, that's the last thing you want to hear or think about. But to be fair, we've only sort of heard about his attempt to date another evil bitch."

I wanted the ground to open up and swallow me whole.

"So after finding out bossman had a wife, let alone a daughter, we're kinda rooting that a guy will do the job of not screwing him over." Michaels stared pointedly at Ethan, who wore an expression of passive indifference. That didn't mean I couldn't spot the glee in his eyes.

Arsehole.

"I have no issues ending you," Michaels carried on, apparently on a roll. "You might be a big motherfucker, but screw with Lucas and you'll be dead. You won't see me coming."

At his side, Shaw palmed his face, refusing to look at the gigantic hole his boyfriend was digging. Tarka, another arsehole, chuckled, eyes wide and thoroughly enjoying himself. Valeria was eating this up, momentarily cutting through all the hurt that existed between us and loving my embarrassment.

"Michaels, unless you want me to destroy you and make sure you're assigned the shittiest jobs imaginable for the rest of your sorry existence, shut the fuck up," Kent hollered from outside the room.

I dropped my head and shook it. Kent deserved a pay rise. Thank goodness she was my second and apparently could command the team better than I could.

Callen, for maybe the third time in his existence, brought us back on track rather than encouraging my team, saying, "I cannot believe I'm the grown-up again with you guys. This is so fucked up." He glanced around the unit and rolled his eyes.

I'd need to tell Thatch about how he stepped up. He wouldn't believe it, though.

"Lucas," he started, and our gazes connected. "We need to move out and head to a secure location. Are you good to travel with Smythe and Kent and work on the way? We need to get that trace. Stat."

"Yeah, of course."

He glanced at Ethan. "Wilder, do you need medical attention? We'll send Michaels with you for protection detail if you do."

"No."

Callen's brows jumped high while I bit down on my lip at Ethan's gruffness.

With a sigh, Callen asked, "Have you at least stopped bleeding?"

"Yes."

I cut in. "He's healing okay. His burns will take longer than the laceration on his side, but he's not going to bleed out."

Seemingly satisfied, Callen gave me an up-nod and turned to Tarka. "Do you have somewhere to be, or are you in this?"

His lips lifting into a smile, Tarka threw me a wink before answering Callen. "My team will support you. Whatever you need. We have a secure location close by that you're free to use."

Turning to me, Callen raised his brow, silently asking for my opinion.

"Yeah, makes sense. There's still too much unknown."

"Maya somehow knew about my safe house outside of Warwick. She had eyes or ears on the place."

My attention snapped to Ethan. She did?

I willed heat from touching my cheeks, dreading to think exactly what she said to Ethan for him to know that.

He shrugged, a "couldn't care less" expression forming. But those damn eyes of his spoke of heat and promise as he refused to look away.

Seriously, how he managed to do that while appearing like he didn't have a care in the world was ridiculously impressive.

Either completely unaware or ignoring the way Ethan was eye fucking me, Callen said, "Okay. In that case, Tarka, we'd appreciate the assist. If we get more details en route, we'll make a decision, depending on the location. We're not a hundred percent sure it was Hornell at the end of the earpiece."

The news was disappointing.

He continued, "Even if it wasn't, Maya was definitely taking orders, though, so we're hopeful." He glanced around the room, saying, "Let's move out."

We did so, Michaels and Shaw gathering an unconscious Maya while the rest of us headed to the vehicles.

As soon as I was settled, I accepted the laptop from Kent.

"Thanks."

She nodded.

"I'll complete a report and get a crew out here." I went through all the procedures I needed to follow, making sure to complete the necessary logs and files. While the priority was the trace, unease stirred in my gut until I managed to get everything squared away.

We'd already gone above Durrant's head on this trip, so at least by ensuring all the paperwork was completed and those who needed the intel would be notified, I was able to breathe easier.

Valeria drove, having surprised me by saying she wanted to be in the same vehicle with me. Ethan had hesitated when she'd staked her claim, and for a moment, I'd thought he might argue, but after a beat and an intense stare where I was sure he could read my mind, he'd nodded and got into a vehicle with Hart without a word.

"What have you shared with the SICB?" Valeria asked when I finally saved the last report.

I glanced to my side, taking in her profile, which was a study in contrasts—an elegant blend of inherited traits that marked her as unique. Her skin, pale as moonlight and a testament to our vampire heritage, gave her an ethereal glow. Her eyes, a legacy from her mother, were striking and deep, with the unmistakable almond shape and dark hue of her half-Korean ancestry. They held an intensity and intelligence that revealed her years, always calculating, always assessing.

Her nose, straight and refined, was a feature reminiscent of my grandmother's, giving her a grace that contrasted beautifully with her sharp-edged persona as a seasoned agent. Though, technically, I had no idea who she was currently working for.

As I watched her, I couldn't help but feel a swell of pride. She was more than just my daughter; she was a formidable ally and a brilliant mind. Her presence was a reminder of the good that could come from even the darkest of legacies.

When she cleared her throat, I answered quickly, "I've not reached out directly to Durrant. Neither has Callen." Not keeping Durrant in the loop went against the grain, and if I thought too hard about it, it was likely I'd do something foolish like read her in.

Not that I didn't trust her. That was absolutely not the issue.

Callen and I had agreed that the fewer people we brought in, the safer the operation and the less likely Hornell would get wind of us. Even the reports I'd filled in were on a timer—not set to go to the relevant logs for another eight hours.

Leaving bodies in the bunker was far from ideal, but the team had taken photographs and found a freezer they'd moved them to. Callen's suggestion that we'd get an A-plus for effort would absolutely not be the way this went down, but we'd done it anyway. Kent had also managed to capture the front door surveillance to get the details of the guards who were injured and had escaped.

We'd catch up with them when all of this was over.

"That doesn't sound like something you'd usually do," Valeria observed. There wasn't a challenge in her tone, more like curiosity. "Is this the bear being a bad influence or Callen?" This time teasing entered her voice.

I chuckled, grasping on to the olive branch. When was the last time we'd done this—been comfortable enough with each other to tease and smile?

"This is my decision as well as my division leader's."

Kent's snort drew my attention. "Don't let him fool you, Valeria. Your dad's been known to bypass protocol a time or two over the years."

I rolled my eyes good-naturedly at Kent, though I didn't deny her words. While I'd only led the ITU for a couple of years, Kent and I went way back—unfortunately, courtesy of her sister whom Michaels had previously mentioned.

That wasn't anything I needed to open up about to my daughter with my team witnessing the exchange.

Valeria side-eyed me. Her subsequent "You seem happier, more relaxed" meant she wasn't as concerned with getting up close and personal in front of an audience.

Not wanting to shut her down—I'd take any conversation I could get—I answered honestly, "There's a lot I need to share with you about Maya and her behaviour." I actively avoided looking at her. "Maya's ability to do her job would have been impressive if she wasn't so dangerous or toxic."

"A brutal combination of gaslighting and torture must be hard to break free from."

Surprise jolted me into sitting up straighter. How?—

"You weren't as great as you thought you were at keeping secrets or me in the dark growing up."

My heart stuttered.

"And I'm not saying that to make you feel guilty. If anything, I'm furious at myself for knowing something was off, almost wrong, but I was so damn stubborn that I couldn't see it. When you intervened with that case in North Korea…." She shook her head and exhaled while I winced. "I thought you were the one who was too controlling, but that wasn't the case, was it?"

When she caught my eye, I shook my head despite saying, "I was trying to protect you, so I suppose there was an element of taking control away from you. But I didn't want you anywhere near North Korea. By that point, I thought Maya had died."

"Not in London?"

"No." I let her see my guilt, my regret. "In Darwin. We had her on the run for a while. It took us months to finally locate her. Obviously, she didn't die in an explosion a joint task force orchestrated like we'd thought. And while I don't know where she's been or what she's been responsible for since then, from what we've learned today, it's not been anything good."

Valeria nodded as she switched the headlights on. The day was quickly turning to night as we continued to travel towards the outskirts of Melbourne. The road ahead was a dark ribbon winding through undulating hills. As we sped onwards, the dimming light cast long, stretching shadows over the landscape.

The road was mostly empty, save for the occasional pair of headlights piercing through the darkness in the opposite direction. Pockets of mist began to form in the low-lying areas, creeping across the fields and onto the road like ghostly fingers.

Valeria's focus was intense, her hands gripping the steering wheel as she manoeuvred the car through the gently winding road. The rhythmic thrum of the tyres on asphalt was the only sound, punctuated occasionally by the distant cry of a night bird or the rustle of unseen creatures in the underbrush, only audible because of our enhanced hearing.

The truth about Darwin, about Maya, dredged up memories both recent and raw. The pursuit had been relentless and exhausting—months spent chasing shadows and whispers, always a step behind. Hell if it didn't give me a sense of déjà vu, reminding me so much of everything we'd been through chasing down Hornell.

But now, finally, after all this time, we had her in custody.

Maybe this would give me the chance to finally let go of the past and move on.

The headlights cut through the growing darkness, illuminating the way ahead, the gentle tapping of Kent and Smythe on their laptops accompanying the hum of the electric engine and reminding me they'd heard everything.

That was okay. Secrets were wearing.

I opened up my laptop, knowing I should get back to work and support Kent and Smythe. As I opened the lid, movement ahead in the darkness caught my attention. I leaned forwards, needing to squint despite my ability to see well even in the depths of night.

"What the—" I started. "Move. Move. Move." I grabbed at the steering wheel, tugging a hard right.

Valeria responded immediately, and I just hoped like hell the others in our convoy did the same.

Bright lights pierced the air, nothing like the headlights we'd been seeing sporadically over the past twenty minutes. An explosion sounded five metres to our right, shaking the SUV as Valeria navigated off-road.

Voice tight but controlled, she gritted out, "What's the plan here?"

"Kent, what do you see?" I asked, confident she'd already be on it as I tapped on my ear, connecting to the unit's comms. I heard the beep from the others' earpieces asking them to connect.

Callen's voice filled my ear. "What have we got?"

"One more second," Kent responded.

Valeria turned again, the headlights of the convoy following us getting some distance between the vehicles that had been coming towards us and the shots they'd sent our way.

"Holy shit." Kent stared at me. "It's Hornell. He's on site."

I did a double-take out of the window, staring into the darkness. "How sure are you?"

"Pretty fucking sure, since he's looking directly up at the lens in the drone."

I'd never been more grateful for Kent and her foresight, which had prompted her to launch a drone to fly overhead when we'd first left the airstrip.

"Dad?"

"Callen?"

"Safeties off," he ordered, and I swore I heard glee in his voice.

Looked like we were going on the attack. "Reverse ambush?" I clarified, remembering a similar mission with Callen when we'd both been field agents a few years back.

"You know it." There was that glee again.

Tarka's amused voice came through comms. "Is someone going to fill us in?" Not that I was surprised he was getting a rush with being chased down by eight—I glanced behind me, counting—no, nine vehicles in pursuit.

He'd always loved this high-octane drama.

Me, not so much. I glanced quickly at Valeria. Her eyes were bright as she cast me a glance, a grin on her face.

Hell. I shook my head and snorted as Callen explained over comms the plan to put some distance between us and the cars pursuing us, which would give us the chance to spin and settle in a line so we could take the fight to them.

"I always wanted to go into battle with you at least once, Dad."

I narrowed my gaze, not sure if she was teasing or not. "Is that right?" My voice was strained as she floored it, following Callen's instructions.

"Hell yes. Me and you kicking arse?—"

"… and forgetting to take names is the saying in the ITU," Callen supplied helpfully.

"But yeah, we've got this, Dad."

She squeezed my hand, and my heart expanded with love.

"Five seconds," Callen warned.

I took out one of my guns, switched off the safety, and latched on to the buckle of the seat belt, ready to release and get into position.

"Three… two… one. Now!"

The cars split apart, turned, and slammed to a stop beside one another, headlights off but ready to be trained on the approaching vehicles. The echo of belts unlatching and doors opening followed. Then we were out, taking position behind the open doors, listening to the engines closing in, the fast rumble of tyres over the bumpy terrain.

I glanced to my right, gaze connecting with Ethan's two vehicles over. A brief nod my way and he raised his gun, getting into position.

I relaxed my shoulders, doing the same thing.

It was time to end this.

"Now," Callen ordered.

On cue, all our cars' lights switched on, the main beams lighting up the soil and dirt and the cars racing our way. Two slowed while the others charged forwards.

We waited, breaths held until the vehicles were almost upon us. Then we unleashed a torrent of gunfire.

The front cars buckled under the assault, tyres blowing out, metal crumpling as they skidded to a stop. The occupants were forced out, shouting and scrambling for cover. I took aim, my gun steady as I picked off targets methodically. Glass shattered, bullets whizzed past, and the air was thick with the scent of gunpowder and blood.

The night erupted in chaos as gunfire tore through the air, all violence and desperation. Bullets zinged past, smashing windshields and puncturing rubber, sending the enemy vehicles skidding out of control. Sparks flew as metal clashed with metal, the screeches blending with the shouts of our pursuers. One car, its front tyre blown out, veered off course, flipping and rolling in a cacophony of crunching metal and shattering glass.

I took aim, my trigger finger steady and relentless. Three bodies dropped from the enemy convoy. I grunted, jerking as my shoulder burned from a grazing bullet. I ignored the pain, focussing on searching for Hornell.

Glass rained down as windows shattered, glittering shards glinting in the harsh headlights. I ducked, firing back while scanning the scene for Hornell, the man responsible for so much misery.

A grenade arced through the air and landed with a heavy thud behind our line of defence. "Grenade!" Shaw shouted. We scattered, diving for cover as the explosion rocked the ground, sending one of our cars flipping end over end before crashing in a fiery heap.

I didn't remain on the hard ground for long. With a wheeze and ringing ears, I pushed myself up, spotting the onslaught of Hornell's modified guards. Hand-to-hand combat it was.

I bared my fangs, my instincts taking over as I tore through flesh, my strength and speed overwhelming the shifters who fought back fiercely.

The irony wasn't lost on me as I fought to stop the bloodshed while tearing out a lion's throat.

Desperation fuelled my every move. My focus was split between the battle and the search for Valeria and Ethan. I spotted Ethan, still in human form, grappling with a woman who slashed at his chest with a knife. I couldn't look away, knowing I was too far to help, but I tried. Tried to get to him. To move.

Kent moved faster, a shot ringing out as she took the woman down. I nodded in relief, but out of the corner of my eye, I saw something that made my blood run cold.

Hornell. He stood there with Maya awake and uncuffed beside him, but it was the sight of my daughter with a gun to her head that froze me in my tracks. My heart pounded, fear and rage a powerful combination that threatened to buckle my knees.

"No."

In the chaos, I kept my eyes on Hornell, rage burning within me. He held my daughter, a shield, his eyes locked on mine with a cold, calculating smile. My heart pounded as I sought a way to end this nightmare, save my daughter, and finally bring Hornell to justice.