Chapter 18

EIGHTEEN

R eid lounged on his plush leather couch, his arm draped comfortably around Brianne. Another day without news from Jake. Dinner had been quiet and perfect. Brianne's head rested on his chest, her blonde hair spilling across his shirt like liquid gold. Reid marveled at how perfectly she fit against him as if she'd been crafted specifically to fill the void in his life he hadn't even known existed.

The tranquil moment shattered as Reid's phone erupted in a cacophony of buzzes and rings. He recognized the ringtone immediately - Jake. A sense of foreboding washed over him as he reached for the device.

"Jake," Reid answered, his voice low and controlled despite the sudden tension coiling in his gut. "News?"

Jake's voice crackled through the speaker, urgent and slightly breathless. "Reid, we've got a situation. The Glitchers are finally making their move. They're planning to sell Brianne's prototype to the highest bidder."

Reid's body stiffened, his arm tightening instinctively around Brianne. She looked up at him, her blue eyes wide with concern. "Where?" Reid demanded, already mentally shifting gears from relaxed boyfriend to strategic CEO.

"I think I've pinpointed the location," Jake replied. "It's a warehouse in the Meatpacking District. But Reid, that's not all. Our intel suggests they're close to cracking Brianne's security measures. It's only a matter of time before they have full access to the prototype."

A low growl rumbled in Reid's chest, his bear nature surging to the forefront. The thought of those thieves pawing through Brianne's work, her passion, her dreams - it made his blood boil. "Keep monitoring the situation," he instructed Jake. "I'll call you back in five."

Ending the call, Reid turned to Brianne, his dark eyes meeting her questioning gaze. "The Glitchers are moving forward with their plan to sell your prototype," he explained, his voice gentle despite the urgency of the situation. "Jake thinks he's found where they're keeping it, but we need to act fast."

Brianne's jaw set with determination. "Then let's go get it back," she said, her voice steady and resolute.

Reid couldn't help but admire her strength. In that moment, he fell in love with her all over again. "It's dangerous, Brianne," he warned, even as he helped her to her feet. "These people won't hesitate to hurt you if they get the chance. They're not trying to give your game back."

A spark of defiance flashed in Brianne's eyes. "I'm not afraid, Reid. This is my work, my dream. I'm not letting them take it without a fight."

Pride swelled in Reid's chest. This woman, his mate, never ceased to amaze him. He pulled her close, pressing a fierce kiss to her forehead. "All right, warrior princess. Let's go save your kingdom."

They moved swiftly to Reid's home office. Reid activated the secure video conferencing system, and within moments, Jake's face appeared on the large screen mounted on the wall.

"All right, Jake," Reid said, his tone shifting into what Brianne had begun to call his "CEO voice" - authoritative, focused, and brooking no argument. "Give us the rundown."

Jake launched into a detailed explanation of what they knew – the warehouse's location, the suspected security measures, the timeline for the auction. As he spoke, Reid's mind raced, formulating plans and discarding them just as quickly.

"We need to move tonight," Reid decided, his gaze flickering to Brianne. She nodded in agreement, her face set with determination. "Jake, assemble the team. We're going to need everyone on this one."

Over the next hour, Reid's office transformed into a war room. Team members arrived, each bringing their unique skills and expertise to the table. Logan Harris, Reid's second head of security, arrived with detailed blueprints of the warehouse and surrounding area. Emma Taylor, Brianne's coworker and friend, joined via video call, offering insights into the prototype's security measures they'd created together.

As they planned, Reid was awed at how seamlessly Brianne integrated into his world. She held her own among his team of seasoned professionals, her knowledge of gaming and coding proving invaluable as they strategized their approach.

"The main security system is likely to be similar to what's used in high-end gaming tournaments," Brianne explained, leaning over the blueprints spread across Reid's desk. "If we can tap into their network, I might be able to create a loop in their camera feeds, giving us a blind spot to work with."

Logan nodded approvingly. "That could work. We'd need to get close enough to piggyback on their Wi-Fi signal, but if we can pull it off, it'd give us a significant advantage."

As the plan took shape, Reid found his gaze continually drawn to Brianne. Her blue eyes sparkled with intelligence and determination, her hands moving animatedly as she explained complex coding concepts. Pride swelled in his chest, mingled with a fierce protectiveness that he couldn't quite shake.

"Brianne," he said softly, pulling her aside as the others continued to discuss equipment needs. "Are you sure about this? It's not too late to step back and let us handle it."

Brianne's expression softened, and she reached up to cup his cheek. "Reid, I appreciate your concern, I really do. But this is my fight too. I'm not sitting on the sidelines while you risk your life for my work."

Reid leaned into her touch, closing his eyes briefly. "I know. I just... the thought of you in danger..." He trailed off, unable to fully articulate the fear that gripped his heart.

"Hey," Brianne said, her voice gentle but firm. "Look at me." Reid opened his eyes, meeting her steady gaze. "We're in this together, remember? Partners. In games and in life."

A smile tugged at Reid's lips despite his worry. "Partners," he agreed, leaning down to press a soft kiss to her lips.

The moment was interrupted by Jake's voice. "Uh, guys? Not trying to cramp your style, but we've got a heist to plan here."

Reid pulled back, clearing his throat as Brianne giggled. "Right," he said, his CEO persona sliding back into place. "Let's get back to work."

As the evening wore on, the plan solidified. They would infiltrate the warehouse under cover of darkness, using a combination of high-tech gadgets and good old-fashioned stealth. Reid's team would handle the external security while he and Brianne made their way to the prototype.

"Remember," Reid instructed as they geared up, "our primary objective is to recover the prototype. Engage only if necessary, and avoid lethal force if possible. We want these guys behind bars, not in body bags."

The team nodded in understanding, their faces serious as they checked their equipment one last time. Reid watched them with a mix of pride and concern. These people were more than just employees - they were his friends, his sleuth. And he was leading them into danger.

As the others filed out to take their positions, Reid pulled Brianne aside one last time. He cupped her face in his hands, drinking in every detail of her features. "Brianne," he said softly, his voice rough with emotion. "I need you to promise me something."

Brianne nodded, her hands coming up to rest on his wrists. "Anything."

"If it comes down to a choice between you and the prototype... choose you. Please." Reid's eyes burned with intensity, his fear for her safety evident in every line of his face.

Brianne's expression softened, and she leaned up to press a gentle kiss to his lips. "I promise," she whispered against his mouth. "But only if you make me the same promise. I'd rather lose a game than lose you."

Reid's heart swelled with love for this incredible woman. He pulled her close, crushing her to his chest in a fierce embrace. "I promise," he murmured into her hair. "We're getting out of this together, prototype or no prototype."

With one final kiss, they separated, both taking a moment to compose themselves. Reid watched as Brianne's face set in determination, her game face sliding into place. He took a deep breath, centering himself and allowing his bear instincts to sharpen his senses.

"Ready?" he asked, holding out his hand to her.

Brianne took it, intertwining their fingers. "Ready. Let's go get my game back."

They moved silently through the night, the warehouse looming before them like a sleeping giant. Reid's team had already taken their positions, their presence marked only by occasional clicks and whispers over the comm system in Reid's ear.

As they approached the building, Reid's enhanced senses kicked into overdrive. He could hear the steady heartbeats of the men inside and smell the faint odor of stale coffee and cigarette smoke. Beside him, Brianne moved with surprising stealth, her steps sure and silent.

They reached the side entrance Logan had identified as their best point of entry. Reid nodded to Brianne, who pulled out a small device and attached it to the electronic lock. Her fingers flew over the keypad, and within moments, the door clicked open.

"I'm in their system," Brianne whispered, a hint of triumph in her voice. "Camera loop is active. We've got about ten minutes before anyone notices."

Reid squeezed her hand in silent praise before leading the way into the building. The interior was dimly lit, rows of servers and gaming equipment casting eerie shadows across the floor. They moved swiftly but cautiously, Reid's bear senses on high alert for any sign of danger.

They encountered their first obstacle at the entrance to the main storage area. A sophisticated laser grid blocked their path, the beams crisscrossing in a complex pattern.

"I've got this," Brianne murmured, pulling out another device from her pack. She aimed it at the control panel, and after a tense moment, the lasers flickered and died.

Reid couldn't help but grin. "Remind me never to challenge you to a game of Spy vs. Spy," he quipped.

Brianne winked at him. "Wise decision."

They pressed on, navigating through a maze of crates and equipment. Reid's nose twitched as he caught a familiar scent - the faint smell of his mate from the USB Brianne had in her purse. "We're close," he whispered.

As they rounded a corner, they finally saw it - a reinforced glass case containing Brianne's hard work. But before they could take a step toward it, a voice rang out, freezing them in their tracks.

"Well, well, well. What have we here?"

Reid whirled around, pushing Brianne behind him protectively. A group of men emerged from the shadows, led by a tall, lean figure with a cruel smile. The leader of The Glitchers, Reid realized with a sinking feeling.

"Reid Parker," the man drawled. "I must say, I'm impressed. Not many could have tracked us here. And you brought the lovely creator herself." His eyes slid to Brianne, who glared back defiantly.

Reid's muscles tensed, ready for a fight. He could take these men, he knew, but not without risking Brianne's safety. His mind raced, searching for a way out.

"I'll make you a deal," the leader continued, his tone casual as if discussing the weather. "Hand over the girl and her access codes, and we'll let you walk out of here. No harm, no foul."

A low growl rumbled in Reid's chest, his bear nature surging to the surface. "Not a chance in hell," he snarled.

The leader's smile widened, a predatory gleam in his eyes. "I was hoping you'd say that."

With a snap of his fingers, more men appeared, surrounding Reid and Brianne. The tension in the air was palpable like the moment before a thunderstorm breaks.

Reid's hand found Brianne's, squeezing it reassuringly. He met her eyes, seeing his own determination reflected back at him. Whatever happened next, they would face it together.

As the first attacker lunged forward, Reid's world narrowed to a single focus: protect Brianne, retrieve the prototype, and get them both out alive.