Darkness Rises(123)

Marcus scowled. “This is nearly identical to the last compound we conquered.”#p#分页标题#e#
Seth leaned back in his chair. “Yes, it is. There’s no denying anymore that there is a connection. We just don’t know what it is.”
Ami bit her lip and met Seth’s gaze, worry shadowing her pretty green eyes.
Seth spoke softly to her. “Ami, I want you to sit this battle out. Stay here with Darnell and help him coordinate the other Seconds. And help Sean with the wounded if you can.”
Ami looked up at Marcus and nodded. “All right.”
“Jenna,” Seth added. “I’d like you to remain here, too. You haven’t completed your training and aren’t prepared to face the opposition you would if you accompanied us.”
Beside Richart, Jenna nodded. “If you find yourself in need of an extra pair of hands . . .”
He smiled. “Richart or I will come for you.”
David leaned forward and clasped his hands on the table. “Since it worked well for us before, we’re going to employ the same strategy we used the last time. The immortals will strike first, catching them off guard and clearing a path. Then the Seconds and network guards will sweep in behind us.”
Chris nodded. “I have Black Hawks, two Sisu XA-180 armored personnel carriers, and two Humvees full of men standing by a few miles from the compound. The Seconds here will accompany me to the rendezvous point in a van.”
“A majority of the mercenaries will likely be in the main structure,” Seth said. “David, Roland, Sarah, Marcus, Lisette, and I will tackle that. Bastien, Melanie, Étienne, and Krysta, take the barracks. Richart, Ethan, and Edward, handle the guards on the grounds, but beware of land mines and other traps. Yuri and Stanislov, take the hangers.”
Chris held up a finger. “Once more I’d like to request that you keep the vehicles intact, if possible, so that we can use them ourselves in the future.”
Yuri and Stanislov both sighed with disappointment.
“You are forever spoiling our fun, Reordon,” Stanislov complained.
Seth smiled. “Immortals, make sure you have several doses of the antidote on you stowed in different pockets, so if a bullet destroys one you will have another available.”
“Elder immortals,” David said, “Keep an eye on the younger immortals and lend them assistance when needed. Sarah and Melanie, because you possess the speed and strength of elder immortals, I include you in that category.”
The two women nodded.
Melanie winked at Bastien. “I get to keep my eye on you.”
He grinned. “You always do. My ass, that is.”
“Because your ass is hot.”
“I know.”
Roland sighed loudly.
Chuckles erupted.
“Any questions?” Seth asked.
No one spoke.
“Okay. Let’s book.”
Krysta rose and started to follow the others toward the door.
Sean caught her elbow and pulled her into a hug. “Be careful.”
“You, too. Like Seth said, don’t overdo it.”
“I won’t.”
She saw Sarah tug on Roland’s hand as they walked past. “Why couldn’t we have had siblings like that?”
“I don’t know. We got screwed.”
Sean laughed.
Smiling, Krysta took Étienne’s hand and followed the others out into the night.

Chapter 19
Krysta stood with Étienne and her immortal brethren (it felt so weird to think of them that way) in the shadows of tall, fragrant evergreens. The moon was new, something that should work to their advantage. Unless the compound bore ultrabright stadium lights, there should be plenty of shadows from which immortals could strike.
Étienne tightened his grip on her hand. Keep your mind open to me.
You look nervous, she said, peering up at him. She was a little nervous herself. Are you planning to propose to me again? she teased.
He smiled. Not if your answer will change.
Krysta shook her head. It will always be yes.
He stole a quick kiss.
Feel better? she asked.
Yes.
You were worrying about me getting hurt, weren’t you?
You know me well.
She liked to think she did. We’ve fought mercenaries and won before.
There were far fewer to fight and you still ended up getting shot.
I’m immortal now. Bullets won’t kill me.
But they hurt like hell and, as I’ve said before, I don’t like seeing you hurt.
I am so in love with you, she professed.
I love you, too, he said, eyes acquiring an amber glow.
I know. Don’t let that distract you tonight. I don’t want you worrying about me. I can kick ass like the rest of them.
He raised her hand and pressed a kiss to her knuckles. As you wish.
You’re totally lying and are going to worry about me anyway, aren’t you?