Enticing Their Mate(7)

“They still need to watch out. I’ve seen Statler hire outside sources and eliminate them just as they finished the job,” Ford said.

Armand had considered that. “They’ll be careful. They plan to be in and out in a day. I imagine even Statler will think twice before taking out a shifter.”

“Have Dante or Trax spoken with Statler?” Ford asked.

While Ford’s face remained devoid of expression, one of his incisors had extended, which didn’t surprise Armand. After Ford and Tyson had failed to capture Statler the last time, they were desperate for another shot, and he couldn’t blame them. Statler had captured their mate.

“Trax spoke with Statler by phone,” he answered. “But no, there are no plans for them to meet, which is a good thing. I fear Trax would try to take him out on his own, and as good as Trax is, he might lose the battle.”

“What about me and Sam, sir?” Brandon Crenshaw piped up.

“I’m getting to that. I want you two to head security here in Gulfside.”

Mackenzie, their mate, reached out and clasped Brandon’s hand. “Thank you, sir.”

Brandon glanced at his mate then back at him. “All due respect, sir, I hate the fucker as much as anyone. I want a piece of him.”

“Understood, but should Statler manage to escape again, I’m betting he’ll make a beeline toward me. The only way for him to temporarily stop the pressure on his operations will be to cut off the head of the queen bee, so to speak.” As hoped, the group chuckled at that analogy. “Chris, can you put up a map of the area, along with the PDF that Sarah sent for the layout of the warehouse?”

“Can do.” For the next few minutes, Chris described the intel he and Mackenzie had gathered on the personnel and the surrounding area.

Drake Stanton tapped his fingers on the table, probably wondering what his role in all this would be. Armand always had a fondness for him and Kurt. “Drake, I know you want to be a part of the takedown, too, and you might be. With Chelsea being so far along in her pregnancy, I want you two to stay here and help Sam and Brandon with security.”

His shoulders sagged—hopefully, in relief. “Yes, sir. Chelsea will appreciate it.”

He nodded. “As for the last two of my team, I want to keep Clay and Dirk on reserve in case something comes up we don’t anticipate. It’s possible we’ll need someone to pose as a buyer for the women.”

Clay sat up straighter. “Do you really think Statler won’t have our mug shots on file? Our acting job the last time we posed as buyers might have worked with John Hood, but I doubt we can pull it off a second time.”

“Let’s hope not, but as I said, only if we need you.”

Clay and Dirk both nodded.

“You all have your assignments. Fingers crossed, people.” He glanced at the two men who were critical to the operation. “Ford and Tyson, please stay.”

Understanding it was go time, the team stood and filed out.

* * *

Even though his partner was in the room with Sarah, Riley couldn’t remain outside for too long. His actions would imply he was a coward—and he definitely wasn’t one. Just because he didn’t know how to handle having a mate, didn’t mean he had to fold.

If he was going to be the one to break into this warehouse and help the women escape, he couldn’t afford to miss any details, but damn, he needed a clear head, and Sarah was messing with it big time.

A mate? Really? It was the last thing he wanted or needed. Riley had seen the way his roommate’s hair had sprouted the moment he spotted Sarah, which implied she might be his mate, too. While the two of them had shared women many times, it was never with the intent of having a permanent relationship. They had jobs to do—jobs that took them away for long periods of time. If either of them had to worry about keeping their woman safe, he could lose his edge.

Suck it up.

Riley entered the room and had to exhale to keep his wits about him. Sarah had a map spread out in front of her and Jay was leaning close, his eyes almost greenish gold in color. Okay, that confirmed his suspicion. Sarah was Jay’s mate, too, which worked in Riley’s favor. He’d let those two go off into the sunset, while he did his job.

She looked up at him and smiled. Shit. His attempts to calm his libido just went out the window. Focus. “What did I miss?”

“All clear out there?” Jay asked with way too much cheer in his voice. “She’s getting to you, isn’t she?” he telepathed.

“You’re a fuck, you know that?” “Yes, we seem to be the only guests here.”

“Good. Pull up a seat. Sarah has drawn detailed plans of the warehouse and also has a list of the guards and their schedules.”