I nod, looking around the room as I reiterate the plan in one final rundown.
Devon speaks up, arms crossed tightly over her chest. "And what about you, Aidan? Where will you be while we're out risking our necks?"
I meet her challenging stare. "I'll be overseeing the entire operation. Making sure everything runs smoothly, adjusting the plan if needed. Tane has eyes everywhere, we can't afford mistakes. Zeke and Skyler and Dimitri will be here with me the whole time."
Devon considers my words, glancing at Zeke and Skyler who nod to let her know they're okay with it. They know I'm the right person to lead the overall group.
"We all have a role," I continue, voice carrying through the bunker. "Alone, we're strong. Together, we're unstoppable. Tane has money and muscle, but we've got heart and brains on our side. And that's what wins wars." I pause, letting that sink in. "We end this, for all of us. No more living in fear, no more looking over our shoulders. It's time to take back these islands."
A fierce energy fills the room. Backs straighten, and eyes blaze with purpose.
"Let's do this," Aria says, steel in her voice.
The rest join in, an impassioned roar. "Let's do this!"
The pieces are set in motion. Very soon, we make our stand.
The energy in the room shifts as everyone begins preparing for their roles. There's a sense of focused intensity, a honing of purpose.
Angel starts gathering surveillance equipment, checking cameras and bugs. Her quick fingers work steadily, betraying none of the nerves I know are coiled inside. She catches my eye and winks, always ready with that sly humor of hers even now.
Nearby, Brick cleans and checks an array of weapons with calm, practiced motions. The giant, hulking man is steady as stone, the eye in the midst of the gathering storm. I know he'll do what needs to be done when the time comes, no questions asked. That ruthless core is exactly why I need him.
Rake leansagainst a wall, cracking jokes to try and cut the tension. But his smile doesn't reach his eyes, and he fidgets with a knife anxiously. The gangly man hides his fear behind humor, but we all feel it. Fear just means you've got something to lose.
I clap Rake on the shoulder as I pass him. "We've got this, brother. Just stick to the plan."
He nods, jaw tightening. "I know. Doesn't mean I have to like it."
"None of us do. But it ends soon." I meet his eyes meaningfully. We've come too far to fail now.
Slade strides up, his face set in hard lines. He jerks his chin toward the door. "The teams are ready. When exactly are we rolling out?"
I squeeze his shoulder, sensing his tightly leashed energy. My feral wolf, always straining at the leash. "Soon. We'll make Tane bleed for what he's done, I promise you that."
Slade's eyes blaze at the promise of violence. "Good. I'm ready to rip his throat out."
I smile darkly. "All in due time." I turn to survey the room one last time. My soldiers, my family. "So let's make sure we're ready to destroy this fucker for good!"
A chorus of fierce shouts answers me.
Revenge and justice await.
Chapter twenty-six
The Next Day
I watch Aria from across the room, desire burning through my veins. The curve of her neck, the sway of her hips as she moves around the kitchen—I want to possess every inch of her. This need goes beyond lust. It's primal, and yet somehow still tender.
I step forward into the dim light, the city's glow framing Aria's silhouette. "Come here," I say, my voice low and firm.
Aria doesn't turn, continuing to slice fruit at the counter. "In a minute, Dimitri."
I close the distance between us in three long strides, spinning her around to face me.
Her eyes widen, her gorgeous full lips parting in surprise.
My hands find her waist, pulling her against me. "We need to talk. Now."