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"What's the plan?" Zack asked, leaning forward.

Daniel pointed to different areas of the schematics. "We'll enter here, through the service entrance. Security is lightest on this side of the property. Kent and some of Raschid's wolves, in their animal forms, will neutralize any guards while Victor, Riley and I locate and extract Jacob. My other agents will provide back up and security, but this is kept in-house for right now, as in no humans. Asher is leading the group to the basement."

"What about us?" Mo asked, gesturing between himself and Zack.

Daniel shook his head. "You two stay here."

"No way," Mo protested immediately. "If Khloe might be there—"

"Mo," Victor's voice was gentle but firm. "You’re a professional. I wouldn’t know where to start to help a child with reading difficulties."

Mo wrinkled his nose. “It’s hardly the same.”

Victor shrugged. “Then I’ll put it another way. Are you strong enough to pick either Khloe or Jacob up, or even both of them, and run out of the house carrying them?”

Mo looked like he wanted to argue further but finally nodded. "Fine. But you call the second you find anything."

“I gotta ask,” Zack said uncomfortably, wondering why he was being left behind. “But is bringing them all here the best idea? Paints a pretty huge target on this house and all the kids.”

“Just Khloe and Jacob,” Daniel said. “We have a safe house set up for any others, plus we need you here as Mo, Alex, and Noah trust you, and you could get all three to safety if needed.” Even so, Zack thought uncomfortably, no one would be safe until Pearson was behind bars. And that still really didn’t address why he was staying here. He had to be the strongest of them all, even Riley.

"It's the safest option we have right now," Riley said, though Zack could see the concern in his eyes. "We'll have extra security in place. Raschid's wolves will form a perimeter around the property."

Victor reached over and cupped his chin. “I’m sorry, that was me. I can’t concentrate unless I know both of you are safe. It’s my fault you aren’t going.”

Zack stared into his eyes, and before he realized what he was doing, he’d agreed.

"And what about Noah's dad?" Mo asked. "He's expecting Noah to call him tonight."

"That's our advantage," Daniel replied. "Noah will make the call as planned. He'll tell Pearson he's making progress, that he's gained your trust. That should keep Pearson believing his plan is working while we extract Jacob."

Zack nodded, but something still felt off. This was too easy. If Pearson was as calculating as they believed, would he really leave Jacob so lightly guarded during his absence?

Victor seemed to share his concern. "It could be a trap."

"Possibly," Daniel acknowledged. "Which is why we're going in with full tactical support and Raschid’s wolves. If it is a trap, we'll be ready."

The rest of the day passed in tense preparation. Noah made his call to Pearson under Mo's careful guidance, managing to sound convincingly enthusiastic about his "progress" at Hunter's Creek. Pearson had seemed pleased, asking few questions and ending the call quickly because he said he was just getting on a plane.

Victor caught Zack just coming out of the bathroom and practically pinned him against the wall. “You are the only one I trust to keep our mate safe,” he all but growled.

So that answered that. Zack couldn’t resist snagging Victor’s lips, and it was a very long minute until they joined the others.

“I—”

“I know,” Victor answered. “I know this is more than just submission, but it doesn’t makeyouless. It doesn’t makeusless.”

Zack smiled, his big heart a little lighter.

By nightfall, the plan was set. Zack watched from the porch as Victor, Martin, Daniel, Asher and Riley prepared to leave, each checking their equipment one final time.

"Be careful," Zack said as Victor approached him for a final goodbye.

Victor's eyes softened slightly. "Always am." He leaned in, pressing a firm kiss to Zack's lips. "Keep Mo safe. Don't let him out of your sight."

"I won't," Zack promised. "Just make sure you all come back in one piece."

With a final nod, Victor joined the others in Daniel's unmarked SUV, and they disappeared down the long driveway into the darkness. Zack knew Raschid’s wolves were still protecting the property, even if many of them were backing up Daniel and the others tonight, there were still plenty to guard the house.