Page 78 of Broken Forced Mate

“That’s why we need to neutralize them quickly,” Raegan explains. “If we can capture or destroy their weapon teams early in the engagement, we level the playing field.”

“And if you can’t?”

“Then we’re all dead anyway.”

Oren winces at her but doesn’t argue the point. “What’s your escape plan if things go wrong?”

“Multiple fallback positions,” I answer. “Theodore has mapped three different retreat routes, all with overwatch positions and rally points.”

“Show me.”

We spend the next twenty minutes walking through the tactical plan in detail. Oren asks pointed questions about timing, coordination, and contingencies. His experience shows in the way he identifies potential weaknesses.

“The plan is sound,” he finally admits. “But it requires you to be exposed for too long.”

“Not if everyone does their job correctly,” Raegan counters.

“And if they don’t?”

“Then we adapt and keep fighting.”

Oren studies his sister’s face for a long moment. I can see him wrestling with the same protective instincts that have been driving me crazy.

“I don’t like it,” he states.

“There’s one more thing we need to discuss,” Raegan says, looking at her brother. “You need to stay hidden during the engagement.”

His eyebrows pinch together as he replies, “Like hell I do.”

“They mentioned targeting pack leadership,” I point out. “If they see you, every magical weapon they have will focus on you.”

“I’m not hiding while my sister acts as bait.”

“You’re not hiding,” Raegan argues. “You’re staying alive to coordinate the broader defense. If this fails and I’m captured, someone needs to be in position to mount a rescue operation.”

“The plan requires a clear command structure,” Theodore adds. “If you’re killed in the opening minutes, we lose coordination between all our forces.”

Oren clenches his hands into fists. “You’re asking me to watch from the sidelines while you walk into a trap.”

“I’m asking you to trust my judgment and do what’s best for everyone,” Raegan replies.

“No matter what happens,” I continue, “you don’t reveal your position unless absolutely necessary. Your fighters will follow our orders during the engagement.”

“This is ridiculous,” Oren growls.

“It’s a tactical necessity,” Raegan snaps. “The intercepted communications made it clear they want to eliminate pack leadership.”

Oren is quiet for several minutes, clearly hating every word we’re saying.

“Fine,” he grinds out through gritted teeth. “But only because if this fails and you’re captured, someone needs to be in position to mount a rescue operation.”

“And one more thing,” Raegan tells him. “I want Lydia to help.”

“The matriarch? Why?” Oren asks.

“The magical weapons. If anyone can figure out how to disable or redirect them, it’s her. Besides, she did say if we need anything, she’s here, right?”

Oren considers this. “I suppose she did.”