Page 271 of Cruelly Bitten

Ironic, considering Luka himself had chosen to align with me and Khalid.

But I supposed he didn’t want to risk anyone else finding out before we were ready to reveal our allegiances—temporary as they may be.

Because I wasn’t naïve. I knew this alliance between us was short-term.

As soon as we completed this assignment, we would part ways. Indefinitely.

They know Ryder and Willow are not in custody,Lily told me, a hint of urgency in her tone.

“Time to go,” I said before repeating what Lily had just said. “Cut the power.”

Damien didn’t comment, his gaze focused as he typed in the requisite commands. “All systems are officially offline. It’ll take them hours to reboot.”

“Let’s move,” Luka growled, his impatience evident in his tone and in the way he started toward the waiting truck—one he and a fellow alpha had commandeered from the human Vigils.

“Toys are in the bed,” Damien informed Ryder as he followed the huffing lycan. “I’ll give you first pick, see if that improves your attitude.”

“I don’t think myattitudeis going toimproveuntil I’ve killed a few people,” Ryder bit back.

“Good thing we’re heading into a bloodbath, then,” Damien drawled. He pressed a finger to his ear and said, “Cam, if you can hear me, take Ismerelda and run. The lycans are coming. And they’re not in a kind mood.”

“Neither am I,” Ryder growled.

“When are you ever in akind mood?” Damien returned.

Ryder pressed a palm to his heart. “I’m kind to Willow every day.”

Willow snorted, causing Ryder to look at her.

“Have something to say, pet?” he asked her.

I tuned out her answer, my focus instead shifting to Lily and the growing tension underground.Are your contacts working?

Yes,she whispered back to me. The night-vision lenses are allowing me to see.

Good,I replied.Can you get close enough to Ismerelda to hand her the glasses?Khalid had left a pair for Lily on the plane, the plan for her to try to get them to Cam’s mate if she could.

We’d known Cane wouldn’t even think to check Lily for any contraband, and even if he did, Hazel would just make a comment about Lily being human with poor eyesight.

Cam has her tucked into his side,Lily told me.But I’m going to try.

Good girl,I murmured.Keep your head down, though. The lycans are coming.

I can hear them.

Those are the test subjects Mira is working with,I told her, aware that Luka had been mentally communicating with his mate and keeping her apprised of our movements.They’re going to be vicious.

I know where the grates are,she promised me.I can see them.She also knew where to look because Mira had supplied us with the schematics of the room prior to Hazel and Lily venturing into the underground. She’d also provided similar details of the dungeon, but had Lily been sent there, Damien would have freed her with the unlocking of the cell doors.

Just like he’d already freed Emine.

And Khalid.

Everything was unlocked. Every door. Every entryway. Tunnel access. The stairwells. All of it.

Cedric…Lily’s unease crept through our bond.The wolves…

They’re not after you,I told her, my voice firm as I understood the trajectory of her thoughts.You’re not at thebreeding camp, Lily. You’re in the compound. They’re coming for the vampires, not you.