Page 14 of Shadowed Vows: Ghost (Nightfall Syndicate #1)

twelve

Kade

A lina's arms tighten around my waist as we tear out of the garage.

The rest of my team follows close behind, their bikes roaring to life in the night air. Jax brings up the rear in the armored SUV, ready to provide cover if needed.

"Hold on tight," I growl over my shoulder. Alina nods, her body pressed against my back.

We race down Russian Hill, the steep streets giving us an initial advantage. But it doesn't last long. The crack of gunfire echoes behind us, and I see muzzle flashes in my mirrors.

Shit. They're not messing around.

I weave through traffic, pushing the bike to its limits. Asher and Cole flank us, while Remy takes point, forging a path ahead .

"Ghost, we've got company!" Jax's voice crackles through my earpiece. "Three black SUVs, heavily armed."

Shit.

My jaw clenches. "Copy. Frost, Blade, take them out."

Alina flinches, her arms tightening around me as our pursuers open fire again. Bullets ping off nearby cars, and civilians scream in panic.

We hit Columbus Avenue, the wide street giving us more room to maneuver. But it also exposes us. I lean into a tight turn, feeling Alina shift her weight with mine.

She's good at this. Better than I expected.

"Incoming!" Remy shouts.

A black SUV cuts across our path, forcing us to split up. I gun the engine, barely missing its bumper as we shoot past. Alina's grip tightens, her breath hot on my neck.

"You okay back there?" I shout over my shoulder, concern creeping into my voice despite my best efforts.

"Just peachy," she yells back, her voice tight with tension. "Is this a typical Tuesday evening for you?"

"Nah, usually it's a lot quieter."

More gunfire erupts behind us. I glance in my mirror to see Asher returning fire, his precision deadly even at high speeds. One of our pursuers swerves wildly, tires blown out.

We race towards the Embarcadero, the bay glittering in the distance. It's too exposed, but we need the space to outmaneuver them.

"Nitro, we need cover!" I bark into my comm.

"On it, boss!"

The SUV roars past us, smoke billowing from its rear. It creates a temporary screen, giving us a moment's reprieve .

"Ghost, we've got a problem," Cole's voice comes through on the radio. "They're herding us. This isn't random."

My blood runs cold. He's right. One by one, they're cutting off our escape routes.

"Change of plans," I announce. "We split up. Rendezvous at point Charlie. Nitro, take point. The rest of you, scatter and lose your tails."

A chorus of affirmatives rings in my ear. Alina tenses behind me.

"What about us?" she asks, her voice barely audible over the wind.

I grip the handlebars tighter. "We're taking the scenic route."

With that, I gun the engine and veer sharply off our planned course. I weave through the narrow streets of Chinatown, the familiar scents of incense and roasted duck filling the air. Alina clings tightly as I maneuver the bike around sharp corners and through bustling intersections.

"We need to ditch the bike," I mutter, scanning for a suitable spot.

I spot a dark alley between two restaurants and quickly pull in, cutting the engine.

"Off," I order Alina, swinging my leg over the seat. "We're going on foot from here."

She complies without argument, her eyes darting around warily. Smart girl.

We quickly strip off our tactical vests and toss them into a nearby dumpster.

I tap my earpiece. "Ghost checking in. Bike's stashed in Chinatown. Going dark for a bit. "

A chorus of responses crackles through the comm.

"Frost here. En route to Charlie, ETA 20 minutes." Asher's calculated precision coming through even in a crisis.

"Blade. Found a nice hidey-hole near the Transamerica. I'll move when it's clear." Cole's voice, calm yet ready.

"Saint. Blending in with the Market Street crowd. No tail in sight." Remy's smooth tone, unruffled despite the danger.

"Nitro. SUV's ditched. I'm on foot, heading your way, Ghost." Jax's energy vibrates through the comms.

I nod, processing the information. "Copy all. Stay alert and don't take unnecessary risks. Ghost out."

I glace her way and find Alina watching me intently. "Ready to disappear?"

She raises an eyebrow. "I thought that was your specialty."

I smirk. "Just follow my lead and try to look... normal."

We emerge onto the crowded sidewalk, instantly enveloped by the throng of tourists and locals. I keep my hand on the small of Alina's back, guiding her through the press of bodies. My eyes constantly scan our surroundings, looking for any sign we've been made.

"So, what's the plan?" Alina murmurs, leaning close to be heard over the din.

I steer us towards a bustling night market. "We blend in, lose any tail, then make our way to the safe house. Simple."

She snorts. "Right. Simple." Her eyes flash with that defiance that simultaneously irritates and intrigues me. "Because nothing about this situation is simple. "

Little hellcat still has her claws out. "Trust me or don't, Bennett. But right now, I'm your best chance at staying alive."

We weave through stalls selling everything from knock-off designer bags to steaming dumplings. The mixture of voices and aromas provides perfect cover. I pull Alina to a stop at a stand selling cheap tourist t-shirts.

"Pick one," I instruct, grabbing a gaudy 'I ? SF' cap for myself.

She gives me an incredulous look but selects a shirt with a cartoon cable car. "Seriously? This is your master plan?"

I lean in close, my voice low. "My master plans usually involve less clothing, not more. But we'll get back to that later."

Her cheeks flush, but she holds my gaze. "Promises, promises, Ghost."

Damn if that mouth of hers doesn't test my control.

She gives me an incredulous look before selecting a shirt with a cartoon cable car. I pay quickly and hand it to her.

"Put it on over your clothes. We need to change our appearance."

As she complies, I scan the crowd again. No sign of pursuit, but that doesn't mean we're in the clear.

"Ghost," Jax's voice comes through my earpiece. "I've got eyes on you. There's a team two blocks north, moving your way."

Shit.

I grab Alina's hand, pulling her close. "We've got company. Act natural."

Her eyes widen, but she nods, falling into step beside me. We stroll casually, just another couple enjoying the night market. But my muscles are tense, ready to move at a moment's notice.

"Where to now?" Alina whispers.

I spot a bustling dim sum restaurant ahead. Perfect.

"Dinner," I reply with a grin. "I hope you like dumplings."