Up ahead, the tunnel splits, and I take a left, hoping my sense of direction isn’t off up here. We crawl in silence for what feels like a ridiculous amount of time to be shuffling around in a tiny-ass tunnel.

  Finally, I stop, straining to listen to what sounds like Gregario’s grumpy voice somewhere below us. “… no one in or out. I’ll relieve you after I’ve finished dinner.”

  “Got it,” says another voice, this one unfamiliar.

  “What is it?” Tripp whispers, his voice no more than a breath.

  “Shift change.”

  I wait until Gregario’s footsteps recede.

  When he’s gone, I move forward to give myself room and then slide the ceiling panel silently aside. It’s a small room from the looks of it. Another store office maybe. The angle is wrong, so I can’t see the faces of the prisoners. But I can see two sets of legs each tied to a chair. Directly below me, a guard leans against the wall, staring down at his phone. I get a fleeting second to make out his face—not one I’ve met before—as I drop down to the floor in front of him. Then, my fist is slamming into his throat, cutting off his air supply and the ability to yell for help.

  Tripp drops down beside me and grabs the guard from the back, choking him. The guy struggles wildly then falls limp, unconscious. Tripp lowers him to the floor.

  The whole thing takes no more than six seconds.

  I hold my breath, listening for any sounds outside the door. But there are none. I have no way of knowing if or when someone will come through though, which means no time to waste.

  Tripp steps over the fallen guard, blocking my view of the prisoners just as I turn to face them. I wait, but he doesn’t move aside. In fact, he seems frozen in place.

  “You’ve got to be fucking kidding me,” Tripp says.

  “What?”

  “These are the scouts?”

  I shove around him and stop short at the sight of the two men bound in the center of the room.

  Not men. Boys.

  Dumbasses, more accurately.

  Two of them.

  And we know each other all too well for this to go the way I thought it would.

  “Lenny,” I say in defeat. “Guy.”

  I look them over, trying not to think about how fucked up this is. My biggest bullies from Black Moon—now, my only hope.

  CHAPTER 13

  At the sight of me and Tripp, recognition dawns in their eyes, followed quickly by wild desperation. Their wrists and ankles are secured together, but they proceed to wriggle hard against the ties—to no avail. The sight of them tied to a chair brings back the memory of when I was in their shoes. For a moment, I can’t move. All I can do is remember what it was like to sit in a room just like this one for days on end, wondering if I’d live or die. From behind a very unhealthy amount of duct tape, they attempt to call out, and that futility is what brings me back to the moment.

  I roll my eyes and march over to them, ripping off the tape over Lenny’s mouth without bothering to go easy.

  “Fuck,” Lenny says.

  “Shut up,” I hiss at him. “Or you’ll bring the other guards.”

  Beside him, Guy motions for me to undo his tape.

  Gladly.

  I pull it off as hard as I can, enjoying the small pleasure of him groaning in pain.

  Just because I need them on my team now doesn’t excuse everything that came before.

  “Big Mac,” Guy says the moment the tape is peeled free.

  My shoulders sag.

  Disappointment. Dread. Disgust.

  Memories of being stuffed into lockers assault me. Tripped in the halls. Cat calls. Name calls. Anything they could do to humiliate me. And that didn’t count the rumors. These assholes spread everything from my moonlighting as a prostitute to Levi abandoning me for not being able to satisfy him properly. It was never bad enough to involve the principal, but their relentless commitment to fucking with me ate at me so slowly that I never realized they’d won until it was too late. Until I shrank away from their attention. Until I lost the will to fight back.

  Seeing them here now, hearing them call me the old nicknames, is almost too much. I fight the urge to climb back into the vent shaft and leave the way I came in. But before I can do that, Tripp grabs Guy by the shirt and punches him square in the mouth.

  Guy’s head lolls to the side. I can see the marks from where the guards have already gone a few rounds in the same manner. Tripp glares down at him, though, unrelenting.

  “What the fuck was that for?” Guy demands.

  Blood leaks from his lip when he looks up again.

  “Call her that again and I’ll break your nose,” Tripp says.

  “But that’s her name,” Guy says.

  “No, her name is Mac. Just Mac. Or Mackenzie. Do I need to repeat myself?”

  Tripp raises his fist again, and Guy flinches.

  “No,” Guy says quickly.

  Tripp steps back so he and I are shoulder-to-shoulder then crosses his arms.

  “Are you here to rescue us?” Lenny asks hopefully.

  “No,” I say.

  “Then what the fuck—”

  “They’re going to let you go soon,” I say.

  But Guy scoffs. “Are you insane? They’re going to kill us.”

  “If they wanted to kill you, you’d already be dead,” Tripp tells them.

  Guy falls silent, scowling.

  “Then what do you want from us?” Lenny asks.

  “We’re here to offer you something,” I say, and I watch as Guy’s scowl turns to suspicion. I can’t blame him. We aren’t exactly besties.

  “We’re not exactly in a place to accept gifts,” Lenny says.

  I exchange a withering look with Tripp. “Why would she choose them?” I demand. “You’re telling me this is the best she could find?”

  Tripp shrugs. “We have to work with what we’ve got.”

  I look back at my high school bullies, not sure whether to waste my breath. But Tripp is right; I don’t have another option.

  “Look, Jadick is going to send you back to Blackstone soon.”

  “You’re serious?” Guy asks. “He’s really going to let us go?”

  Now that I know it’s them, I’m tempted to rethink it. To make sure they never walk out of here.

  “Yes.” The word tastes sour in my mouth.

  “Why the hell would he do that?” Guy demands. “Especially when we know where you’re all hiding?”

  “Because he’s going to ask you to spread the word about us to the rest of the pack. About what we’re fighting for. He’s going to ask you to join our side.”

  Guy snorts. “And what side is that exactly?”

  My eyes narrow. “The side that’s going to kick Kari’s ass.”

  “So, what? You want us to trade one Clemons for another?”

  Clearly, Guy’s going to be a pain in my ass about this—just like he’s always been about everything.

  “That’s why I’m here,” I say. “You’re right. Jadick’s just as bad as Kari is. That whole damn family is toxic, and I don’t plan to let any of them lead our pack.”

  “But you just said you want us to help you defeat Kari,” Lenny says uncertainly.

  “Listen to me, dumbasses.” My temper is straining, and I struggle to keep it in check. “Levi’s being held prisoner in the alpha house right now. He’s the real leader of the Jades. In fact, he’s their alpha, and he could be yours too.”

  “You want us to help make Levi Wild the new alpha,” Guy says.

  “I want you to spread the word like Jadick asks,” I tell them. “And when we return to Blackstone and Jadick challenges Kari, tell every Black Moon pack member to stand down and let it happen. That’s it. You don’t even have to fight because we’re all on the same side here. Once Kari’s gone, I’ll free Levi, and he’ll become the new alpha.”

  “You make it sound so easy,” Lenny says.

  “Simple, yes. Easy, no,” Tripp tells them.

  “Why should we do what you say?” Guy asks. “I mean, what’s in it for us?”

  And there it is.

  I knew the moment I saw these two it wasn’t going to be straightforward.

  “What’s in it for you?” I hiss. “Fucking freedom, that’s what. No more looking over your shoulder to make sure you didn’t accidentally catch a death sentence for crossing the street wrong. No more being told who to mate with or how to live.”

  They exchange a look.

  “Is that it?” Guy asks.

  I start forward, but Tripp puts his arm out to stop me.

  “What else is there?” Tripp asks.

  Guy shrugs. Or tries to. It’s not smooth considering all the ropes binding him. “Lenny and I aren’t really into the whole mating thing,” he drawls. “And if I’m being honest, the exodus of you Romantic pussies left me and Lenny in a pretty advantageous spot with our new alpha. Sure, she’s a woman, but I’ve decided not to hold that against her. We scored sweet-ass promotions when Kari stepped up, and at this rate, we’ll be running shit by the end of the season.”

  “Just let me kick his ass,” I say, but Tripp shushes me.

  “I guess what I’m saying is I’m not really interested in losing what I’ve got,” Guy finishes, “Unless the price is right.”

  The price. Of course.

  He’s going to extort us.

  Unless I decide to say fuck it and kill him after all.

  “Mac, go wait in the tunnel,” Tripp says quietly.

  “Why the hell would I do that?” I demand. “We’re not finished.”

  “I’m going to have a private chat with our friends here,” he says pointedly.

  “If you’re kicking their asses, I’m staying,” I tell him.

  He sighs. “Fine. Help me out then.”

  He bends down and retrieves the discarded duct tape beside Guy. Then he holds it out to me.

  I take it and press it back over Guy’s mouth. Guy shakes his head, struggling to resist, but he’s got nowhere to go, and the tape sticks easily to his reddened skin.

  I step back, and Tripp moves in.

  “What are you doing?” Lenny asks from beside us.

  Tripp doesn’t answer. I don’t even see the knife in his hand before he’s plunging it between Guy’s ribs. Guy moans beneath the tape, his entire body jerking as if to get away from the weapon. The tape keeps the noise to a minimum, but it’s clear he’s in pain.

  Tripp slides it free and steps back, wiping the blade on Guy’s shirt.

  “What the fuck, man?” Lenny’s voice rises, and I tense, hoping we haven’t been overheard.

  But Tripp merely stares back at Guy. “If you don’t do as we ask, I’ll find you and kill you in your sleep. And if you think for a second I can’t do it, I’ll remind you Mac is the most gifted bounty hunter in our entire pack. And she has every reason to want you dead.”

  Then he rips the tape off Guy’s mouth, giving him one last chance to redeem himself.

  Guy glares up at him. “You won’t get away with this,” he says roughly.

  “I just did.”

  Tripp walks to the vent opening and jumps, catching the edge of it and hoisting himself easily into the space. I follow Tripp to the vent, looking back at Guy one last time. He stares at me with open hostility, and I try not to think about all the times he’s tried to break me down.

  “Kari doesn’t give a shit about you,” I tell him.

  “No one does,” he grunts, and I don’t bother to argue before climbing up into the tunnel and leaving him behind.

  CHAPTER 14

  When we’re back in my room, Tripp doesn’t ask me if I think Lenny and Guy will come through for us. I think it’s because we both know they probably won’t. But I appreciate that he doesn’t make me say it out loud. In the wake of my disappointment, I am in no mood to talk. Tripp takes the hint and makes himself scarce.

  Grey is stoic as ever in the hallway.

  I have no idea if he heard us sneak into the ceiling earlier, but I don’t much care anymore either. Either he’s on my side, or he’s not. Simple as that. Part of me wants to tell him to get some damn sleep, but then I realize he’ll probably just stay awake to spite me for saying it.

  Instead, I shut my door and flop onto my cot.

  My thoughts drift inevitably to Levi, which is a dark and twisty rabbit hole that makes my chest ache with fear and guilt and sorrow. Marrying Jadick might free my mate, but it won’t make him mine.

  Levi and I were a mess even before he was taken prisoner. That moment we had on the hill outside town…it feels like a lifetime ago. It also feels like it could have been an ending just as easily as a beginning.

  We still have so much between us. And just like with Tripp, I have no idea if the chasm is crossable anymore. Hell, maybe he’ll hear I’m engaged and not even give a damn. Either way, I can save Levi, but I can’t have him.

  That last thought twists like a knife in my gut until hot tears burn my eyes.

  My only consolation is in giving him the thing he wants most. I have to make him alpha. He’s the only one who can change things for our pack. Even if I’m not around to see it happen. Because I have no illusions about the depth of Jadick’s wrath when he learns I mean to double-cross him. He’ll kill me for sure, but hopefully, I can take him with me in the end.

  It's the least I can do for the pain I’ve caused.

  And it’s the only way to truly be free.

  Hours later, I’m still wide awake and strategizing when Tripp bursts in. He’s fully dressed all the way down to boots, but his shirt is untucked and his hair is a mess.

  I sit up quickly. “What is it?”

  “Guy and Lenny,” he says.

  I can’t help but scowl. “What about them?”

  “They’re gone.”

  “What?” I demand.

  But he’s already back out the door, leaving it wide open for me to follow. I grab my boots and hurry to catch up. Grey is gone from his usual post at the end of my hall. That more than anything sets me on edge.

  In the main corridor, we turn a sharp right for the atrium. It’s still empty as ever down here, but up ahead, the other Jades are hurrying from one wing to the next. Purposeful. Urgent.

  Security teams of two and three streak past the others, intent on their mission.

  Guns are strapped to their waists.

  My urgency drives me faster.

  At the door to Jadick’s offices, Tripp slows. I spot Burnett emerging and watch as his features twist at the sight of me. My head hurts at the sight of him, and I’m hyper-aware of the knot on the side of my head.

  “What the hell are you doing out?” he demands.

  “I came to help,” I say.

  For a second, I think he’ll tell Grey to take me back. But for whatever reason, he doesn’t.

  “Get in here.” He grabs me and yanks me into the darkened interior. Then down the hall and into the first room on the left. Tripp is right behind me, but Burnett stops him from entering at my back.

  I don’t turn as they argue viciously.

  I meet Jadick’s eyes instead. Something about the cold calculation keeps me from demanding answers.

  “Let him in. Search them both,” Jadick says without breaking my stare.

  Burnett goes from telling Tripp to get lost to grabbing him and shoving him face-first against the wall. Tripp curses him, but he doesn’t resist. Not even when Burnett begins patting him down, starting at the shoulders.

  I brace myself for what he’ll find. The knife Tripp used to stab Guy. We obviously didn’t let them escape, but the stab wound is evidence we were there, and that won’t go well for us.

  Refusing to break our standoff, I hold Jadick’s eyes and concentrate on breathing evenly. My training has given me the skills to control my nervous system at will, and I’m thankful for it now. He won’t see me flinch.

  But if he finds that knife he’s so clearly expecting on Tripp, this is going to get a lot worse.

  Burnett finishes the pat-down empty-handed.

  “Let him go,” Jadick says.

  Burnett shoves Tripp toward the exit. “Get out of here,” Burnett snarls at him.

  I can feel Tripp’s hesitation, and very deliberately, I turn and nod at him. “It’s okay,” I say. “Go.”

  “I’ll be right outside,” he says with a pointed look at Burnett.

  Then he saunters out. No one speaks until the door closes behind him. When he’s gone, Jadick looks at Burnett. “Now her.”

  I don’t realize what he means until the asshole’s hands land on my upper arms and I nearly lose my shit. Grabbing his wrist, I whirl, twisting his arm violently until he cries out. He goes down to one knee before gritting his teeth and grabbing for me. I leap just out of reach, managing to keep his arm in a tight grip.

  He makes another sound of pain, and I crouch, ready to drop him onto his back.

  “Stop.”

  Jadick’s command echoes off the walls, and I curse myself for conceding. I tell myself it’s his alpha blood that makes me obey. Not fear.

  “Let him go,” Jadick tells me.

  Scowling, I do as he says.

  Burnett whirls, looking at me with pure contempt.

  “Leave us,” Jadick tells him.

  Burnett shoots Jadick a look. First angry then surprised. Like he thinks he’s being robbed of his revenge.

  “I won’t repeat myself,” Jadick says.

  “I’m going.” Burnett scowls and slams the door as he walks out.

  When we’re alone, Jadick stands in front of me. “I’m going to search you for weapons.”

  “Like hell,” I growl.

  “I’m going to search you, and you’re going to let me. Otherwise, I’ll have Burnett put a dart in your neck, and you can sleep through the entire process. Either way, you’ll be patted down. I think you’d prefer to be conscious for it.”

  I take a minute, remembering the way Tripp slid that knife into Guy’s gut—and replace Lenny’s face with Jadick’s. It’s almost comforting enough for what’s about to happen.

  Finally, I plant my feet and hold my arms out wide. “Hurry up,” I growl.