Chapter Eight #3
Tanner rubbed his forehead, the weight of the situation seeming to drain him more than it already had.
“You don’t have to do this now, sweetheart.” Ronen squeezed his hand. “You need to build up your strength first.”
Michael cleared his throat. “I’m afraid that’s not an option.
There isn’t time.” He gestured to Ezekiel.
“That is why I’ve requested that Ezekiel remain at the lair, so he can keep watch over Tanner.
Without Tanner’s inside knowledge, we’ll be at a great disadvantage.
Could lose our one chance to stop this scourge before it spreads. ”
Tanner squeezed Ronen’s hand in return. “It’s okay. I need to do this.”
Ronen reluctantly backed off. Even though he hated that Tanner was being forced to keep going, he also realized that it was the only way to move forward.
“Well,” Tanner began, “I was hired to hack into government systems. Ostensibly, it was to secure the country from corruption, to keep everyone safe from domestic and foreign threats.” He rolled his eyes.
“But now it’s obvious that it was meant to do the complete opposite.
To give them the knowledge and influence to seize power.
To poison those in charge until they did the rogue’s bidding.
I guess Marianne Walker was their first success story.
” He lowered his head. “And I was about to become their second.”
“Hey.” Ronen placed an arm around Tanner. “You were fighting against a horde of darkness.”
“And I’m relieved you were able to hold out so long.” Michael shook his head with a chuckle. “This is all new territory we’re treading. I wondered whether we could get to you in time. You have amazing fortitude.”
Ronen bit back a retort that Michael had been risking his mate’s very soul. Yeah, he supposed it was the right thing to do, what with all of humanity at stake. But it didn’t mean he had to like it.
Cassiel rubbed the back of her neck, her brow furrowing. “This is so unbelievable. What’s our plan of attack, chief?”
Michael regarded her with a frown. “I’d rather you refer to me in a different manner.”
Ronen smirked. Michael had no idea what an opening he’d given Cassiel. Fortunately, she had enough sense not to take the bait.
Michael continued, “We strike quick and hard. One team will focus on taking Victor out. Another will remove Marianne Walker to a holding facility, see if she can eventually be rehabilitated after all this is over.” He turned to Tanner again.
“I’m sorry to do this to you, but we’ll need as much intel as you can give us on everything to do with the facility.
Passcodes, layout, who’s in charge. Absolutely everything. ”
Tanner nodded, his features set with determination.
“What kind of computer systems do you have here? It shouldn’t take me very long to hack into everything at the facility.
I can upload a virus, give false intel, whatever you want.
Plus, I can help with the facility's security systems. Once I get into their network, I can disable the cameras, unlock doors—give you guys a clear path.”
Ronen squeezed Tanner’s shoulder, his heart bursting with pride.
“But first,” interjected Ezekiel. “He needs some broth and juice.” He winked at Tanner. “Healer’s orders.”
Ronen narrowed his eyes at Ezekiel, but kept his mouth shut. The wink was innocent, the wink was innocent. He was going to explode if he didn’t figure out how to deal with his rampant possessiveness.
Michael rose, his body shimmering as his figure faded. “Expect reinforcements from lairs all over the world within the next several hours. We strike at midnight.”
With that final command, the archangel vanished completely, leaving behind only a faint shimmer in the air where he had stood.
Ronen's muscles coiled tightly with tension. Four hours. Only four hours to prepare for what could be the most significant battle of their existence. His gaze fell on Tanner, who appeared pale but determined and resolute. The urge to shield his mate from what was imminent overwhelmed him.
“I’ll get you that broth,” Ronen said. “You need your strength.”
Cassiel pushed back her chair with a scrape against the stone floor. “I’ll gather our weapons. We’re going to need everything we’ve got.“ She paused, her lip curling. “And when I find Victor, I’m going to make him wish he’d never been created.”
Ronen stood, placing a hand on Tanner’s shoulder. “I want to be the one to take him down.” His voice came out as a low growl, his fingers tightening instinctively. “He deserves to know exactly why he’s dying.”
Cassiel’s amber eyes flashed with understanding. “We’ll do it together. That traitor deserves to face both of us.”
Ronen grinned. “Deal.” He scooped up a surprised Tanner from his chair. “As for you, I insist you work from bed, so you don’t wear yourself out.”
Cassiel crossed her arms. “Zeke? I think a chaperone is needed. Care to do the honors?”
Ronen huffed. “I don’t think that’s nec—“
Ezekiel jumped up from his chair. “I’d be glad to.”
Ronen sighed. He knew when he was beaten.