Tares City

98. Start A Riot

NAOMI REID

She'd found her strength when she came up with her plan. She found hope, and it was within her grasp. Filled with determination, she was eager to save Jensen and permanently remove Josh from their lives..

Their plan was perfect, and it benefited not only her but the angry Lycans they managed to recruit.

~

It all took shape when Sean and Avery allowed her to accompany them to the house of fellow Lycan. They didn't want to, but she insisted, knowing what it felt like to lose someone to the Kennedys. His wife and nineteen-year-old son met their demise in the streets while they were going for lunch. They'd accosted his wife first, killing his son when he tried to intervene. Attacked by a hunter for just existing - Beaten and killed while people cheered.

Friends and family gathered at their homes, grieving the loss. It wasn't their first. Many of them were victims of the very same pain. "I've got nothing to live for now, and nothing to lose. What's stopping me from going in there and taking one with me?" The man murmured to them.

The group agreed with the man, voicing their desire to retaliate and stand up for themselves. They spoke about wanting to walk into their base and wreak havoc - get even with them for destroying their lives.

"I can get you in," Naomi had said softly, silencing the collective ramblings of all the Lycans. All eyes were on her where she sat, the center of their attention.

"What was that?" A Lycan asked her in the silence.

"I can get you into their headquarters. I know the halls, and I know the codes. If you're serious, I'll share it with you."

~

Avery watches her with uncertainty as she secures the gun to her waist.

She'd waited long for the moment to arrive, filled with restless anticipation and impatience. She glances out the window, looking at the full moon high in the clear sky, glowing brightly for her as she readied herself to get Jensen back.

Picking up the vial Clayton and Yara had brought back, she placed it in a pouch along with a needle. - Securing it in the inside pocket of her jacket.

Everything was in place, and her determination was at an all-time high. - she had everything necessary for this to be a success.

Walking up to her, Calvin helps her put on a bulletproof vest. She looks at him, thankful - as none of this wouldn't have been possible without his help. Giving her a camera to wear when she went to Kennedys, recording the path he took her on and the codes he took no care in concealing.

When she went in, she only thought she videoed the way to Jensen and figured out another way to infiltrate. But that wasn't necessary.

She continued to play into Josh's delusions, calling on him and seeking him for "support." He, in turn, gave her more than she asked for. Blinded by his eagerness, he let her know that staff at the main building was low because of all the work they delegated. Most of their hunters were either out on the streets patrolling or setting up their other locations. He didn't suspect for one minute that she was faking, allowing her to see Jensen a second time when to help her overcome his betrayal.

~

Word had spread as they waited for the night of the full moon - a week and then some, filled with chatter and recruitment. That was enough time for the Lycans to spread the word and get themselves resources. It was surreal what she created with just a simple sentence. The amount of support those people rounded up in so little time was mind-blowing. It was a testament to the Lycans themselves. Their feeling about the entire hunter situation. So many of them had lost in such a short period of them, and now they wanted to fight against their oppressors. They saw the opportunity for what it was and decided it was worth risking it all.

It had turned into something bigger than Naomi imagined. She had to guess at least fifty or more angry Lycans waiting now to run in at her side. Seeing them all together was slightly unnerving, their intentions clear.

It was no secret that not all of them would make it out of it. Naomi, even overhearing one, says this is how he wanted to go out. It was shocking to her, but she tried to pay it no mind. These were the people who would help her get to Jensen. That was all she had to concern herself with.

She's responsible for this. She fanned the flames of the fury and gave them the way in. And she didn't regret it for a second. She saw the similarities, never once thinking she'd ever find herself on the frontline of something resembling a revolutionary riot; built on hatred and vengeance. But here she was; their ticket in.

She would do anything for Jensen, even start a riot.

~

There was a buzz of anticipation and determination in the air. The Lycans were ready to get even, ready to avenge those they've lost. They all gather together in the shadows, looking up at their target. Inside, they would be free to do as they wanted. There were no rules to follow, no expectations or mission to complete.

It was chaos waiting to unfold, and some of them were there for that in itself.

"We stay close, find Jensen, give him the cure, and get out," Avery says to her at her side. "Don't go off on your own. And if you see Kennedy, shoot or run. You hear me? Please don't give him a chance to get you. He will kill you for this if he finds you in there."

"Be careful in there. Don't make any stupid decisions either." She goes on. "Don't fight anyone. Sean, Calvin, Yara, and Clayton will provide cover for us. Got it?!"

Naomi nods at her friend as a howl sounds in the night, a chorus of others joining in.

"It's time," Naomi says, taking a deep breath as she sees the first few Lycans shift.

"It's time."