Collateral Blood

31

The air in the warehouse was thick with tension as Sloan stood before her father, Lucas, and his inner circle. The warehouse was dimly lit, the harsh fluorescent lights flickering intermittently, casting long shadows that seemed to dance around them. Lucas's men stood at a distance, their expressions stoic and watchful, creating an intimidating backdrop.

Sloan took a deep breath, mentally preparing herself for the performance she was about to deliver. She had to convince Lucas that she was fully committed to joining the Vipers, that she was eager to be a part of their world and that she had been secretly aligned with them all along. It was a delicate act of deception, a dangerous game she was playing to ensure Harry's safety and to later dismantle the Vipers from within.

Lucas eyed Sloan with a mixture of suspicion and hope. "So, Sloan, have you made your decision? Do you truly want to be part of the Vipers?"

Sloan forced a smile, her heart racing as she faced her father. "Yes, Dad. I've thought long and hard about everything. I understand now that being involved with the Vipers is the only way forward. I wish I had known sooner. I'm ready to join you and the gang. But I have one condition."

Lucas raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "And what is that condition?"

"I want you to release Harry," Sloan said, her voice steady. "I'll submit to the Vipers' ways, but only if you let him go. I've made up my mind, and I want to prove my loyalty. If you release him, I'll join the Vipers willingly."

Lucas's gaze narrowed, a flicker of calculation crossing his features. He was clearly tempted by the prospect of having Sloan fully on their side, but there was a brief moment of hesitation. "You're asking a lot, Sloan. Why should I trust that this isn't a trick?"

Sloan stepped closer to her father, her tone softening, her eyes filled with a mix of desperation and determination. "Dad, you have to trust me. I've seen the world you're a part of, and I want to be a part of it too. Let Harry go, and you'll have my full commitment."

Lucas studied his daughter for a long moment, weighing her words. The idea of having Sloan fully integrated into their operations was tempting. After what felt like an eternity, he nodded slowly. "Alright. If you're serious about this, I'll release Harry."

The sound of footsteps approaching drew their attention. Lucas's men moved to unlock Harry's restraints, freeing him from his confinement. Harry's eyes locked onto Sloan's, a mixture of relief and confusion in his gaze.

Sloan watched as her father's men released Harry. Her heart pounded, knowing that the moment of truth had arrived. She needed to make sure her father understood her loyalty while keeping her true intentions concealed.

As Lucas finally walked away, leaving Harry and Sloan alone, the relief on Harry's face was evident, but it was short-lived. Sloan took a deep breath, gathering her courage. She needed to convey her true intentions to Harry while maintaining her facade.

Sloan stepped closer to Harry, her heart racing. She leaned in, her voice a low whisper, "Harry, listen to me. My loyalty lies with you. This act was the only way to get you out of here safely and with no harm. I have to make my father believe that I'm with him, but I promise you, this is only temporary. I'm planning to return to you after dismantling the Vipers from the inside."

Harry's eyes widened slightly, a mixture of relief and skepticism. "You're serious?"

Sloan nodded, her eyes earnest. "Yes, I swear. I know it's a risk, but it's the only way to ensure both our safety. We need to play this right."

Just as Sloan finished speaking, Louis, Sloan's ex-boyfriend, entered the room. His presence was imposing, and his gaze locked onto Sloan with a possessive intensity. He strode over to her, not wasting any time in asserting his dominance.

Without warning, Louis grabbed Sloan and kissed her deeply. It was a rough, possessive kiss, a clear declaration of his claim over her. Sloan stiffened, her mind racing as she felt Harry's presence nearby. The kiss was more than just an act of affection; it was a power play, a move to establish control in front of Harry.

Harry's eyes flared with a mixture of anger and frustration as he watched the scene unfold. His hands clenched into fists, barely containing his rage. The sight of Louis kissing Sloan was a bitter reminder of the complexity and danger of their situation.

As Louis finally released Sloan, she pulled away from him, her face flushed and her emotions raw. 

Louis, eager and possessive, grabbed Sloan's hand. "I'm so glad to have you back, Sloan. The Vipers are leaving immediately, and we're heading out now." His grip was firm, almost possessive, as he tugged her towards the exit.

Sloan, maintaining her act, followed Louis's brisk pace. She glanced back at Harry, her eyes conveying a silent message. With a slight parting of her lips, she mouthed, "I'll come back." The promise was subtle but clear, a reassurance for Harry amid the chaos.

Harry watched as Sloan was pulled away by Louis, his jaw clenched in frustration. The sight of Louis touching Sloan, claiming her in such a personal way, ignited a fierce anger within him. Sloan was his—how dare someone else lay claim to her?

As the door closed behind Sloan and Louis, Harry's rage simmered. He needed to find Tom and Zayn, to ensure they were okay and to update them on the situation.

Harry stormed through the warehouse, his mind racing. The emptiness of the room where he'd been left felt stifling. He quickly found Tom and Zayn, who were regrouping and assessing the aftermath of the ambush.

"Tom! Zayn!" Harry's voice was sharp, filled with urgency. "We've got a problem. Sloan's gone back to Lucas. She's playing a part to get close to the Vipers and help us from the inside. Louis showed up and took her. He's leaving with her now."

Tom and Zayn exchanged concerned glances, their expressions serious. "Are you alright?" Tom asked, his tone laced with concern.

"I'm fine," Harry replied, though the anger was evident in his voice. "But we need to regroup and figure out our next move. Sloan's betrayal—if you can call it that—is a part of the plan, but it's infuriating to see her with Louis. We need to keep a close watch on her and make sure this plan doesn't fall apart."

Zayn nodded, already reaching for his phone to get in touch with their contacts and assess their next steps. "We'll be ready. We'll ensure we're prepared for whatever comes next."

Harry took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm of emotions inside him. The immediate danger was over, but the personal stakes had just risen significantly. As he looked out into the darkness, his thoughts were consumed by the complex web of loyalty and deception, and the fierce resolve to ensure that Sloan's plan would succeed—no matter the cost.