Evolution

CHAPTER 32 | the art of war

Daniel crouched down and leaned against the cold brick wall. He glanced up to the night sky. With no moon and stars hidden behind dark clouds, it was perfect for their needs. He ran through their plan, yet again, making sure that nothing had been looked over. They couldn't fail in their mission. Too much was riding on it.

It didn't help that no one had been able to get hold of Murphy or his team. Elise's were still on the road, so he had to assume Murphy wasn't far behind.

"Anything?"

He looked over to where Kaitlyn had taken up position. Dressed completely in black she blended into the building's features and was almost indistinguishable from it.

She didn't move. Her eyes were already focused on the scope of her semi-automatic rifle. "Nothing"

He studied Kaitlyn. Despite what Simon believed, she was a true warrior. The perfect match for Murphy. Even in her human form, she was a natural protector.

Ryan would be proud.

She was carrying on her father's legacy and doing everything within her power to protect his—their race.

A faint noise from below distracted him, and he risked taking another look over the small wall he had taken refuge behind. The courtyard in front of the hospital was clear, with the exception of the guards who were leaning against the front steps arguing about something. On the east wing's rooftop, four more made a half-hearted attempt at scanning the immediate area.

This would be their downfall. They were overconfident and not alert for any possible attacks.

Any word yet? Morgan asked, pushing through their link.

No, but Parker believes it's not uncommon in that part of the country.

Thank Luna, Giovani was able to reach his people.

As soon as they realized Elise's attack team was headed to the Chicago packs new site B, the pack was evacuated. It was a risk, but they were headed back to pack ground.

A beep echoed through his earpiece. Parker's voice, even as strained as it was, provided him a measure of comfort. "We're ready at this end, and the payload is on its way."

He tapped the unmute button. "We will be ready. The charges are laid, and we are just waiting for the final calculations for the south wall."

"Remember, you need to draw them out into the open if this has any chance of working."

He took a deep breath and cleared any doubt from his mind. If they were to come out at the other end in one piece, this needed to be by the book. He closed his eyes, and Parker's face swam into view. A heavyweight pushed down on his broad shoulders. In any other lifetime, he would not be risking everything like this. However, it was his duty to protect his people, no matter the cost to his life. His only solace was that if anything happened to him, she would be well taken care of. He could do that for her at least. A pain ripped through him at the thought of leaving her.

Daniel squared his shoulders. If they got through this, he was going to take her on a long vacation—just the two of them with no distractions.

Maybe we can finally have a conversation about children—or at least practice conceiving them.

He took one more look at the street below and let out a deep breath. "It's time."

Kaitlyn pulled her focus away from the rifles' scope and glanced at him. Her reserved slipped. For once, she looked vulnerable. "Be careful out there."