Crimson Highlander (Onyx Assassins 2)

“Another six months to mass produce it,” Alek answered.

“How sure are you that she’s in there?” Valor asked me directly.

The hope in her eyes nearly undid me. “Very.” Xavier had provided photos, not that I was going to show those to her. There was no reason to upset her further. “We’ll have her back in twenty-four hours, Valor.”

She smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “It’s not going to be easy.”

“That’s why we’re moving tomorrow night. Xavier offered some of his men, and our troops are already preparing. We’ll overwhelm them by sheer numbers if nothing else.”

Her lips parted. “You’re going for a full-on assault? What if they see you coming and kill her?”

“An assault is the only way we’re getting through those gates, lass,” I said as calmly as I could manage. “There are no gap in the patrols. We can’t wend into the building. They’ll see us coming whether there’s five or fifty of us. I’d rather have the numbers in that case.”

She visibly struggled with that thought. “Okay, well, how about we sneak first, then fall back on the whole D-Day scenario. My retina scan might still unlock—”

“You’re not going.” My eyebrows hit the ceiling.

“I’m what?” she snapped.

The room fell into an awkward silence as Valor and I stared each other down.

“You’re not getting near that building,” I said slowly. “The only female they’d love to kill more than Lyric is you. And I don’t think they’d make quick work of it, lass. They want the information in your head.”

“She’s my cousin!”

“You’re my mate!”

Valor scoffed.

Benedict’s chair squeaked as he slid back. “And I think that might be our cue to…”

“Yep. Right on it.” Ransom shut the monitors down.

“Agreed.” Alek stood and headed for the door.

“Oh, come on, it was just getting to the good part,” Hawke muttered.

“Now,” Alek ordered.

Through the commotion, Valor and I didn’t look away from each other’s eyes, both determined to glare the other into submission.

Fucking. Stubborn. Woman.

The door closed, leaving us alone, and Valor shoved at the table, pushing herself back so she could stand. “I can’t believe you think I’m going to sit at home while you walk into that!”

“I can’t believe you think I’d let you put yourself in harm’s way!” I bellowed, rising to my feet.

“Let me? Lachlan, I’m not sure you’ve caught on yet, but you don’t let me do shit. I decide for myself!” She jabbed her finger in my direction and strode around the table, putting it between us.

“Oh, I’m well-the-fuck-aware of what you get to decide.” I gripped the thick, black onyx to keep from going after her. Putting my hands on her would only lead to one thing, and it sure as hell wasn’t the solution to this fine mess. “But this isn’t it.”

“You’re being a ridiculous, chauvinistic Neanderthal!”

I grinned. “You’re catching on.”

“Ugh!” She rocked back on her heels, frustration pouring out of her, the scent bitter and harsh. “You can’t just leave me here like some damsel.”

“I never once said you are a damsel. Bloody hell, you’re the most capable woman I know. I could probably fire you at the enemy like a bullet, and you’d take them all out with your brain and bare hands.”

“Then it’s settled. I’m coming with you.” She folded her arms across her chest, and that stubborn glint came into her green eyes.

If I didn’t love her more than my own life, I would have chained her to the fucking chair.

But I did. That was the problem.

“You’re not coming. There is no negotiating power here. No wiggle room. The choice is mine, and it’s been made.”

“Because you’re my mate?” Red stained her cheeks. “I thought mates were equal, Lachlan. I thought they took care of each other.”

“Because I’m the second in command of the vampires and the fucking general.” I slammed my hands on the table. “Because it’s an operation and I outrank you.”

“I’m not in your little army!”

“All the more reason for you to stay here while we extract Daphne. You can’t follow an order to save your life.”

She sputtered.

“It’s true! And you’d probably defy my commands just to fuck with me. We might be equal here,” I motioned between us, “but out there, I have a few hundred years of experience and a special skill set that trumps your need to personally see to Daphne’s safety.”

“So you’re just going to leave me here.” Her eyes narrowed. “Like I’m some liability.”

“Yes! Because that’s exactly what you are out there, Valor! You’re my liability. If you go with us, I won’t be focused on the mission and my men. I’ll be focused on you.”

“Well, that’s your problem. I know the layout of that compound—”

“Then tell me what I need to know, because you sure as hell won’t be in the line of fire.” I shook my head. “I can’t…” The words failed.