was replaced by a jolt of fear as her son reached beneath his jacket to pull out a handgun.
“No.” She grabbed his arms, her expression desperate. “They’re not your enemy, Ward. I swear.”
***
Ice led Cammy down the narrow flight of stairs into the hidden labyrinth of rooms that were connected by long hallways lined with stainless steel. She was convinced that Karen was near. Unfortunately, there was no way to get to her without taking the main corridor.
Moving in silence, they were both on full alert. Slowing as they reached a branch in the corridor, Ice waited for Cammy to point toward the right.
“That way,” she whispered.
About to head down the hallway, Ice reached around to lightly touch his companion’s arm. “Wait here,” he murmured. “I’ll be right back.”
She frowned in confusion. “Where are you going?”
“To have some fun.”
Without giving her time to protest, he spun on his heel and retraced his steps to the staircase. He could smell the two humans approaching.
Pressing his large body against the wall, he stood predator-still in the shadows of the steps. He didn’t bother to draw his gun. At close range, he could kill easier with his hands. And it was considerably quieter.
After spending nearly a half hour bypassing the Pentagon-grade security surrounding the compound, the last thing he wanted was to alert anyone to their presence.
Unaware of the danger, the two men entered the hallway. Ice allowed them to walk past him before he stepped from the shadows and grabbed them by the back of their necks. With a low grunt, he lifted them off the floor, ignoring the startled curses. Both men struggled to escape the punishing grip of his fingers, but using the narrow hallway to his advantage, Ice shoved out his arms and smashed their faces into the walls. Grunts of pain replaced their cursing, the dull thud of their skulls connecting with the stainless steel echoing through the hallway. Ice felt them go limp, but he continued to smack them against the wall until the pungent scent of blood filled the air.
Only then did he drag their unconscious bodies into a janitorial closet and shut the door. Assuming the guards did a consistent route, they wouldn’t be missed for at least ten or fifteen minutes.
In that time he and Cammy should be able to grab Karen and get the hell out of there.
With a last glance to make sure he hadn’t missed any security cameras, Ice hurried back to Cammy who, with an arch of her brow, studied the blood that had dripped onto his boots.
“Happy?”
He allowed a smug smile to curve his lips. It hadn’t been entirely satisfying. After the bastards had directly attacked the Wildlands he was eager to punish their enemies. But at least he’d had the chance to bust a few heads.
“It will have to do for now,” he murmured.
She rolled her eyes, heading down the hallway. “Karen’s in the last room at the end.” She paused as they reached the door, sucking in a deep breath of air. “There’s one guard inside.”
Anticipation raced through his body. “I’ll take care of him.”
She grabbed his arm. “Hey, I should have some fun too.”
He flashed a wicked grin. “I promise that when we have some time alone I’ll give you all the fun you can handle.”
“Yeesh.” She glared at him, even as her lips twitched at his teasing. “We go in together,” she asserted.
“Fine.” Ice’s amusement faded as he slid the gun from his holster. There would be no way to sneak up on this guard. “Cover me.”
Cammy positioned herself at his side, pointing her weapon as he pushed open the door.
Ice had a split second to study the tall, lean man with short reddish hair and eyes that glowed with power before Karen was abruptly darting in front of him.
He scowled, unable to get a clear shot.
“Karen, move,” he snapped, wondering if the woman had been drugged.
“No, don’t shoot,” she pleaded.
Ice felt Cammy lay a restraining hand on his arm. “What’s going on, Karen?” she demanded.
“This is Ward,” she said in soft tones. “My son.”
Ice studied the man’s lean face and green eyes. It was easy to see the family resemblance now that he was looking for it. “The one you’ve been searching for?” he demanded.
“Yes.”
Ward grasped his mother by her shoulders, tugging her to the side. His gaze flickered between Cammy and Ice. “Who are you?”
It was Cammy who answered. “Friends of your mother.”
The male snorted. “Pantera have never been friends to humans.”
Ice tilted