~ SASHA ~

It was as if the forest had been simply removed—as if it had never existed in this space. There was no trees, no stumps, nothing. Just grass and weeds and flowers for what appeared to be miles. The space slowly being revealed in front of the car and stretching off to her right reached almost to the foothills of the mountains—so far away her eyes couldn't make out the detail beyond more thick trees at ground level.

Nick's voice intruded on her nervous assessment. He'd turned in his seat to look at her over his shoulder. "Are you certain about this, Sasha? We can still go back to Thana and bring Zev through instead."

"No. Absolutely not."

Nick nodded. "Okay, then this is your last chance. Once we roll through these gates, you're one of us, Sasha. Whether you want to be or not. The number of human beings that have been through these gates, that even know this place exists, is only numbered in the dozens. Once you've walked inside the complex, you'll be tied to us forever. We already have signed non-disclosure agreements with you. Even if you managed to escape and try to bring charges, we'll simply take you to court. This is place is technically in that strange, gray area—not technically owned by the government, but protected by its oversight. You walk in here, you're playing with the big boys, and they don't let you go until they're done with you," he said frankly.

Sasha almost choked. "You forged my signature?"

"We didn't have to. You signed the forms as part of your financial aid in college, then a further set within your employment contract."

"I… what? You—how?!"

"Your financial aid forms, signed digitally in the office of the University, included some additional pages. As the woman who helped you outlined what you were signing, you didn't read. You just signed. You likely don't remember, but she told you that you were agreeing not to reveal any information about the institution, its processes, or those affiliated with it without express permission. You nodded and signed."

"I… but…"

"And you'll remember your employer required a physical contract. You were given a digital copy to review, but when you came to the office, they had it printed and ready, with those little tags for where you sign. A couple of those sheets pertained to our operations, and your requirement to remain publicly mute about any engagement with us, or our operatives—which includes Zev, and the rest of the Chimera, by the way. If you say a word about any of them to anyone, you can be executed for treason against the state."

"What?!"

Nick sighed. "I told you, Sasha, the people I work for are the most powerful people on earth. Their fingers extend everywhere."

"But you just said only a few dozen people know—"

"People don't know about this place, but I assure you, the web of power that spreads across the world is extremely organized. My bosses have many, many people in their grip. And the power and money they receive allows them to hold others, who in turn have leashes on others… Trust me, Sasha, you can't get around these people when they have a need for you."

Sasha gaped at him. "Then what choice is there?"

Nick tipped his head. "You know, you're right. If you aren't letting us take Zev instead… yeah, there really isn't one. Well then…" he turned back, put the car in gear, and rolled through the huge gate that immediately began to close behind them. "Welcome to The Team, Sasha. We've been waiting for you."

*****

~ ZEV ~

By the time the Alphas were ready to leave, Zev was sitting up in the bed, tension making him jittery. His body was healing, he could feel it. Finally some of his strength returning. He was hungry, and despite the meal they'd all shared together in tradition, he had asked for a second helping. Now he was tempted to try a third.

While the Alphas milled around, discussing details and which Chimera from their own clans they believed would fulfill roles that would be needed for the intrusion—that's what they were calling the plan to cross the gateway in the following week—Zev rolled his head on his shoulders, then called for the healer.

It was a different male this time, bigger, gruffer than the first. But he only nodded when Zev asked for more food and trotted off with reassurances that they would add certain herbs and nuts to the plate that would further assist his body in healing.

As Zev watched Lhars, his head lowered to speak quietly with one of the other wolves, Dunken approach and he and Zev clasped forearms. Dunken leaned in to share scents in farewell—and murmured in his ear, "Don't even think about it."

Zev pulled his head back to look at his friend. "What?"

"I can almost hear your thoughts, Zev. You have to be strong. You cannot do this sooner. If she's not returned to us, we can't lose both of you. It will be the end of the Clans, and you know it. The battle for Alpha would consume us—you have to see that Zev!"

"I do," Zev growled. "I didn't even say anything about—"

"I know you and I know your scent. You're agitated and impatient. I know what you're thinking. The answer is no, Zev. For the good of everyone—including Sasha—you can't do this. If you don't wait until you're completely strong, you will lose, and she'll remain in their hands. None of us know enough of them and there ways to navigate this without your leadership. You have to wait."

"I know!"

"Do you?" Dunken said, his voice low, his eyes fierce and protective. "Because I cannot imagine if I had mated and my mate was torn from me like this. It was hard enough losing the females when I cared only for their wellbeing as sisters and friends. I'm asking you to be smart, Zev. And not to give in to the selfish urge to run to her. She's strong. Stronger than even these pricks realize. You know that. Let her handle her people while you handle yours."

"I am," Zev said through his teeth, though the niggle in the back of his mind wanted to scream something different.

"Good. That's all we ask, brother," Dunken said, then patted his shoulder. "I'll see you for dinner."

Zev gaped as his friend winked, then walked quickly out of the building without looking back.

Why did he feel like he'd just been cornered? The word triggered a rush of anxiety and he looked up the low ceiling, taking a deep breath.

He could do this. He would do this. Whatever it took.. As long as it got Sasha back.