Page 67 of The Commander

“We’re giving chase into the East Section,” Josh calls through the walkie-talkie in Aidan’s pocket.

He whips it out. “Need backup?”

“We need light. We’re putting in big fucking lights next week.”

I chuckle darkly. Not liking the fact that we have vicious, bloodthirsty cartel members on the loose in the facility.

“Call the cops,” Aidan says, whipping off the guy’s belt to tie his wrists.

Cole jogs over and rips out his phone.

Glancing around at the bodies, I let out a curse, then stare over at the Hummer. I need to make sure they are all disarmed.

“I’m going to drive around and see if I can corral any others back toward Josh and the boys.”

Aidan nods. “Go.”

I jog back to the vehicle and leap into the driver’s seat, finding the keys. I start the engine and then maneuver back onto the path. Without the walkie talkie, I’m running blind, but I turn the lights on full beam and keep my gun resting on my leg.

These fuckers.

I’m super-exposed out here, but there’s no way I’m going to stand around knowing these assholes are loose on the compound while Quinn is unarmed and exposed.

Thank God she’s in bed. Liam and the team will have directed them back to their rooms, which will have frustrated her; no warrior likes to miss out on the action.

I never should have told her about the cartel. I hate that she’ll be worried.

About me?

I like to think so.

I steer the Hummer around the corner past the course we were at a few days ago and spot a shadow running past some trees.

“Shit.” I floor it, gripping the steering wheel with both hands, while still holding the Glock.

I skid to a halt and jump out. Taking off, my gun out in front of me, I head into the trees.

Without my boots and only my sneakers, I don’t have as much traction on the fallen leaves. Then I slow and start listening for them.

A stick snaps nearby.

Got ya.

I spin and head in that direction, staying low and alert to everything around me. It’s so fucking dark I can barely see a thing.

“Noah?” I hear a feminine whisper.

I freeze.

My head turns as my blood goes cold. It’s almost like I know what’s going to happen before it does, and I can’t do anything about it.

Not almost, definitely.

Like fate is in charge, and I’m just some pawn.

“Get out of here, Quinn. Now!” I hiss because if I’m right, this cartel soldier is close.

Fucking close.