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"No. He’ll question you, and since you’re his mate, he’ll be able to tell if you're lying to him," Rhen says.

"And I don’t trust you to not go in there and mark my mate!" I growl. Raidon's hand falls on my shoulder from the backseat. I exhale, turning my face to kiss his hand. He gives my shoulder a squeeze, which is enough to somewhat settle me.

"Well, have you got a better plan?" Leo demands as we pull up beside the plane. I growl because I don't, and I know that waiting for an explosives removal expert to come in will take too long. The pilot is waiting for us as we climb out of the car. I’m about to board when I stop, racing back to the car to grab my serum. As soon as I get Harlow back, I’m forcing her to take it and mark me. I won't have her vulnerable ever again.

"What did you forget?" Leo calls from the top step. I hold up the vial. His brows pinch as if he’s thinking before he nods, and we board.

* * *

Despite the flight only lasting thirty minutes, it seems to drag on much longer. Every passing second feels like an hour. What irks me the most is that Leo and I were just in the Mountain Pack’s territory grabbing Curtis. Corbin’s probably been there this whole time. He went home, back to the most obvious place we could have looked, but we didn’t because I didn't think he was stupid enough to do it. Learning about the tunnels to the pack house through the mountain just infuriates me more.

Even Leo is shocked by his brazenness. He believed Corbin would try to flee the country. Thankfully he didn’t because there’s no way we could save Harlow if he escaped the country with her.

A car is waiting for us the moment we touch down. My phone rings as we exit the plane. Some authorities have arrived on the scene and are going to send in drones to see what they can pick up before we raid the place.

Leo was quiet the entire flight, and that doesn’t change as we climb into the car. He jumps in the passenger seat, and I drive. Heading up the mountain, we stop at a local gas station to get more fuel. As I fill up the car, everyone else gets out to stretch and walk around a bit.

"How much further up the mountain?" I ask Leo, having never been to Corbin's pack house before.

"Pardon?" he asks, looking at me over the car's roof.

"Your pack?"

"Another twenty minutes. It’s built half into the mountain."

"Are you okay?" I ask. It must be hard for him, knowing we are about to rip his mates and pack apart. The bond, despite how much he hates Corbin right now, would make it difficult for him to not feel anything about what we are going to do.

"I'm fine. I just want to get your mate back," he says, and I swallow. That’s the same thing I want.

"I'll pay," Rhen says, wandering into the service station. I nod to him and finish filling the car.

We know Corbin hasn't marked her yet. We would have felt the bond stretch if he had. We will also feel the tethers on our bond break if she marks him back.

Leo remains quiet as we head up the mountain. When we get close, I glance at him. "If you can't go in there, tell me now, Leo. I won't make this any more dangerous for my mate,” I snap at him. He’s making me very uneasy.

"It's not that. I know you don't fully trust me, but I can get in there. I can get to Harlow!" he snaps.

I glance in the rear view mirror to see that my mates share my worries. I know he will be able to get in there. I just don’t trust how Corbin will react.

Chapter Thirty-Eight

Harlow

Tears burn my eyes as Corbin sits me on his lap while he draws a bath. His mates slowly trickle in, and I am soon surrounded as they start stripping me of my clothes. Corbin climbs into the bathtub first, before I’m placed between his legs.

The water is hot and stings my skin. I can do nothing except endure the torment of them washing me like I’m some prized jewel. Corbin purrs, using his Calling. I fight against it, refusing to give into the sensation as it rolls over me. Pain slivers up my spine, causing me to sweat.

“Such a stubborn little Omega. Don’t fight it, Harlow,” he coos while dragging a loofah across my skin. I feel like a rag doll as they pull and tug on me, yet the longer I am in the bath, the more I begin to feel my limbs and the stronger I get.

When he’s done, he passes me to the man they keep calling Slater. Surprisingly, they are all very gentle, treating me like I am made of glass. I’m compliant, letting them believe the drugs are still in effect while they dress me in a chemise, as if I’m their personal doll.

“Are we sure this will work? What if Thane still kills us?” Kingsley asks Corbin as he pulls me into his lap. My heart skips a beat at the thought of them marking me and the thought of being forced to mark them.

“Thane won’t risk her life. He’ll be forced to let her go. The councils won’t allow him to kill me if an Omega’s life is at stake. They are too rare these days,” Corbin says confidently. “Come, let's get her to the Den so we can prepare her. I want her marked and mated as soon as possible,” Corbin states, taking me from Kingsley, who seems reluctant to let me go.

“Get my serum from the fridge,” Corbin calls over his shoulder as we step out of the bathroom. Heading back the way we came, we pass the library, and I see Bree. She rushes to her uncle, clutching at his arm.

“Bree, I haven't got time for this!” he growls at her.