Page 35 of Guarding the Runaway Omega

He’d never done Alpha protection detail before, one of the more coveted beta assignments. Maybe he wasn’t an actual beta, but until he was trained for his new role—which would hopefully be with the Wolf Creek Pack—it was better that he carry out his part of the operation in a manner he was familiar with.

After removing the safety of his Glock 22 and verifying he had at least two additional cartridges of ammo, Hawk maintained a steady gaze on the prison as he held his position next to the formidable Brandon. Hawk might be six foot two, but the muscular Alpha had at least a couple inches on him. And for the remainder of the operation, all Hawk intended to do was fall in line with Brandon’s orders, complete the job and prove to Nic he was a capable and trustworthy ally.

Brandon rumbled out a low growl as he stared at his watch. “Look alive, wolves. First wave hits in three, two—”

A chorus of howls and cries echoed throughout the woods right as a flurry of bright searchlights burst to life from the top of the perimeter fence.

Shit.

“Take cover!” Brandon barked as both he and the Denali Alpha hit the ground. “Hold your positions but be ready to charge when I give the order!”

Loud reports of gunfire echoed from within the compound, multiple volleys being exchanged as the shrieks of the wounded rivaled the cacophony of battle cries.

“That’s our signal, Hawk!” Brandon smacked him on the shoulder then jumped to his feet. “Now! Take the fence, Denalis!”

As Hawk rushed in, sticking by the charging Alpha the way he’d been commanded, he paused only long enough for three Denali fighters to mow down the wooden fence with an explosion of shotgun blasts. The shifters shredded the barrier in mere seconds, the tattered remains of the section they’d destroyed providing them with clear entry into the interior.

They resumed their offense as scattered thoughts ran through Hawk’s mind. He remained vigilant, casting his gaze left, right then behind to verify his Alpha stayed protected, ready to take out any attacker who might threaten them.

Jasper escaped from this section. Was it near the cell they kept him locked in?

Hawk threw himself at Brandon, knocking him to the ground as shards of glass rained down on them from a second-story window.

“Are you all right, sir?”

Brandon grunted with a nod and Hawk leapt to his feet, helping pull Brandon up from the ground. After a quick jerk of Brandon’s head acknowledging Hawk’s help, he waved his arm in a wide arc over his head.

“Keep pushing, Denalis! Watch for omegas!”

One of the biggest dangers of their operation was the genuine concern that an innocent might be caught in the chaos of crossfire.

Brandon flung open the door of the building directly in front of them and they all poured inside. Blood, more glass and spent shells littered the cement hallway and they found themselves having to tread lightly to avoid slipping on the debris. The majority of the battle seemed to be taking place in another section—possibly the main building. However, the structure they were in had clearly already been hit hard.

Hawk stayed focused, verifying that his Alpha commander was safe with no immediate threats. Brandon shot out his arm, blocking Hawk’s forward motion. He held up his other hand, signaling to the group to halt. Brandon angled his head around and put a finger to his lips. He then pointed down a hallway to the right of their position, gestured between him and Hawk, then indicated that the rest of the Denalis should stay where they were and keep watch.

Brandon stepped forward with careful steps, Hawk keeping tandem with him. The floor was clear of rubble and Hawk surmised there hadn’t been any fighting in that section. It was even possible it had already been vacated. Yet, he doubted Brandon would be leading them to investigate the area without good cause.

With each room they came upon, both he and Brandon would do a quick sweep to verify no one would get the jump on them. Then they would continue their advance. The battle that the rest of their Alliance members fought continued in the background—in either the main building or outside both structures. Sweat formed along Hawk’s hairline and between the skin of his palm and the grip of his gun.

Right as Brandon froze, Hawk did too. The collection of whimpers that reached their ears came from one of the rooms at the end of the hallway. So far, it had been the only sign of life since they’d stampeded the building.

Brandon leaned close. “Wait here. I’m going to move in and check this out.”

Hawk nodded his assent, remaining cognizant of his surroundings while also keeping an eye on his Alpha.

Screams and gunfire erupted with Brandon shouting for the Denalis to attack. Hawk surged forward as Brandon disappeared into a room at the farthest end, his wolf itching to emerge, but the sounds of automatic gunfire meant that his animal would never stand a chance.

What about Brandon?

Bedlam greeted Hawk as he raced into a scene out of a horror film. Two men in guard uniforms lay in a bloody heap at one end of the room with a small group of naked young men huddled together at the other side, crying, some bleeding, some…

Dead.

Brandon fought with another guard, wrestling with him over a 12-gauge shotgun. Hawk rushed to help Brandon, but his attention was drawn to an older man not wearing a uniform. The man advanced on one of the terrified omegas and grabbed his arm. He tried to yank him to his feet, but the omega kicked and punched. The young man was backhanded and fell to the ground in a heap.

“Since my son isn’t available for sale anymore, you’ll have to do.” He reached down for the dazed omega. “At least I know you’re pregnant.”

Fucker!