“Yes, we will,” Logan said.
Asher couldn’t think about what would happen if they failed. It couldn’t be an option anymore. But if they succeeded in bringing Elena back by using Logan’s blood on her, it wouldn’t help the other injected hunters and vampires since they didn’t have mates.
Which meant they might never be able to save those poor, lost bastards. However, if they saved justone, it would be at least one more life. And if they saved Elena, it would betwolives… hers and Logan’s.
“I missed you,” Logan said as he pulled away.
“I missed you too,” Asher said.
“You guys are killing me,” Nathan said as he threw his arms around them both, and they all laughed.
The lump in Brie’s throat grew bigger while she watched the three friends. From everything Asher told her, she knew he considered everyone in the Alliance part of his family, but these two were his closest friends and had become his brothers.
They’d grown up together, they were a trio, and there wasn’t anything they wouldn’t do for each other. She couldn’t stand the idea of Asher losing one of them… or them losinghim.
Because no matter what happened, his death still loomed on the horizon, but the vision she’d seen hadn’t occurred in this place either. His death was still there, waiting, lurking, and preparing to strike.
She inhaled a shuddery breath and reminded herself that she couldn’t do anything about it now. When the time came, shewouldsave him.
“We should go meet with the others,” Asher said to Logan. “It would be best if you came with us. Everyone should hear and see what Brie has discovered.”
Logan glanced at Elena, who stared blankly back at him. “Let’s go. I’m all for anything that will destroy those fuckers.”
CHAPTERSIXTY
Asher setthe safe on the table in the far back corner of the cavernous room. As soon as he placed it down, the others surrounded him. He was engulfed by hugs, slaps on the back, happy greetings, and love while his family welcomed him home.
When they finally finished, he stepped back to survey his surroundings. The old gymnasium still had the basketball hoops pulled up toward the ceiling and the wooden bleachers tucked against the walls. The faint lines marking the basketball court remained, but years of neglect had caused them to fade.
The aromas of sweat and mildew were sharp in the air. The mildew was from the water stains on the leaking ceiling, but the sweat came from the corner taken over with mats, punching bags, weapons, and other assorted workout equipment.
Another corner of the room was a haphazard supply pile. The third was barren while the fourth held the long table the core members of the Alliance gathered around for discussions.
No one sat at the chairs surrounding the table. They all stood as they waited for him to reveal why they were there and what was happening. Behind him, Brie, Cabo, and Zina stared at the Alliance, who gazed questioningly back at them.
Asher pointed to every person as he made the introductions. “Brie, Cabo, Zina, I’d like you to meet Kadence, Vicky, Killian, Simone, Saxon, Elyse, you already know Declan, and that’s his mate, Willow.” He was glad to see Willow wearing her sword. “This is Lucien and Callie. And you’ve met Logan, Nathan, and Ronan.”
They all exchanged hellos as they stared curiously at each other. Asher didn’t know where Saber was, but if he was at the prison, he’d eventually make his way to this meeting. He was a good fighter, but he wasn’t one to jump when commanded.
Asher turned toward Brie and waved at the safe. “You’re the one who’s worked so hard for this. This is all you.”
“I’ve had help,” she said.
“Youdid most of the work,” Zina said. “And we haven’t been helping anywhere near as long as you’ve been searching. Take pride in what you’ve accomplished.”
Brie wasn’t quite sure what she’d accomplished, and she was growing increasingly aware of that as all these strangers stared at her. What if her visions had led her on a pointless, wild-goose chase?
She gulped at the possibility this could be a giant, anticlimactic bust. She had no idea how to handle it.
But, until that time came, she would maintain hope her visions had showed her a way to destroy the demons. Otherwise, she’d never open the safe.
Biting her lower lip, Brie gathered her courage as her fingers fell on the dial. She’d discussed what to tell the Alliance about them with Asher; he’d told her to trust her gut and reveal only what she felt safe disclosing.
Looking at the curious faces surrounding her, she recalled the genuine love they’d displayed toward Asher, their happiness over his return, and her gut told her to trust them. Anyone who cared for her mate as much as they all did was someone she one day hoped to call a friend and family too.
“I have visions,” she said, going on her instincts to trust them with most of it. Those instincts had gotten her this far after all. “I’ve had them my whole life. They’ve grownmuchstronger over the years, and many of them have led me on a mission.”
As she spoke, she covered the dial while she spun it in search of the numbers that would give her access to their future… she hoped. She would trust the Alliance with certain things, but not with access to the safe. Although they could probably bust it open, this was still her secret to keep.
