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I take my phone from the couch, the screen almost a blur as I’ve got messages coming in at a high speed. As I stare at it, more and more keep showing up. Most of them are from Erika’s pack, worried about us. Their messages getting increasingly frantic by the moment.

Then, a call. Erika. I automatically accept it.

“Where are you? Are you safe? Is Mathew safe?” She sounds rushed and her panic sets me further on edge.

I open my mouth to reply, but no sound comes out. Tears flow down my cheeks, my chest going tighter and tighter, but no matter how hard I try, I can’t seem to speak.

Caleb reaches around me, taking the phone. “We’re at home. We’re safe. We’re going into lockdown. Mathew and Jorge are on their way to a client, but they’re with Derrick and Timothy. They should be fine.” His voice cracks slightly on the last words.

“They’re on their way back. They won’t be long.” Eli seems to be the calmest of us, but when I look at him, he’s distressed too.

Of course, he would be. He knows what kind of danger this puts the organisation in, not just Mathew and the pack, but the organisation as a whole, including his mates and family.

I jolt as loud footsteps sound from the hallway and outside the house.

What’s going on?!

“There will be extra security on all floors. Someone from the security team will always keep an eye on you, around the clock. You can’t leave the house without the okay from Mathew, and you’ll need someone from the security team with you.”

Eli rubs his arms. “I’m sorry. It appears that the person who took the pictures followed you for quite a while that day. There are pictures from the hospital and also from the lunch you were having after.”

No.

No.

That’s just...

Why are people like that?

This...

“We’re getting on the next plane.” Erika’s voice is firm.

“No.” Caleb takes me in his lap, pulling me against him. “We’re going into lockdown. Nobody in or out. Part of your team is still here, they’ll be a great help. But you can’t book tickets until we’ve got a better view of the situation. We knew this was going to happen at some point. We’ve prepared for it.”

“I can’t just leave⁠—”

“Yes. You can.” Caleb cuts her off. “You have your own things to worry about. And we’ll see you soon anyway. The raid is only a few weeks away. We’ll be fine until then.”

Caleb’s phone starts ringing, and he pulls it out, checking the name. “I’ve got to go. Jorge’s calling me.”

“Of course.” Erika seems calmer now. “You need to do what you need to do. Let me know how we can help.”

“I will.” He disconnects the call with Erika as he accepts the call from Jorge. “How are things?”

It’s quiet for a few moments before Jorge speaks. “It’s good to hear your voice.” He sounds out of breath and my heart starts racing again. This can’t be good.

“What’s going on?” Caleb frowns as he rubs his hand over my side, trying to soothe me.

“We’re safe. We should be home in not too long. It’s just...” He moves, and then his voice returns, strained, like he’s on the verge of crying. “Can Vera talk to Mathew? I can’t get through to him.”

I pull on Caleb’s arm with shaking fingers, pulling the phone closer. “I’m here.” My voice feels strange.

“Can you talk to him? He’s not said anything since the news broke.”

“I’ll try.” I have no idea if it’s going to work. But hearing Jorge and knowing that they’re safe takes away a lot of my fear.

“Mathew? Everyone at home is preparing for the lockdown. I don’t think I’ve heard this many people running around the house before.”