Brawn - Laurann Dohner [60]
“We’ll follow you,” Trey acknowledged. “Your people are better at tracking than mine.” He glanced at his men sternly. “Remember, no one harms the New Species no matter what you find. Are we clear? They could be heavily drugged. Just contain and hold him until the NSO team arrives if you find one on your own.”
Tiger glanced at his men. “Remember that there may be breeding drugs involved. Sedate Brawn if he’s not clear-headed. Talk to him first to make sure he is rational before you release him.”
The two teams studied each other and tension was palpable. Usually none of them minded working together but this was a special circumstance. All the humans on the task force knew Tim’s daughter and Tiger worried about their reactions if they found her harmed or worse. One moment of rage or grief could make a human take action and kill Brawn or another Species.
Tiger was tempted to have them hold back and send in Species only but he knew that would cause long-term issues. The task team needed their trust, they’d given their word to remain calm and he had to accept it. Of course he didn’t have to blindly trust either. An idea struck him.
“Let’s mix our teams.” Tiger glanced at Trey.
Trey nodded. “Sure.” He addressed his men. “NSO calls the shots. You listen up good, boys. Break into teams and one of them is in charge.”
The human males separated into small groups. Tiger quickly assigned a few of them to lead, dividing the rest so they were distributed to each team. “Let’s surround and go in.” He purposely located and stared at Brass.
“Are you sure you scented them?”
Brass checked his sidearm. “Positive. I didn’t follow the trail inside in case there were alarms or cameras but Brawn has been there. I backed away fast and was careful not to tip them off. I also didn’t smell explosives.”
“Let’s move,” Tiger commanded, motioning for Trey’s team to take the entry breach assignment with his own team while the other teams surrounded the building.
The moment Tiger stepped in the door of the warehouse he inhaled and nodded at Trey. “They were here but it’s very faint. If they’d left the doors open or there were any broken windows their scent wouldn’t have lingered but I’m picking up Brawn and your female.” He inhaled a few times. “Many human men. I think under ten but that could be off if they weren’t here recently. I smell…” He inhaled. “Another human female. It’s barely there but that’s what I’m picking up. It’s pretty stagnant in here.”
“Shit,” one of the humans sighed, pointing to the open van door. “See that big cage and someone left this behind.” He fingered an assault rifle. “Military issue, old school, so we’re looking at someone who was probably ex Army or Marines.”
“This may be a breeding facility,” Tiger reminded grimly. “Expect the worst. I’m worried since I’m picking up two female scents.”
“Damn,” Trey looked shocked. “They are really putting a lot of pressure on your man to perform if they brought him two women.”
Tiger shot him a frown, not amused with the grim humor. “It would not be enjoyable for either party involved.”
Trey nodded sharply. “You take point.”
Tiger took the lead. He inhaled and followed the faint scents to an archway that led to a stairwell. He looked down and held back a curse. He hated going underground and reached for the flashlight on his belt. His gaze scanned for cameras or sensors but spotted none.
“This is why we lost his signal. They are underground. There’s enough building to mask it.” His gaze roamed the assembled men. “Watch for surveillance cameras, sensors and don’t forget to keep inhaling for explosives. If one of my males raises a hand, halt! We go silent now to prevent them from hearing us coming. Take it damn slow. Better to creep in than let