Page 73 of His Arranged Plus-Size Mate

I looked back toward Gabriella and hugged her in return. “I’ll be coming back.”

“You have to. I don’t plan on living without you. I need you in my life.” She grabbed my face. “You are my sister. So, God, please don’t die.”

I hugged her tightly, feeling tears build up. But I didn’t let them fall. I wasn’t planning to leave her.

I broke free from her and headed over to hear the plan.

Brandon spoke. “We’re going to split up once we get there. One team will be on diversion while the other infiltrates their base. We want as many of them out of that area so you guys can get in and out quickly. We’re going to move out together as a team. But as soon as we get closer enough, one group is going to make noise and pull as many of them away as we can. The second group is going to move in and get what needs to be done.”

They all nodded in agreement.

“Alright, who are the teams?” Westley asked.

“Kaleb and I are going to be on diverting. The rest of the guys will be joining us. You, Westley, Chelsey, and Hazel will go into the camp. The fewer of you there are, the better.”

“I still think this is a fucking insane idea,” Kaleb added. “Splitting up turns our manpower in half.”

Asher shook his head. “No, if you guys are trying to get them to follow, you need as much manpower as you can get.We will work together and be quick. We aren’t the ones that are being followed.”

“And what if they figure out our plan and turn back? The four of you are fucked.”

“We will be fine,” Chelsey spoke up as she walked toward us. “Besides, I know how to put up a protective barrier for us if needed. It won’t last as long, but it could save us in a pinch.”

“And do not under any circumstances leave your location for the others.” Brandon looked at the others of us. “If you fail in your part of the mission, you fail us all.”

“Jade is in charge while I’m away.”

“Which will not be long because he is coming back.” Jade broke through the group, walking straight toward him. “I need a moment with my husband.”

“Jade…” Brandon frowned at her.

She grabbed his shirt roughly, yanking him toward her. She kissed him roughly, and we all turned away. I could hear just how caught off guard Brandon was and tried to look anywhere but at them.

I looked at Asher. He looked relaxed, but I could see how stiff his shoulders were. He was good at masking, but I could see behind it.

Kaleb cleared his throat, and Brandon pulled himself together. Jade smirked, clearly trying to make a point. “You remember what you’re fighting for out there.”

“Do you think it’s wise to give the man a hard-on before he goes into battle?” Kaleb asked, humor in his eyes.

Jade rolled her eyes before she turned and walked back toward the others. We waved as we turned and headed into the woods. Asher took my hand, his fingers interlacing with mine.

We continued to walk, all of us watching as we moved. The woods were quiet, not even critters in the distance. The snow had started to melt, and the trees swayed in the wind. The sun came up and shone down on us.

I don’t know how long we walked before Brandon froze in front. He pulled his hand up, and we all stopped in our tracks. I looked around, moving closer to Asher. “What is it?”

He didn’t answer, and then I heard it. It was a soft grunt, the sound of heavy footsteps in the distance. “We move as one.” Brandon signaled as we continued to walk. We found two guys a few yards ahead of us. They were lounging on a rock, talking.

“I think they are on scouting duty,” Kaleb said. “I don’t see any others.”

“Kaleb, Westley. Go around and see if there are others in the surrounding area.” Brandon pointed toward Asher. “You and I are moving in.”

I felt his hand slip free from mine as Asher moved with Brandon. I stood with the others and watched.

“I’m tired,” one of the guys grumbled in front of us. “When we switch out?”

“No idea. But pay attention, or Kevin will have our ass. We already lost the fucking gem. That’s making everyone on edge.”

I spotted Brandon, and he moved closer and grabbed the one closest to him. Asher emerged from his spot near the second guy.