She sat to attention. Shifters weren’t especially sexist. The men protected women and children because they cherished them, but a skilled Shifter was treated as an equal hunter, regardless of gender.

“You and I are heading south to a secluded location. Reno and Denver will check out the second location. The rest of the men stay home until I give further notice, but will have the vehicles on standby.”

“We’re too far out to move fast,” Jericho said. “Maybe one of us should head to a centralized area so we can get there quicker.”

Reno rubbed his smooth jaw. “Not a bad idea.”

“Good. Then it’s you,” Austin said. “Izzy’s pregnant, so she’s out.”

“Hell’s bells,” Izzy said. “Every time something happens, I’m knocked up. Way to go, Jericho.”

He gave her a salacious wink and grinned.

“And me?” I asked, lacing my fingers together.

Austin scraped his teeth across his lower lip, causing the small cleft in his chin to stand out.

“Send her with one of my men,” Lorenzo suggested. “But keep in mind that if your panther does anything to him, I expect compensation.”

I shifted in my chair. “I’m not a savage.”

“No, but rumors circulate fast, and your lack of control at the club has refueled a lot of concerns about panthers.”

“If a wolf went with your man, he could be every bit as dangerous since they’re not in the same pack.”

“Yes, but the fight would be fair.”

I cocked my head and laughed. “So this is all about a fair fight?”

“Let’s calm down,” Austin said. “Naya will go with one of your men. And no, Church, if something happens, I will not compensate you for the loss. Shit happens, and we all know the risk when pairing two Shifters from different packs. He could just as easily shoot her in the head.”

Lexi slapped him on the shoulder. “Austin Cole!”

One of the men chuckled.

“We’ll keep in communication,” he continued. “Whoever finds the target will pass the word immediately. Hang back until we’re all there so we can plan our attack. We’ll probably need more backup depending on how many guards he’s got. Anything else we should consider, Reno?”

He shook his head, and his hand slid onto April’s lap, gripping her thigh. “I’ve busted a few rings this big with a buddy of mine. Expect four to ten guards spread out in the main house, the compound where he keeps the Shifters, and somewhere on the property lines. If they get wind of us, they’ll probably call Delgado for backup, assuming he has more guards at his disposal. But that’ll take time, so let’s just focus on the assholes on the property.”

“What Breed are they?” Lorenzo asked.

Reno shrugged. “Usually Shifters. I don’t know about Delgado; he seems to have a lot of friends, and that could be problematic.”

Austin flattened his hands on the table. “Let’s assume they’re a mix and prepare for that.”

Reno’s voice quieted. “I have a stunner.”