Gregor had not done cartwheels after learning their plans. He even went head-to-head with both Callum and Lucien in an effort to put a stop to it. But the vampire was not on his game and gave in surprisingly quickly.

Abel got this, seeing as he’d finally shared what his son was up to, this being looking for the witch who’d cut Abel in order to find out who’d sent her.

Abel was mildly pissed about this as he’d have liked to have gone with Yuri mostly because he wouldn’t mind seeing that bitch again. That being so he’d have the opportunity to return the favor and give her a scar she’d have for a lifetime. One you could see, or one you couldn’t, he didn’t give a fuck.

But he hadn’t been given a choice, and even if Gregor wasn’t exactly a vampire prone to great displays of warmth and kindness, it was obvious he gave a shit about his son and was worried.

So they were off, all of them, on their mission. Free from their elaborate cage. Abel in the SUV with Callum, Hook in the backseat; Lucien driving the SUV they were following, Ryon, Calder, and Caleb with him; and last, there was a detail of security around them that included Wei and Xun on their bikes.

Moose had not reported back, another thing that prayed on his mind, as it did Delilah’s. Hook assured them his bud could win a medal at squeezing all he could get out of a bender. But that was before anyone who meant anything to one of The Three was in danger.

Poncho had reported in that he’d bested the goat and snake test, but apparently, that wasn’t enough for his aunt, so something involving cactus juice and a visit with his ancestors was up next. Again, Poncho didn’t go into specifics and Abel didn’t ask.

His cell went, taking his mind off all that shit, and he leaned forward to pull it out of his back pocket.

He checked the screen and took the call.

“Yo.”

“Reporting in. All in place. We’re a go,” a man said, then disconnected.

Abel took the phone from his ear and told the windshield, “They’re in place. It’s a go.”

“Good,” Callum muttered.

“Fuck,” Hook also muttered.

Abel looked to the backseat. “You all right?”

It was a pertinent question. Hook looked wiped, hungover, and worn way the fuck out.

Then again, Hook had decided to spend last night with his vampire and it was written all over him they both gave it all they could give.