Chapter 347: Sinclair

Things moved quickly upon our arrival at the point of entry. Everything had been meticulously planned; our arrival was quiet and covert, occurring during the darkest hours to minimize the risk of detection. Our men, each in separate vehicles, parked in different locations throughout the surrounding city blocks. This ensured a near-silent and stealthy convergence at the sewer entrance.

Roger and I arrived first. We contacted Father at home to confirm our position. Our ability to communicate with him would be severely limited once inside the sewers; we’d be alone, whatever we encountered.

Dad replied immediately, assuring us that all was well—though tense—at the bunker. I smiled, thinking of Ella and Rafe, safe but worried, and Cora anxiously awaiting Roger's return. I don't relish their distress, but…it's nice to be missed, to know someone at home loves and awaits my return.

"Ready?" Roger asked, nudging me and gesturing toward the approaching men. We exchanged a look; it was time. I nodded, and he slid the manhole cover aside. I dropped into the curving sewer, senses heightened, alert for anything unusual.

But the air held nothing out of the ordinary—nothing recent. No signs of recent activity. Satisfied, I looked up at Roger, who peered down from the entrance. I beckoned him down.

My gesture was clear. At least, it was for now.

Roger joined me, and we moved forward, alert and watchful. My wolf-sense was heightened; a growl rumbled in my chest, eyes and teeth sharp. As we proceeded, I heard the quiet splashes of my men entering the sewer.

We’d chosen a team of sixteen, with Roger and me leading. Sufficient for a show of force, yet small enough to maintain control. Each man carried weapons—guns, knives, tasers—but Roger and I relied on ourselves. Our wolf forms were more than a match for any threat; we were weapons enough.

The sewer map I'd memorized aligned perfectly with reality. At a junction, I raised a fist to halt the team. This was where the real test began. The priest's lair was just ahead.

I surveyed our forces; twelve men behind us, which was good. Two more stood guard at the entrance.

Slowly, I activated the radio attached to my bulletproof vest. My men followed suit, ensuring communication if separated.

Turning toward our target, I realized stealth was no longer a priority. There was no turning back.

I signaled the team to advance, moving more quickly, boots splashing. The door was one hundred feet ahead and to the left. Roger snarled beside me as we approached.

Fifty feetwe were almost running. Twenty-five feet…a charge.

I roared as we rounded the corner, prepared to attack anyone inside—but the door was ajar, hanging from its hinges. My heart pounded with unused adrenaline as I surveyed the scene.

"Shit," Roger swore, entering the empty room. "We're too fucking late."

A growl was my only reply. I signaled the troops to establish a perimeter. Then Roger and I entered.

The room wasn't spotless; scraps of paper, battered tables, and chairs—evidence of the priest's activities.

"God damn it," Roger cursed, punching the wall.

"Not a total loss," I said, surveying the room. "Some useful things here…"

"Dominic," Roger said exasperatedly, rolling his eyes. "He took everything that could tell us anything."

"No, brother," I said, a grin spreading as I sniffed the air. "He left us one thing…"

Intrigued, Roger sniffed as well. "You're right," he said, meeting my gaze.

"A scent," I growled. "What do you think? Did he stick around?"

"He had a lot of stuff, Dominic," Roger mused. "If he needed it close, maybe he didn't go far? Another part of the sewer, hoping we'd assume it's a lost cause?"

"Worth following up," I said, grinning. "Your honor? Or mine?"

"Please," Roger growled, eager. "Let me."

I nodded. With a flash, Roger transformed, shaking his fur loose as if he'd been waiting for hours, the animal within eager to protect his family, his mate, his new baby.

I watched as Roger carefully sniffed the room, his heightened senses detecting the priest's scent far better than ours. He nodded.

"All right," I said, gesturing toward the door. "Lead the way."

Roger, his gigantic wolf form nearly reaching my chest, led the way. Our troops parted to let him pass. I signaled them to follow.

They nodded, and we followed Roger into the sewer's depths.