Lucas exhaled, golden eyes gleaming in the dim light. "Well, Captain, this is an interesting dilemma."
Locke didn't speak. Didn't move. But Ava could see the tension in his stance—a soldier weighing risks, calculating the angles.
Lucas grinned."You came all this way to warn us. But let's be honest, Locke—you don't give a damn about me."
Locke's gaze flicked toward Ava. "She's the one they want."
Ava's grip on her knife tightened.
Lucas let out a low chuckle."That's the problem with being valuable, Beauty. Everybody wants a piece."
Ava ignored him, eyes locked on Locke. "Who exactly are we dealing with?"
Locke's expression was unreadable. "I don't have names. But Angel answers to someone outside the military chain. Private. Powerful." He hesitated. "And they're watching."
Lucas hummed. "That's flattering."
Locke's gaze hardened. "You should be worried."
Lucas tilted his head, considering. Then—"Alright, Captain. Let's make a deal."
