Chapter 327 Playing the Predator

Chapter 327 Playing the Predator
Sebastian's POV

Evelyn reached into her bag and pulled out a small carved rune. She examined it carefully, turning it over in her palm before nodding with satisfaction and returning it to her bag.

"I'll accept this mission," she said, raising her gaze to meet mine. "What exactly do you need me to do?"

I leaned forward, resting my elbows on the conference table. "You'll meet with our informant, Axel, at Club Nocturne. The meeting will be brief—just long enough to collect his intelligence on the hunters' activities."

For the next hour, we meticulously discussed every aspect of the plan. Helena and I established emergency protocols, extraction procedures, and contingency measures should anything go wrong. Karina's voice continued to emanate from the speakerphone in the center of the table, offering insights on Axel's usual methods.

"What about my appearance?" Evelyn asked, pushing her glasses up her nose. "Should I change anything?"

I shook my head. "We need detailed records of your physical attributes and clothing to provide to Axel. He needs to recognize you immediately."

"I should mention that without my glasses, I'm practically blind," Evelyn added nervously. "And I don't have contact lenses."

"Noted," I replied. "Keep your glasses on at all times."

Evelyn bit her lower lip. "There's one more thing. You mentioned I'd need to pretend to have a... romantic connection with this Axel person. I'm not sure I can be convincing."

"Don't worry," Helena reassured her from across the table. "You won't need to initiate anything. Axel will approach you. Just follow his lead."

The discussion shifted to intelligence gathering. I unfolded a map across the table, pointing out locations where hunter activity had been detected.

"Based on our surveillance, they have at least three safe houses in this area," I explained, circling several locations with a red marker. "Their movement patterns suggest they're planning something significant."

I decided Eleanor should be part of this discussion. It would be valuable experience for her future role as lady of the territory. I closed my eyes briefly and focused on our connection.

Minutes later, Eleanor knocked and entered the room. She gave a small nod of greeting before taking a seat at the table.

"Eleanor will be joining us," I announced to Karina through the speaker. "I want her to learn about these strategic aspects of territory management."

"Good call," Karina replied. "The more she understands now, the better prepared she'll be later."

I turned to Eleanor. "We were just discussing what information we need from the hunters. Your input would be valuable, even as a learning experience."

As the meeting progressed, I found myself impressed by Eleanor's questions and suggestions. She absorbed the information quickly and began offering insights I hadn't expected. Gone was the timid girl I'd first met; she was displaying leadership qualities I hadn't fully noticed before.

I could imagine that this was how she managed my territory while I was under the curse. It was impressive to witness this professional side of her.

I realized I'd been staring when Eleanor paused mid-sentence, giving me a questioning look.

"Sorry," I murmured. "Please continue."

Eleanor straightened in her chair and turned to me. "Have you contacted Robert and Lana?"

"They have warriors standing by," I confirmed. "They're awaiting our signal."

A slow, cunning smile spread across Eleanor's face. "I think I have a way to draw out the hunters. They'll believe it's their trap, but it will actually be ours."

I leaned forward in my chair, genuinely interested. "I'm listening. Tell me more."

Karina snickered. "That sounds almost pornographic... This must be what everyone means when they say Nathan and I use arguments as foreplay."

Helena laughed, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "You absolutely do. I've never seen two people leave a training ground so quickly after sparring."

Eleanor's cheeks flushed crimson as she ducked her head in embarrassment.

I couldn't help but chuckle. "They're right. Seeing you confidently take charge is far more enticing than watching you blush." I quickly added, "I apologize, Eleanor. Please continue with your idea—I'll control myself."

Eleanor took a deep breath. "In a few days, we have graduation. What if the hunters learned about a small graduation party?"

She outlined her plan, detailing how the Ellis estate offered strategic advantages—remote location, forests where warriors could hide, and a barn to conceal additional forces.

"The location is perfect," she explained, tracing the property boundaries on a map. "It's far from any of our bases, surrounded by forest where Robert's warriors can hide, and the barn can hold dozens more fighters without being detected."

"But how do we ensure the hunters take the bait rather than proceed with whatever they're already planning?" Gavin questioned, his voice sharp with skepticism.

Eleanor's eyes gleamed with confidence. "Simple. You said you're using Thea and Theodore as decoy targets for your undercover operation. We create the perfect environment for them to capture their target."

"The best way to capture Death is when he believes he's absolutely safe," Eleanor continued, referring to Theodore by his infamous nickname. "Theodore wouldn't suspect any danger at a party where he thinks no one knows who he is."

Helena nodded approvingly. "It's brilliant. The crowd size won't seem threatening, and having Robert there would add to the target's appeal. They'd see it as an opportunity to eliminate two supernatural leaders at once."

Karina contributed tactical details: "We could station female warriors as his companions, with other warriors posing as partygoers."

She outlined a pincer movement strategy, using her hands to demonstrate. "This gives us a strong central force. They become the decoys, drawing attention while our personnel get into position."

"The assault from behind would give our central force a chance to withdraw, then we can close in from two directions."

"Where did you come up with this plan, Eleanor?" Karina asked curiously.

"It started with my little revenge on Sebastian the other day," Eleanor explained softly. "I approached him using a pretext he believed, catching him off guard."

"You apply the same principle here," she continued, growing more animated. "If the hunters believe we're appearing somewhere public with our guard down, we can surprise them instead."

I studied her with new appreciation. "Using a hug as a distraction and stealing my clothes is one thing—devising an ambush strategy is another. You continue to surprise me, princess."

"You think more like a hunter than the rest of us," I admitted. "If they discover an opportunity to strike, they'll act immediately."

"How do we convince them Theodore will be at this party?" I asked, addressing the most critical flaw I could see.

Eleanor detailed how the information would be leaked through Evelyn. "Since Evelyn is Axel's contact, we'll have her carry photos showing our meeting with Theodore. Then she'll 'accidentally' drop an invitation with the time and place, inviting Theodore and Karina."

"With a vampire's memory, a single glance is all he'll need to remember the key details," she concluded.

"Perfect," Karina concluded. "Evelyn, remember the code phrases and responses."

Helena gave me a meaningful smile, then turned to Evelyn. "Let's prepare your outfit. I believe Eleanor's size is closest to yours."

After they left, I stood and walked around my desk to Eleanor. I pulled her into my arms and kissed her deeply. She moaned softly, wrapping her arms around my neck.

Breaking the kiss, I pressed my forehead against hers. "I promise, this will all be over soon, and we can be together again, my little one. Just a little longer."

"I know," Eleanor whispered. "I love you, Sebastian."

"I love you too, Eleanor," I murmured, before capturing her lips once more.