Chapter 76. Recon Mission

Luca is still standing there like he has nothing to say. I walk over to him because I don't want to be across the room talking.

"What is wrong? You have not been acting the same, and you seem mad every time I turn around." I say, looking him in the eyes, but he looks down, breaking eye contact with me.

"It has been too much going on, that's all." So he says, but I know there's more.

"There has always been a lot going on, but you have never acted this way before. That's what I am here for. Talk to me." I tell him because I am not used to him shutting himself off from me like this. He looks even more frustrated as I talk. I walk closer to him and place my hand on his arm. He tenses under my touch.

"Your right is always something going on, and that is part of the problem." He says as he starts to walk around. "Every time we turn around, it's something which don't get me wrong is not your fault, but it gets frustrating, and we have no time for each other as it is. Then you bring in someone else that is your mate. How is this supposed to work between us all?" OK, now I know what the problem is. I think to myself before saying anything.

"So that is what this is all about?" I say, waiting to see his reaction. It doesn't take long. He turns fast, looking at me like he can't believe what I said.

"It's not only him, but yes, so how is this going to work." He says, throwing his hands across his chest. I must say, though, he is hot when he is a little mad.

"It will work, but it takes all of us together. I think we are rushing into what if's. With everything going on with Barrett and Emma missing, it's not like we have had time together." I tell him, and I see him thinking about what I say. I take the opportunity to go and place my hand on his chest. I then take my other hand and put my palm on his face pulling him to look at me.

"I love you, Luca, and I want us all to be happy," I say, but before I give him a chance to speak, I pull his face down and let my lips meet his. We need this. I can't remember the last time I had one-on-one time with Luca. Maybe this is why he is insecure right now with everything. I feel him deepening the kiss, and I don't stop him. He wraps his arms around me, pulling me closer to him. I am lost in his embrace. I feel his hand start to slide down my body, and he stops on my waist. I feel the sparks lighting up my body. He pulls back, and I try to catch my breath.

"I love you to Raine." He says as he places his forehead against mine. The moment is lost when we hear the doors opening again. We both look over to see Levi and Chase walking in. I notice that Luca tenses again, but it only lasts for a second.

"Is it safe to come in now?" Levi says as they both walk in, shutting the door.

"Yes, We might need to have a sit down with all three of us when this with Barrett is over, and we have Emma and Bastien back," I say as I look in Luca's eyes, and I can see that he agrees with me. I step back so that I can look at every one. "I also think we need to get everyone back in here and figure out what our plan is for this showdown in the morning."

"I think that's a good idea because Barrett will play dirty," Chase says, looking at all of us.

"I think we need to get everyone back in here, but we also need to be deciding on if we need backup," Levi says, and we all agree. Levi lets everyone come back in, so they start filling the room back up. I stay standing this time and wait for everyone to get situated.

"OK, so Barrett said he would be back at nine in the morning. This leaves us a small amount of time to get something set up to save Bastein and Emma. We need to be as prepared as we can." I say, looking around to see if everyone agrees. Then Levi speaks up.

"We need to plan for an attack. I don't see Barrett showing up and handing them over willingly."

"I also think that we need to plan on him trying to offer a deal. We need to have every ally that you have here and ready." Chase says, and I agree with both of them. The Tasha stands and gets our attention.

"We can gather Chase's allies to be here and ready. This would include not only warlocks but Elementalist, witches, and werewolves." Tasha says, and I hear some people take a deep breath as she lists the different types of people coming together. I have to smile because unity is what we want. It's been so long people are not used to it anymore and afraid. Hopefully, this will change when they are working side by side.

"Do you have any idea how many people are on Barrett's side?" I ask Chase, but Joseph is the one to respond.

"The last time we had eyes on his camp or base, whatever you want to call it, there were at least seventy-five to a hundred."

"OK, and how many do we have here in our pack now?" I ask, looking to Levi and Luca.

"We have fifty-pack warriors," Luca says.

"But that is not counting the others that have come in with Kane." mom says, and she is right. So I look at Kane and wait for his figures.

"There are around 40 warriors here with me. They would all be willing to fight for you." He says as he gives me a nod.

"That means you have around ninety warriors here. We have around...." Chase says but looks to Tasha to get the number.

"If you include all warriors, you have about seventy-five of your own," Tasha says, and I can't help but smile.

"Well, at least we know the favor is in our odds with higher numbers," I say as I give a small laugh.

"Wait, you said you had eyes on his base. Does that mean you know where he is?" Levi asks, looking between Chase and Joseph.

"We know where his base is, but there is no guarantee that he took them there," Chase tells Levi.

"Why don't we go and see if we can spot anything. See if it looks like he has them there." Luca tells Chase.

"That's a good idea. We can pop in and look around, then get out." Chase says as he looks back to Joseph.

"Only if I get to tag along. I have been there on multiple occasions. I can help guild you around and not be seen."

"Does everyone agree?" Chase asks, looking me in my eyes like my opinion is the most important. I walk up and hug each one of them.

"Be very careful, and all of you better come back, understand?" I say as I look each of them in the eyes, waiting for them to agree.