The team moved in a careful circuit, checking sight lines, counting visible defenders. They saw what they expected to see. A few family members around the house. Maybe one or two ranch hands. Nothing they couldn't handle.
They didn't see the positions hidden in the tree line. The firefighters dug in along the eastern approach. The S&R scattered through the northern forests. The Bear Patrol veterans and officers watched every move through scopes and binoculars.
After twenty minutes, Webb's team completed their circuit. They loaded back into the vehicles. The SUVs reversed down the access road, heading back the way they'd come.
"They're calling it in," Tyler's voice crackled through the radio. "Intercepted their transmission. 'Minimal visible security. Family gathering confirmed. Proceeding with full package.'"
More vehicles at the staging area. The real assault forming. Andre's chest tightened. This was it.
He keyed his radio for final check-in. "All positions ready?"
The confirmations came in, each voice steady despite what they faced. The sun hung low now, painting everything in shades of gold and shadow. Through his scope, Andre watched Webb's full convoy beginning its approach. Six vehicles this time. Military surplus trucks behind the SUVs. Twenty-plus mercenaries, armed and ready for what they thought would be an easy victory.
Andre's finger rested beside the trigger guard. His breathing slowed, controlled and steady. His bear strained against theleash of his human control, ready to explode into violence when Heath gave the word.
The land that had rejected Samuel Prescott fifty years ago prepared to reject his grandson. This earth had been watered with Kincaid sweat and tears for generations. It wouldn't be sold. Wouldn't be stolen. Wouldn't be taken by force.
One heartbeat from war. Everything they loved balanced on this moment.
The convoy rolled closer, confident in their superior numbers and firepower.
They had no idea what they were driving into.
They had no idea what a community united could do.
They had no idea that the land itself would fight back.
Andre waited, rifle steady, bear ready, mate protected.
One heartbeat from war.
Chapter
Twenty-Four
"Movement on the southeast approach,"Heath's voice crackled through the radio. "Thermal imaging shows at least six figures using the tree line near Joy's property."
Joy's blood turned to ice. The attackers were trying to flank them, using Joy's familiar terrain as cover to get behind their defenses.
"Andre," Heath said. "Need you to reposition to the tiny house area. Block that flanking route before they can use it to hit us from behind."
"Copy that." Andre's voice came through the comm.
Joy keyed her radio, anger making her voice tight. "They're using my property to attack my family. Moving into position."
"Joy, stay back. I'll handle the perimeter," Andre said.
"Like hell I will. This is my land."
A growl rumbled through Andre's transmission, but he didn't waste time arguing. "Then let's make sure they regret it."
They converged at the edge of Joy's property, both breathing hard from the sprint. The wreckage of her bee yard stretched before her. "I'm shifting," Joy said, already pulling off her radio headset.
Andre nodded, taking her radio. "I'll hold the high ground. You circle wide if they come through."
Joy shifted into her mountain lion form, the transformation flowing through her like liquid fire. Dead bees crushed beneath her paws as she moved into the shadows, every muscle coiled for violence. The scent of destruction hit her with each breath, and her mountain lion's rage burned cold and focused.
Andre positioned himself behind the granite outcropping. Minutes later, movement flickered at the forest edge. Two mercenaries emerged from the forest, advancing toward Andre's position. They hadn't seen Joy in the shadows. Hadn't realized death prowled twenty feet away.
