Chapter 3 Baiting the Ghost

Wolves’ Clan – Power Room

"What did you find out, Mica?" Bruce asked as he strode into the room. He stopped in front of the large projecting screen, arms crossed.

Mica leaned back in her swivel chair, popping her gum loudly while her fingers flew across the keyboard. She was the clan’s tech genius — unmatched when it came to tracking, hacking, and flirting her way through firewalls.

She exhaled a long sigh and smirked. “I just got the location of The Mask’s hideout. The bastard ran all the way to Mexico to hide his ugly ass.”

Bruce chuckled. “Well, his hiding days are over. The boss needs to hear this immediately. Keep monitoring the situation.” He tapped her shoulder. “Looks like we’re going after the invisible Mask again.”

Mica gave him a crooked smile as he left. The moment the door closed, she felt eyes burning into her. She turned to see her partner, Jayden, staring at her chest with a lustful grin.

“What the hell are you staring at?” she scoffed.

Jayden shrugged. “Just admiring the two thieves beside that poor cross on your chest.” He winked.

Mica rolled her eyes. Her tight shirt barely contained her breasts, which were practically spilling out. She didn’t care — everyone in the clan already knew her reputation as the resident seductress.

“Mind your damn business, Jayden. You’ll never get a taste.”

He rolled his chair closer, leaning in until their faces were inches apart. “If I don’t get a taste, then who will? Don’t tell me you’re dressing like this just to get the boss into your pants.” He smirked, clearly referring to Bruce.

Mica shoved his face away. “Focus on your job instead of poking your nose into other people’s business, idiot.”

She turned back to her screens, clicking aggressively, ignoring Jayden’s low chuckle behind her.

Kyla’s Office

Bruce knocked twice before entering after hearing a crisp “Come in.”

“Boss,” he greeted with a small bow.

Kyla sat with her long legs propped on the desk, a glass of wine in her right hand and a file in her left. She didn’t even glance up.

“Any news from Mica?” she asked, taking a slow sip.

“Yes. We’ve located The Mask. He’s hiding in a small town called Taxco, Mexico. This is our chance, Boss. He won’t be expecting us.”

Kyla finally looked up, her sharp eyes locking onto his. “Why do you think now is the best time to strike?”

Bruce cleared his throat, choosing his words carefully. Kyla was clearly not in a pleasant mood.

“The Mask has been running for years. He keeps stealing our contracts, hunting down our members, and he’s still holding some of our clan’s property in his warehouse. According to Mica, only his P.A. knows his current location. She hacked into his private email to confirm it. He’s in a small town with minimal guards. He’s vulnerable right now.”

Kyla set her glass down and stood up. “It’s a trap.”

Bruce almost scoffed but caught himself. “What do you mean, Boss?”

“The Mask is called a ghost for a reason. He wouldn’t carelessly reveal his location. I refuse to let us walk into his game.”

Bruce sighed. He wanted to argue, but deep down he knew she was right. The Mask had evaded them for ten long years.

“I have a better plan,” Kyla continued, a dangerous smirk forming on her lips. “According to my research, The Mask has a family living in the northern countryside. A large, well-hidden mansion. His wife and mother-in-law reside there. If we want to draw him out… we start with his weakness.”

“His family,” Bruce finished, matching her wicked smile.

“Exactly. Assemble the senior members in the Power Room. We move tomorrow. I’ll be there in twelve minutes.”

“Understood, Boss.”

Power Room

“Do you think it’s wise to move out again so soon?” Autumn whined. “We barely rested after the last mission.”

The others glared at her. Jayden smirked and nudged her shoulder. “You’re such a baby. That was two weeks ago.”

“Mind your business, clown. I wasn’t talking to you,” Autumn hissed.

Kelvin rushed in, followed by the white-haired beauty, Moonlight. “Thought I was late, but Boss isn’t here yet,” he said, exchanging fist bumps with Jayden. The two shared a knowing look and smirked when their eyes landed on Moonlight.

“What’s so funny?” Autumn demanded. “What are you two eye-fucking about?”

The boys burst into laughter.

“Losers,” Autumn muttered, walking over to sit beside Mica.

“Boys giving you trouble again?” Mica asked.

“They suck,” Autumn frowned, folding her arms.

Moments later, Wizard entered with a large bag slung over his shoulder. He dropped it on the table, pulled out a cigarette, and was about to light it when Bruce snatched it from his lips.

“Smoking is prohibited in the Power Room,” Bruce snapped.

Wizard scoffed and ran his fingers through his messy hair, cursing under his breath.

Autumn bit her lip, staring dreamily at him. “Gosh, he looks so cute when he does that…”

Mica scoffed loudly. “Don’t tell me you’re still crushing on him.”

“Shhh!” Autumn quickly covered Mica’s mouth. “I said that out loud?”

Before Mica could tease her further, the door opened. Everyone immediately stood up.

Kyla entered with a cold, commanding presence. Her eyes scanned the room. Seven members. Just as she noticed the missing person, Jade slipped in, sweating.

“You’re late, Jade,” Kyla said without turning around.

“The message reached me late. I came as fast as I could,” Jade replied defensively.

Kyla didn’t bother arguing. She faced the group.

“As you all know, our next target is The Mask — the man who has been in hiding since I took over the Wolves Clan. Mica found what appeared to be his location, but it was a decoy. We won’t be falling for his tricks anymore.”

Mica frowned, glancing at Bruce, who kept a straight face.

“So here’s the new plan,” Kyla continued. “We’re heading to the northern countryside. The Mask has a heavily guarded mansion there where his wife and mother-in-law live. We take down the guards, secure the family, and use them as bait. Is that clear?”

“Yes, Boss!” the group chorused.

“Good. Jayden,” Kyla called, tossing him a flash drive. He caught it smoothly, plugged it into the system, and projected a detailed map of the mansion onto the large screen.

Everyone leaned forward, eyes focused.