Tristan could hardly believe it. He and Nova, lying low on that hillside, had been caught completely off guard. Knocked out cold—just like that. No struggle, no warning. It was almost embarrassing how easily it happened.

…

Nathan couldn't help but smile when he heard the news. Tristan and Nova were unconscious and in his grasp. Everything was falling into place.

"Take Ivy to the base as well," he said, his voice laced with amusement.

One of his men hesitated, ...