Before Vanessa could respond, a high-pitched alarm blared through the panic room. Red lights flashed, casting a garish glow on her ashen face.
"What’s happening?" she shrieked, her eyes darting between the console and Zayn.
"System," Zayn commanded, his voice a low growl. "Report."
Alert: External breach detected. Panic Room Alpha breach initiated by Blackthorn tactical unit. Estimated time to entry: 30 seconds. Hostile intent: Lethal.
Vanessa’s face contorted in a triumphant, albeit terrified, smile. "You fool! You walked right into their trap! They know you’re here! They know you disrupted the transfer!"
Zayn didn’t flinch. He looked at Vanessa, at the sheer, unadulterated malice in her eyes. She had gambled everything, and now she was willing to sacrifice herself and anyone else ca
