CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY THREE – ALMOST DOWN FOR THE COUNT

As night fell, Cassie and Anya crouched on a nearby rooftop, watching the warehouse through binoculars. "Movement at the southeast entrance," Cassie whispered, her enhanced senses picking up details that would be invisible to human eyes. Anya nodded, making a note on her phone. "Good catch. Let's see if we can get closer without being noticed." They made their way down to street level, using the shadows for cover. As they approached the warehouse, Cassie caught a familiar scent that made her blood run cold. "Anya," she hissed. "I smell wolfsbane." Anya's eyes widened. "Are you sure?" Cassie nodded grimly. "Positive. These aren't just any hunters. They know what they're doing." "We need to report this to Sergei immediately," Anya said, pulling out her phone. But before she could make the call, a sharp crack echoed through the night. Cassie felt a burning pain in her shoulder and stumbled backwards. "Sniper!" Anya yelled, dragging Cassie behind a dumpster for cover. Cassie grit