“I’m sorry you got hurt, Caleb.” I pushed down a stab of
guilt, but what was I supposed to do? Let the guy get away? Caleb had to stay
to finish clearing the shack.
“The idiots inside the cabin fled right out the front doors
anyway. One of them just got in a lucky shot.”
“Did anyone see any other human werekin with bonded werekin
souls?" I asked. “The one I found has two distinct scents.”
“Does your brother have three scents, since he has two
stolen souls?”
I growled. “Watch what you say about my brother. He didn’t steal anything. He was kidnapped
and experimented on against his will.”
“Okay, okay. I didn’t mean anything by it, sheesh.”
“Sure you didn’t.” The panther was a prick, and if he
didn’t watch it, I was going to show him just how much more dangerous a Tiger
could be. “Pick that human up and let’s go.” I turned and headed back the way I
came. I didn’t like the idea of Ritch alone with that other guy.
Landon made his way through the group to walk beside me as
we made our way through the dark woods. “How hurt are you?”
“It’s nothing. I’m fine.” I jumped over a log. Landon
hopped on top and then down on the other side.
“Can you drive?”
That was a good question. “Ritch can drive. He has been for
a while.”
“We’re going to have to drive back to your territory
without stopping for more than gas. He’s not to be able to drive all that way.”
Again, Landon made a good point, but I didn’t like it. “He can stay in my car
until Ritch needs to swap out for a break, but I think Victor would get on your
nerves the least.”
“As long as it’s not Silas.” I fought the urge to snarl.
“If that jaguar doesn’t learn some manners, I’m going to kick his ass.
Ritch was in the driver’s seat when we made it back to the
clearing. He had his visor down and was looking in the mirror, so he missed it
when we stepped out of the woods. He jumped and cursed when I said his name.
“Stop sneaking up on me,” he complained.
That might be a fun game for another day, but I was too
tired to even tease him. “Sorry.”
He got out of the car. “Is everyone okay?”
“Not everyone, but no one was hurt too bad. We’ve got
another captive, he’s going to ride with Christian. You’re going to have to
keep driving,” I said. “I’m sorry I can’t do more, but when you need a break, Victor
is going to take over for you.”
“The wolf?”
“Yeah.”
“Can you trust him?”
“As much as I trust anyone who isn’t from our streak. He’s
here to do a job. We’ll be fine, and if he does try something, I’m still armed.”
“I think we should get going,” Christian said. He finished
patching Caleb up with his big first-aid kit.
“Agreed. I’ll call Deke from the car. He’ll pass along the
information to your alphas for a convocation. Hopefully it’ll all be worked out
by the time we get back.”
We’d been driving for six hours, before Ritch finally asked
for a break. I texted Landon in Christian, and they pulled over at the next
exit. We decided to gas up all the vehicles at the same time.
When Ritch opened up the backseat passenger door, I went
around the car and got in behind the driver’s seat. “What are you doing?” He asked.
“Yeah, what the hell are you doing? I don’t think I like
you right there behind me," Victor complained.
“Too fucking bad." I really didn’t care what he liked
or didn’t like. “Just drive.”
He kept grumbling, but I ignored him. “Just relax against
me,” I told Ritch. “Scoot down, you can use my leg for a pillow.”
“I should probably wear my seatbelt. I’m just a human
werekin, I wouldn’t survive a crash.”
“Neither will the wolf, if he gets us into an accident.”
The wolf snarled, and I hit the back of his seat. “Shut
up.”
“It’s been a long night, on top of a long couple of days,
that guy’s in the back, and there’s a wolf in the front seat. I think we both
feel better if you just lie down.” The scent coming from the back was
disturbing enough that I knew I wouldn’t sleep.
Rich studied me for a second, but then he let go of his
seatbelt. He turned and slowly sank down on his side. I slowly lowered one hand
onto his shoulder. Rich gradually relaxed, until he was sound asleep. My body
ached, but I caught what rest I could earlier. I stared out the window and
watched the miles pass.
“They knew we were hunting for these guys. What the hell is
taking so long?”
“Making arrangements
for an alpha to leave their territory takes time, as you well know" Deke
said. “I’ve assigned guards, and the prisoners will be kept isolated until the
others can arrive tomorrow.”
I growled. “We need to find out what they know now.”
Deke narrowed his eyes, and his answering snarl sent a
shiver down my spine. I lifted my chin, exposing my throat. “I’m sorry.” I was
exhausted and angry, but that was no excuse.
“The convocation will take place as soon as possible. Your
mom’s been asking about you, so why don’t you go see her and then go home and
get some rest. As my beta and the leader of the hunt, you will be the first to
know when the meeting happens.”
Rich was waiting outside Deke’s office. Dark circles clone
under his eyes, and guilt swamped me. If nothing else, this delay would give
him some time to rest. “Come on, let’s go.” I knew Mom was going to ask what we
found.
TBC
Want more flash?
Briefers Website
TBC
Want more flash?
Briefers Website
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