He shook his head.
“Why not?”
He gazed at her with those intense eyes of his. “There are cameras everywhere.”
“So?”
He gripped her arm, pulled her into an alcove with a large fake plant and invaded her space. One of his hands lifted, as if he were rubbing his temple. The color of his eyes sharpened, brightened, and the blue began to glow neon. They were gorgeous.
“I have to look this way to control minds. Do you see the problem?” The brightness faded to a pale shade. “I figured since it was a small airport it would be more like the one near home. There are cameras all over in here. It’s a nightmare.”
“You can’t use your power.”
“Nope.” He dropped his hand and stepped back, pulling her away from the wall. “I can’t.”
“So we just hire someone. Simple.”
“The two pilots I talked to just came off flights. They refused. I looked up and saw cameras on us so I couldn’t change their minds.”
“What about Norman?”
“I let him go after I paid him. He was tired. I could see it. We don’t want to crash again and having a pilot who can’t keep his eyes open isn’t the brightest move we could make.”
“That’s true.”
“I also couldn’t take over his mind once we left the plane. They have surveillance every damn where.” He looked pissed.
“Welcome to the human world.”
He scowled.
“So we have to fly commercial?”
“We can’t be tracked and you don’t have identification.”
“Got it. No eyes. We’re screwed.”
“We need to get out of here. There isn’t a lot of time to waste if we’re being hunted by Lycans.” His gaze lifted and he turned his head, watching the people around them. His nostrils flared. “I haven’t seen any so far or picked up their scent. We’re going to have to rent a car.”
“That’s a long drive to Southern California.” She cringed.
“We don’t have a choice.”
“Damn.”
“I agree.” He shifted the strap of his bag on his shoulder and offered his hand. “Come on.”
“Won’t that leave a trail?”
“It won’t matter if they find out I rented a car in Washington. They already know we flew here by now. Let’s go.”
She clasped his hand and he led her to the car rental area of the airport. There was a short line. Kraven passed her his bag and pointed to a chair. “Go take a seat. This won’t take long.”
“I’m hungry.”
“We’ll grab something in the car.”
“Fast food. Awesome.” She rolled her eyes.
“I’m sorry, Bat.”
“I’m being a pain. I know. Go. I’ll sit right here and guard your bag.”
He flashed a smile before getting in the line and Bat took a seat on a plastic chair. A woman a few seats over shot her a dirty look and curled her upper lip. Probably because of how she was dressed and the generic tennis shoes she wore without socks. Judgmental bitch. Bat reached up and rubbed the bridge of her nose with her middle finger. The woman gasped and jerked her head in the other direction.
Bat relaxed and watched Kraven. He was the most interesting thing in the airport. And it quickly became apparent she wasn’t the only one paying attention to him. Women walked by, their gazes lingering on him as they slowed.
“Yeah, he’s hot. Move on,” she muttered.
Kraven turned his head, regarding her over his shoulder. One of his eyebrows arched. She shook her head and he faced forward. Damn, he had really good hearing. She’d have to remember that.
Another woman walked by, nearly tripping in the process of admiring Kraven. It irritated Bat, and her irritation just got worse when he reached the counter. The cute brunette he rented a vehicle from grinned widely and appraised him like a side of prime beef. Bat wished she could hear what was being said.
Long minutes passed and Bat had finally had enough when she watched the brunette laugh and have the gall to reach out and purposely touch Kraven’s hand. She stood, grabbed the strap of his bag, and lifted. It was heavier than it looked and she had to battle to carry it to his side. She dumped it on the floor.
“What’s taking so long, sweetheart?”
That killed the brunette’s cheery smile as she took notice of Bat.
Kraven signed his name on the digital screen and dropped the stylus pen. “Nothing, honeybun. I got us a car.”
“Fantastic.” Bat held the brunette’s gaze. “We’re going on a romantic getaway.”
“How nice.” The brunette walked over to a printer, her movements jerky. “I’ll get you a copy of the rental agreement. They’ll bring the car around and hand you the keys then.”
“Thanks.” Kraven turned his gaze on Bat, looking far too amused. His lips twitched as if he wanted to laugh.
“Don’t even,” she mumbled. “I said I’m hungry. I didn’t want to wait while you continued to flirt.”
All humor vanished and he leaned toward her, putting his face closer. “You’re the only woman I want. Should I fuck you on the floor again to prove it?”
He spoke loud enough that everyone around them, including the clerk, had to have heard. Bat swallowed hard. It was a good thing she didn’t embarrass easily or was the type to back away from any kind of a challenge. “Does this car have a backseat? We haven’t tried that yet. Confined spaces sound exciting.”
The brunette slapped the papers on the counter. “There you go. Follow the sign and someone will bring your rental around in a few minutes. Next!”
Kraven folded the papers and pocketed them in his duster. He bent, gripping his bag. “Come on, honeybun. Let’s go find out how roomy this car is.” He offered his elbow.
Bat slid her arm through his and allowed him to lead her outside. She avoided looking at him.
“I like it that you felt the need to stake your claim on me.”
She refused to look at his face. “Give me a break. I was just annoyed.”
“Too bad. I also liked you calling me sweetheart. It had a nice ring to it.”
“Bite me.”
He chuckled. “Invitation accepted. I’m part Vamp, Hellion. I have fangs and I’m happy to use them.”
“You know what I meant. Keep your fangs sucked up.”
“They’re actually retracted.”
“Shut it.”
A silver sedan pulled up to the curb and a kid slipped out of the passenger seat. He wore a shirt with the rental company logo over his chest. Kraven unhooked his arm from Bat and removed the paperwork, passing it over to show the employee.
“Here you go, sir. It’s fully gassed. I strongly suggest you return it with a full tank.” He handed over the keys. “Have a great day.”
Kraven nodded, pocketed his paperwork again, and walked over to the car. He opened the back door, threw the bag in, and stripped off his duster to toss in too. He opened the passenger door next, flashing Bat a killer smile.
“Come on, honeybun. It’s got a roomy backseat. It’s our lucky day.”
Seems he wasn’t about to let that go. She sighed and climbed into the car. Kraven closed the door and rounded the vehicle. She put on her belt as he adjusted the mirrors and seat on the driver’s side, before driving away from the curb.
“Can you do me a favor?” Kraven glanced at her.
“It depends on what you want.”
“There’s supposed to be a map in the glove box. Get it out and find us the nearest highway.”
She leaned forward and found the map, unfolding it. “Map reading isn’t my best skill. Fair warning.”
“I just want to put some miles between us and that airport.”
“Got it.” She studied the map and found where they were on it, giving him directions. “I really am hungry. That sandwich I ate on the plane was mostly frozen.”
“I know. You barely touched it. You only took three bites.”
She wasn
’t sure how to feel about him being that aware of her actions. “And I’m not a fan of fast food.”
“I picked up on that. Let’s put some miles behind us and I’ll find a restaurant. I doubt it will be very nice but there won’t be a drive-thru window. Can you hang in there for at least half an hour or so?”
“Yes.”
“Good.”
He was being sweet and she appreciated it. She suddenly had a thought and laughed.
“What?” Kraven glanced over at her.
“I just realized we’re going on a long road trip together but at least you’re willing to ask for directions. That puts you above a lot of men.”
“I don’t get it.”
“Men never ask for directions, especially from women.”
“Humans might not but this isn’t familiar territory to me. Maps are needed and you’re the one who can read it without having to steer at the same time.”
She smiled, telling him which turns to make. “This map only covers Washington.”
They reached a freeway and Kraven drove them onto it. “We’ll pick up more maps when we need to fill the tank.”
They drove for a good ten minutes before Bat saw a sign listing the distance to major cities. Dread struck as she read the miles posted for Los Angeles. She quickly did the math. “Shit. We’re looking at about fifteen hours of drive time to reach L.A.”
“I don’t require as much sleep…and we’ll be able to cut down that time.”
“How do you figure that?”
He glanced at her. “I’ll have any law enforcement forget they saw us if I’m pulled over for speeding.”
“Forget it. One, you said it could be dangerous to the person if they’re immune, and two, most cops wear body cameras now.”
“Why?”
“Because people are assholes. It’s for their protection against false claims being filed against them.”
He sighed, staring forward.
“Do the speed limit. I’ll take turns driving with you. Just tell me when you get tired and we’ll switch.”
“I’m not human, Bat. I don’t require as much sleep as you do. I can stay up for a few days without it becoming a problem.”
“Lucky you. You still might get sick of driving. Don’t you trust me behind the wheel?”
“I trust you. You can drive if you have an overwhelming desire to. Let’s find somewhere to eat. I can hear your stomach rumbling.”
She put the map away and closed the glove box. Kraven had to be the most agreeable person she’d ever taken a road trip with. It might not be so bad after all. He didn’t even turn on the radio. Her sister loved to blast loud music that gave Bat a headache.
* * * * *
Kraven reached over and gently adjusted Bat’s head to a more comfortable position. She’d fallen asleep an hour before. Traffic had slowed to a crawl and red lights flashed ahead in the darkness. He hoped it was just an accident and not a trap. Decker’s enforcers could have forced the human police to narrow the lanes to one in hopes of finding them if they were aware the two traveled by car.
He got closer and saw two tangled vehicles in the distance. Paramedics were attending one of the victims from the back of an ambulance. Another human, presumably the other driver, spoke to a law enforcer who was taking notes. Kraven let out a relieved sigh and relaxed.
It was taking longer than he’d hoped to travel via vehicle with his mate. She demanded they stop at restaurants instead of just grabbing quick premade food, and had a tendency to waste a lot of time when they refilled the gas tank. The mini mart had seemed to fascinate her as she’d strolled around picking out a few snacks. He glanced down at the bag resting on the passenger floor. She hadn’t touched anything she’d bought but had seemed comforted by having the food nearby anyway.
Must be a human thing. He sighed.
A slight noise drew his attention and he twisted, reaching into the backseat. He blindly felt around for his bag and finally located the pocket. Kraven withdrew his cell phone and glanced back and forth from the screen to the slow-moving traffic ahead of him. The text from Carver wasn’t long but the message made him feel a hell of a lot better. He debated about waking Bat to let her know her sister and Drantos had safely returned to their village, but she looked exhausted. The news could wait.
He used his thumb to type back.
Decker?
The response came quickly. Being hunted.
That put a smile on Kraven’s face. It didn’t last long. He typed again. Aveoth?
Uncertain.
Is Dusti or Drantos injured?
Wasn’t able to see or talk to them. He took her right home but no healer was called. I assume they’re both fine.
That was good news. Kraven dropped the phone onto his lap when he saw one of the human law enforcers directing traffic. He smiled at the man and drove past. The lanes opened and he pressed his foot down on the gas, accelerating. He waited until it was safe to lift his phone and glance at it again. A message waited.
Drantos is being punished for defying your father.
Shit! Kraven felt his gums ache, his fangs wanting to extend. He typed with his thumb, glancing frequently from the screen to the road. How bad?
Lycan whipping. He got off easy.
Some of his anger faded. He agreed. The punishment could have been a hell of a lot worse. His father would have had to punish Drantos in some way to keep the peace. That fate was tame in comparison to some. Tell him we’re safe.
Will do.
Thanks. Out.
Kraven reached back, returning the phone to the bag, then he glanced over at Bat. She slept peacefully but he considered pulling over and finding somewhere with a bed. He decided against it quickly though. It was best if they remained on the move and inconspicuous. He’d also asked for the most popular car available at the rental company. He’d seen hundreds of the same ones on the road since they’d left the airport.
Bat stirred, waking. She stretched and turned to look at him. “Was I out long?”
“No.”
“Sorry I nodded off.”
“It’s okay.” It was a good time to share the news he’d received. “Drantos brought your sister back to the village. Your grandfather doesn’t have her.”
He expected her to be happy. He flinched when she reached across and slapped him hard on his arm.
“What the hell was that for?”
“You purposely waited for me to drift off to make a call? I wanted to speak to her myself!”
“I got a text from Carver and heard the phone vibrate.”
“Oh.”
“Decker’s being hunted. I guess Drantos got to your sister before she reached your grandfather, or he’d be dead.”
“Is she hurt?”
“Our healer wasn’t called to Drantos’s house. I’ll assume not.”
She unhooked her belt.
“What the hell are you doing? Put that back on.”
“Where’s the phone? I’m calling her.” She turned and knelt on her seat, and tried to reach into his bag.
Kraven softly growled and reached out, grabbing her ass as he looked in the mirrors, steering to the side of the highway and slowly bringing the car to a halt on the shoulder. “Are you crazy? Don’t do that again.”
“I’m calling Dusti. Where the hell is the phone? It’s dark back here.”
He let her go, unhooked his own belt, and grabbed her hips, yanking her down onto the center console. She glared at him when their gazes met in the dim glow of the dash lights.
“Don’t ever do that again. You could have caused me to wreck. You keep your ass in the seat and the belt on. You’re too fragile to survive if we crash otherwise.”
“I’m calling my sister.” She glanced down at his chest. “Do you have the phone?” She opened her hand. “Give it up.”
“You’re not calling her. Didn’t you hear me? Decker is still on the loose. They’re hunting for him. That means he could be hunting for you. I’m not going to let
you help him find us. No direct calls to my brother or parents in case he’s put a trace on their lines.”
“How in the hell could he? Do you know how difficult it is to get a warrant for that? I do.”
“He just has to send one of his enforcers into the nearest phone center. We use human technology too, Bat. He can manipulate anyone into turning it against us.”
“Bullshit. You just don’t want me to talk to my sister for some reason. Are you lying to me? Is she really okay?”
She could really piss him off with her lack of trust and wild accusations. He dropped his control and allowed his eyes to glow. Hers widened in surprise but he didn’t stop. He focused on her. “Look down, Bat. I’m holding a frog in my hand. See it.” He released her hip and opened his palm inches from her.
She gasped, trying to jerk away. He reigned in his power and hooked her around the waist, keeping her close. He guessed she was afraid of frogs from the expression on her face, and already regretted losing his temper.
“Easy. You saw the frog, didn’t you? It’s not real. I was making a point. We can control human minds. Decker could easily convince a human to track our phones.”
“That was a shitty trick.”
“But effective. You thought I had a frog in my palm.”
She licked her lips. “He could be tracking your phone anyway then.”
“It’s my work phone. Without knowing the number, he’d have to trace over fifty of them. At least that many were assigned to our clan members. I would have removed the battery once I got word but I was driving.”
“Kraven, I need to talk to Dusti.” Her voice softened. “She’s probably scared.”
“You underestimate her, Bat. I saw her after the attack on the trucks. She was very brave to step out and claim to be you. A coward wouldn’t do that, neither would someone weak. She wanted to protect you, and was willing to be taken in order to save your life. Don’t blow her sacrifice by asking me to call Drantos’s home and possibly get traced. She’s really safe. I wouldn’t lie to you.”
She looked uncertain. He gently released her. “Sit and put on your belt. I’ll show you the texts.” It stung that he even had to make the offer.
She scooted over off the center divider and buckled back in. He twisted in the seat and retrieved the phone but kept hold of it, leaning over to show her the screen. He scrolled to the top of the conversation to allow her to read it all. When she was done, he removed the phone’s battery.