by Jana Leigh
Chapter Fourteen
Sawyer and Conal were sitting on the plane as the runway came into view. Sawyer closed his eyes and did a scan of the area. He and his fellow Enforcers had been warned of the dangers surrounding this retrieval. He didn’t feel anything and looked at his brother, Conal.
"You sensing anything?” Sawyer asked him.
Conal shook his head. "No, not a thing and that is odd in and of itself. We should sense those waiting for us."
"Agreed. Something is off,” Sawyer said and looked at the other Enforcers. "Be prepared."
There were six of them total on this flight. They were sent by the Senate to retrieve Striker and two others. Sawyer and Conal had known Striker for a long time. They had battled many times together. All six Enforcers had been told they were going into a small private airstrip to help Striker, a Fae, and a human woman get out. The three were being threatened by Rogues in the area and were in serious danger. They had also been told the human woman was to be protected at all costs. She was to be taken to the Senate.
They all knew this was a dangerous mission, but Sawyer and Conal would have done anything for Striker. He had saved both their lives on many occasions and had never turned down a fight. Both brothers were vampires and had not hesitated when Drago, Striker's father, had called them to help. Now, as the plane touched down, they all prepared for the battle ahead. Sawyer was certain of that and as the plane slowed, he caught a glimpse of a hand-to-hand combat going on beside the hanger. He smiled one of his feral smiles, he loved a good fight.
As they got ready to lower the stairs of the plane, Sawyer sent out his senses again and turned to Conal, noting that he sensed it as well. Others there meant harm. Something was trying to block them from sensing the danger, but was losing the battle. Sawyer jumped the last few stairs and headed toward where he had seen the scuffle. Conal and the Enforcers spread out, Conal sent the Enforcers into the hanger as he headed in the opposite direction from Sawyer.
Sawyer rounded the corner in time to see Striker being surrounded by three men with an array of weapons. Two of the men had menacing looking knives and one had a handgun. They had not seen him yet and that was to their advantage. Knowing the Rogues had the knowledge of his people, he knew the gun should be taken out first. He put on his preternatural speed and attacked the man with the gun.
'Looks like you need help, old man,’ Sawyer sent to Striker with humor in his voice.
'Fuck off, I was doing fine,’ Striker huffed.
'Shall we dispatch of these men and get out of here then?’ Sawyer said drolly.
Striker grinned at him. 'Let's have some fun.'
Sawyer had already dispatched the man with the gun easily. He called to Conal. 'How is everything on your end?'
'There are two over here. I should be done in a couple of minutes. Then I will head inside,’ Conal said, sounding bored. 'You having any fun?'
'Loads. Striker is, of course, thrilled we are here,’ Sawyer sent back.
Conal sent his amusement. 'I bet. See you inside.’ He broke contact.
Sawyer focused on the task at hand. The two were trying to divide their attention on the two vampires and then suddenly attacked. Sawyer jumped back as the knife swiped at his stomach. He then swung out with his hand, knocking the knife out of his adversary's hand as he threw his other in a punch to the man's jaw. He felt and heard the crunch as they man cried out in pain. Sawyer knew that wasn’t the end because he knew these were werewolves and they could heal fast.
He backed up, taunting the wolf closer to him, and then put on his speed to flip over the wolf's head, landing behind him. He grabbed the wolf around the neck from behind and began to choke him. The wolf struggled, using all of his strength, which was powerful but not enough. After several minutes of a struggle, the wolf passed out, no longer breathing and Sawyer let go, watching him slump to the ground. He turned and saw Striker had dispatched with his quarry as well, ripping out his throat. It was then they heard a female's scream rent the air. They both looked at one another and took off running for the hanger.
Striker heard Mia call out to him, 'Striker, help!'
'I am coming. Hide yourself,’ Striker ordered.
'I can't, one of them has me, and I can't get free. Eric is battling with the others,’ Mia answered. 'Please don't let him take me.’ Her angry whisper almost undid him. She was gonna do something, he felt it.
'Where are you in the hanger?’ Striker tried to determine her location.
'He is trying to drag me out the side exit by the bathrooms,’ Mia told him.
Striker thought for a minute and then said, 'Try to keep him focused on the hanger inside with his back to the door. I am coming.’ He changed directions and Sawyer followed his lead without question.
'I can't get to her,’ Eric told him. 'Mia, scream again and call to me so he looks in my direction for distraction.'
Striker heard Mia scream and call out to Eric. Then he yanked open the side door and dove in, tackling the wolf away from his woman. He didn't hesitate, he ripped out his throat before the wolf knew what had hit him. When he stood, he saw Sawyer speed past him to join the fray. In his quick assessment, he saw over fifteen Rogues fighting with Eric, Sawyer, Conal, and four other Enforcers.
In the flash of an eye, Mia was off and running. Striker swore and ran after her.
He knew he needed to help those fighting but he also knew Mia was going to get into trouble if he left her. He pulled the nine millimeter out of his shoulder holster. He had gotten it out of the SUV earlier before he did his rounds and now he was glad he did. He yelled to Mia who surprisingly paused. However, he saw it was only to kick a Rogue in the nuts who was down. She turned, smiled, and held out her hand for him to hand her the gun and wrapped her hands around it.
"Use this. Point and shoot. Hold tight to the handle and it will do the rest. I have to go help.” Striker looked at her and she snorted.
Mia knew this was her moment; she had to stand for herself with these men or they would completely wrap her in a plastic bubble, just like Cami told her. Eric and the other men needed Striker to help. She took a deep breath and nodded. "Don't worry, I can shoot them in the nuts now." She laughed and pushed him away.
Striker moved her over into one of the offices and then shoved a large stack of crates in front of the side door so they would hear anyone coming through. He walked back to Mia and kissed her quickly. "Stay safe and don't shoot any of ours."
Mia nodded and backed up a few steps into the office, aiming the gun toward the doorway. She watched Striker stride into the mêlée of bodies. She could see Eric in combat with a wolf who stood taller than he did, but Eric seemed to hold his own. Then she saw Eric hold up his hand and a large ball of light came up. He threw it at the wolf and the wolf literally blew into pieces. She watched in shock as Eric kept throwing the balls of light and wolves kept disappearing. Two other men, who looked like they could be brothers, were fighting Rogues at the main door.
One Rogue swiped at one of the men who had come to help and he went down. Mia thought that he was hurt, so did the Rogue and as the Rogue turned to attack the other man, the first one jumped up, tearing out his heart. Mia had to swallow the bile that rose as she watched blood spray in all directions. There was blood everywhere in the hanger. She truly felt bad for whoever would have to clean it up. Maybe they should leave one alive so they had to do it, she smirked and pointed her gun and fired at a guy who was sneaking away. Mia laughed when he grabbed his ass and fell to the ground.
Then as quickly as the attack had begun, it was over. All the Rogues were dead on the ground and the men who had come to help them, along with her men, were all standing there panting. She slowly lowered her gun and walked to the doorway.
She wouldn't walk through until one of her men said it was okay, but she was dying to wrap them in her arms, another lesson from Cami. This attack had pissed her off, but she had learned something. She wasn't as weak as she thought and she could defend herself without having a p
anic attack. Roarke hadn't taken everything from her and in some weird, sick way, he had given her the opportunity to meet her men. And she had learned to channel that inner bitch who was screaming to get out.
She kept her eyes glued to her men. She could feel their exhaustion through their blood bond. Eric turned to her and smiled a small smile at her. She returned it and ran to him as he opened his arms to her. He swept her up and held her close, kissing her thoroughly as he did. Then he released her and turned her to face Striker. Striker placed his palm against her face, he seemed concerned about her reaction to him. She did the only thing she knew to do to assure him, she closed her eyes and rubbed her cheek deeper into his palm.
Striker had been worried Mia would be afraid of him when she had time to think about what she had seen him do to the Rogue at the side door. He had torn his throat out right in front of her. When she cuddled her cheek into his palm, he reached out his other arm and swept her into his embrace. Unlike Eric, he plundered her mouth, taken possession of her lips from the start. He needed to show her how he felt without words, impressing upon her that she was his. His and Eric's.
Mia felt Striker's need to possess her. She remained pliant under his assault and then began to kiss him back with fervor. She pressed her chest against his and got lost in the sensations he was creating. From behind them, they heard discreet coughing and Striker released her lips slowly. He turned with her still held tightly in his arms and faced the other men who were waiting quietly. She saw they had cleaned up, at least washing most of the blood off them. Mia also saw their eyes upon her and blushed as she turned her face into Striker's chest.
"Shall we take this to the plane? I wish to get out of here before any more Rogues show up.” One of the men laughed.
Striker nodded and then released Mia into Eric's arms to show the men where all of their belongings were. As they carried everything to the plane, the two brothers came forward with Striker.
"Mia, Eric, I would like to introduce you to two of my comrades. Sawyer and Conal, this is Mia and Eric, my mates,” Striker said as he gestured to them.
The two brothers exchanged a look and then turned to them. "We are honored to meet you. Please don’t get pissed at us, like ever. Your woman is hell on wheels,” Sawyer said.
“Yeah, and I kinda like my parts right where they are,” Conal said.
He and Conal both inclined their heads to Eric first and then Mia. "Come, let's get you all safely onboard the plane and into the Senate compound. I can’t wait until you meet Cat."
Mia sighed and sagged against Eric. "That sounds wonderful."
Sawyer and Conal led them out while Striker and Eric stayed slightly behind her as they walked. She knew they were boxing her in just in case there were more Rogues hiding outside. She was shaking as they stepped out onto the tarmac to board the plane. As they went up the steps, she saw two of the Enforcers come out and scan the area, guns raised. When they got to the top, Sawyer and Conal made a hole and Striker pushed her through it onto the plane.
The men entered behind her and as they shut the door to the plane, she breathed a sigh of relief. Striker and Eric came to her, guiding her to sit on one of the couches. Now that she was safe on board, she was able to glance around and was shocked at how nice the plane was. It had two couches that faced each other, then four captain chairs that were able to all turn and face a table or swivel to be separate. She could see a small hallway in the back and figured it led to a bathroom or kitchen area.
Striker reached around her and buckled her in, making sure she was secure. She watched as all the other men strapped in while two of the Enforcers went toward the cockpit. She scooted back on the couch and settled in between her men. Eric reached over and held her hand.
'Are you alright?’ Eric's voice came through their link.
Mia nodded her head. 'Yes. Once we are in the air, I will be happy.'
'Lean on us, love. We will take care of you,’ Striker's voice said.
'Thank you, both,’ Mia told them, trying to do exactly what Cami described to make the men feel like they had protected her.
They heard the engines come on strong and soon the plane began to move, heading down the runway. Mia felt her stomach do a little flip as they took off and soon she was thrilled to see clouds out of the windows. She turned to each of her men and smiled. Then she turned and looked at Sawyer and Conal who were sitting across from them on the other couch.
"Thank you so much for coming to help us,” Mia told them, including the Enforcers who were sitting in the captain chairs.
Sawyer, who seemed to be the talker of the two, inclined his head, and said, "Of course, my lady. We were glad to be of service."
Mia giggled and she saw Striker rolled his eyes. "Are you Enforcers as well?” she asked.
"Not normally. We are, ah, independent,” Sawyer answered as Conal gave a slight grin.
"I see,” Mia said to him. "Can you tell me how long until we land?"
"We should be back on the ground in a couple of hours,” Sawyer answered. Mia began to wonder if Conal could speak at all.
"Why don't you lay your head on my shoulder and rest?” Striker said.
"I will go and get some food for all of us,” Eric said as he unbuckled and stood.
Mia shook her head. "No, I don't want to rest right now. I still have adrenaline running through me. Let me help.” She unbuckled and stood up with him.
Eric led her through the back hallway and he stopped at a small kitchenette. Mia couldn't help herself, she had to walk back further and saw two bathrooms and then a good size bedroom. She stepped into the bedroom and saw a queen-sized bed with a small dresser as well as a private bath, complete with a shower. As she stepped out of the en suite bathroom, she saw Eric standing in the bedroom doorway.
"Do you like it?” he asked.
Mia nodded. "It's so nice. I wonder how much a plane like this cost?” she answered.
Eric shrugged. "I don't know. My father has one that is a little larger. I will take you to see one day. Maybe we can borrow it and go on a honeymoon."
Mia blushed. "A honeymoon?"
Eric walked over to her and pulled her into his arms. "Of course. We are mates. It's no less than you deserve."
'I agree,’ Striker's voice came through to them.
Mia smiled. "I guess. We'll see. I just want to get to the Senate safely. I was supposed to start my job over a month ago. I am grateful Orfeo held it for me."
Eric smiled at her. "Don't worry. Your job isn't going anywhere."
Eric leaned down and kissed her gently at first, then began to add pressure, backing her up against the wall. When he released her lips, he began to kiss down her neck and she moaned.
"Eric, we need to get the food. I'm hungry,” Mia said.
It was Eric's turn to moan into her neck. He pulled back and sighed, "Okay. Let's go. I don't want to deprive my mate of her food."
"I'm sorry but I don't want everyone to hear us,” Mia whispered in his ear.
Eric immediately understood what she meant. They were on a plane of wolves and vampires who all had very good hearing. She was embarrassed to be caught doing what they were doing. He grinned at her and nodded his understanding. Then he swept his arm out in front of him, indicating she should go ahead of him. She smiled her thanks and kissed his cheek as she headed back toward the kitchenette.
They worked together side-by-side, making a several trays of food for everyone. Then Eric grabbed a cart anchored in a corner and they sat everything on it. Eric wheeled it out with Mia following and she set different trays out for each group. Then Sawyer took one of the trays to the cockpit for the men flying. Once everyone was settled, they all ate. Mia was stunned at how much food they had prepared, but Eric had assured her it would all be eaten. She now saw that he wasn't kidding, every tray was cleared, every morsel eaten.
She finished eating her snack and then gathered up all the trays and cups. She took them back into the kitchenette and washed them.
When she finished putting everything away, she glanced longingly at the bedroom. She could feel herself crashing, it had been a long few days, and the stress had really gotten to her. She headed back to her seat between her men on the couch, knowing they would land soon, and settled back, listening to the men talk.
Soon she heard the ding telling them to buckle their seatbelt and she knew they were landing. She couldn't wait to get somewhere where she could have a shower and sleep. Eric wrapped an arm around her and ran his hand up and down her arm. Striker reached out and held her hand. She looked at both of them, wondering if they felt her exhaustion.
'We feel you are wearing down. Don't worry, we will get you settled as soon as we arrive at the compound,’ Striker told her.
'It is our job as your mates to take care of you,’ Eric said.
She smiled at them as the plane touched down on the ground and she knew she was finally safe. Roarke couldn't get to her there with the Senate. She knew they had had some trouble with the Rogues, but this was the safest place for her. She sighed in relief, now she could relax.
When they opened the door to the plane, the Enforcers went out first. Then Sawyer and Conal stepped through, Striker and Eric were at her back again. She was completely caged in and couldn't see anything. They descended the stairs and Mia heard voices getting louder as she got closer to the ground. She thought she recognized one of the voices and she strained to hear.
"It's about fucking time you got here! Now move so I can see her!” Cami's voice came through and Mia's face beamed as Cami pushed through the men to reach her side. Mia threw her arms around Cami and Cami embraced her right back. "Damn, girl, took you long enough,” she huffed and Mia just laughed and hugged her harder.
Chapter Fifteen
The ride to the compound was filled with Cami filling them all in on what had been happening back in Milliken and with the Senate. Jaden drove and Cami sat in the passenger seat. Mia sat between her men in the back seat. Mia had watched Cami as she had introduced her to her men. Mia smiled as she saw her men become uncomfortable under Cami's scrutiny when Mia told Cami they were her mates.
