by Lisa Kessler
Once we were on the shuttle, Grandma Nani patted my thigh. “This will work, mynah bird. Faith is power. No doubts, no worries. Stay focused.”
I nodded and wished I’d get a vision with a brighter outcome. But for now, my gift was silent, just like my mate.
I looked over at Jason. “How are you holding up?”
He shrugged without taking his eyes off the traffic ahead. “I’ll be better when we land in Reno.”
“Is Adam meeting us at the airport?”
He nodded. “Yeah, he’ll be there, and Gareth is coming, too.”
“As in Nadya’s boyfriend, Gareth? Why?”
He finally turned his attention on me, keeping his voice low. “His mother was part of the Paiute tribe. His godmother still lives on the reservation, sort of off the grid, like Nani’s cabin. I’m hoping she’ll be there too so we can introduce her to Nani. I think it’ll be safest for your grandmother if she can stay with Chloe and not anyone in the Pack, since Nero seems to know so much about us.”
“Shouldn’t we ask Grandma Nani first? She probably thinks she’s staying with us.”
“Since they know where I live, that’s not a good idea.”
I glanced at Grandma Nani. She stared out the side window. “Have you been listening to all this?”
She didn’t move, but her lips curved into a peaceful smile. “The Paiute are old ones like our people. I would like to meet her.”
That was good enough for me.
As we neared the airport, the sky darkened, and angry clouds moved in to cover the sun.
“Looks like a storm coming in,” the driver called back to us. “Hope your flight isn’t delayed.”
“Hope not.” Jason pulled out my grandmother’s bag and unzipped the duffel. He handed each of us an umbrella. “Maybe it’ll blow over quickly.”
“Never can tell.” The driver shook his head.
Grandma Nani winked at me, completely confident in the coming rain and the subsequent dissipation of the foul weather. I wished her unshakable faith would rub off on me. I had no clue if anything was happening. She muttered at the sky in Hawaiian under her breath, but if she was using my energy, it didn’t seem to affect me. Although I’d never asked if I would feel her magic, I assumed I’d at least notice something.
Stay calm. At peace. Welcome the honu.
I kept my mantra going in my head. It couldn’t hurt. By the time the shuttle pulled in to the terminal, his wipers were working overtime and visibility was still hindered.
Jason gathered our bags and took my hand. “Ready?”
“As I’ll ever be.”
We popped our umbrellas open and stepped out into the mad rush of travelers.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
JASON
I gripped Kilani’s hand tighter than I should have, but I couldn’t help it. I’d never been this tense in my entire life. Every breath through my nostrils brought in information to process. Perfume, hairspray, halitosis, babies who needed changing, cologne barely covering the need for a shower, they all assaulted me as we pushed through the rain and the people toward the glass doors.
Every time I was bumped, a growl rumbled in my chest. My wolf was clawing to the surface of my consciousness, understanding the concern for our mate and unsure of where the threat might be lurking. This was dangerous, and it had nothing to do with Nero.
“Can I help you with your bags?”
“No.” I pushed past the skycap to the doors and ushered Kilani and her grandmother inside. We were about to lose the cover of our umbrellas. I nudged Kilani. “Be sure Nani puts her hood up before she closes that umbrella.”
We all wore hooded sweatshirts from Kilani’s cousin, hopefully masking our identities from behind. I collected the umbrellas, shaking out the water before stuffing them back into the larger duffel.
“I’m not picking up any strange scents.”
It was going to take a little while for me to get used to dating a werewolf. I hadn’t realized that the entire time I’d been scanning the airport, Kilani had been doing the same.
“Me neither. Let’s hope that means they were outside and we’re in the clear.” We headed for the security line.
“Excuse me, ma’am. I’m going to need to see some ID.”
A male TSA officer had Nani’s elbow. By his scent, he was human, but his heart was pounding.
My eyes narrowed. “Is there a problem?”
He lifted his head. Dark sunglasses covered his eyes. I couldn’t read him. “We have an alert out on an abducted female. Just checking IDs.”
He wore a black wristband. Nero. Had to be. “Bullshit.”
The officer reached for his sidearm, but my punch was faster. The uppercut to his jaw landed solid. He collapsed on the ground, unconscious, and someone screamed, “Terrorist!”
Damn it. I growled to Kilani and her grandmother, “Run. Find a bathroom, stay away from security cameras, and lay low.”
They took off, and I tugged the wristband back, exposing the black lion’s head tattoo with an N emblazoned on the cat’s forehead. Nero.
I scanned for Damian. Come out here, you chickenshit.
More TSA officers ran toward us. They’d discover this wasn’t one of their own soon enough. I couldn’t risk getting arrested. I took off, toppling suitcases and pissing off travelers. Anything to slow the TSA agents. Once I lost them, I ducked in a bathroom and pulled off the hoodie, stuffing it in the trashcan on my way out. Outside, the dull roar of activity remained centered around the downed would-be TSA agent.
I sat on a bench and took out my cell.
“Oh, thank God,” she whispered. “You’re okay.”
I closed my eyes, focusing on her voice. Kilani was safe. “Where are you?”
“We’re coming out of a bathroom in the food court.”
“Wait. Ditch the hoodies first, then meet me by the Burger King.”
“See you soon.”
“Be careful.” I put my phone back in my pocket.
Opening and closing my right hand, I drank in the ache from my sore joints. It was almost unsettling how much I enjoyed punching that guy, allowing the anger to explode. I found an empty table in front of the Burger King and waited.
The second Kilani came into view, the wolf inside of me howled. I got up, weaving through the tables, my gaze locked on hers until I had her safe in my arms again.
I kissed her hair. “Let’s get on a plane.”
She nodded, pulling back as Nani approached.
Her grandmother stared up at me and gradually started to smile. “You protected me and my granddaughter.”
I held her gaze. “I always will.”
She patted our joined hands. “Enough danger for one day.”
I wished I could believe her, but my gut told me this was just the beginning. When I clocked the Nero agent, I figured it would draw out the rest of the team to finish the job, but no Nero mercenaries or Damian showed up. It was too easy. Something was off.
In the security line, I kept watch as I placed a call to Adam.
“Jason? You guys are okay?”
“Minor bump in the road, but I wanted to see if you could get Sasha to meet us at the airport back home.”
Adam paused. “Talk to me.”
“I don’t want to bet our lives on Sebastian’s intel. We had a run-in with one of Damian’s goons here in Honolulu, but no sign of the jaguar himself.”
Adam’s voice deepened. “You think Damian is back in Reno.”
“I think there’s a strong possibility, and Sasha is our best with a gun.”
“I’ll call her right now.”
“Thanks, Adam.”
I put my cell away, and Kilani ran her hand up my back. With her heightened hearing, I had no doubt she got both sides of the conversation, but it didn’t matter. I had nothing to hide.
“You think he’s already there.”
I shrugged, still deciphering every scent and scanning every face. “I think it’s a distinct possib
ly. I attacked one of his team, and there was no backup.”
“Decoy?”
“Maybe? Either way, I’d rather be safe than sorry.” I glanced down at her warm eyes. “Just once, I’d like to have some control over my life.”
I stared out into the throngs of people, grinding my teeth as I struggled to swallow the hot rage bubbling beneath the surface.
One way or another, I was going to get Nero to leave my mate the fuck alone.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
KILANI
Even though the heat of his skin warmed me through my shirt, Jason was miles from me. Hard to believe last night we’d been so connected. Since we’d left the cabin on Maui, he’d been distant. Maybe he needed to be.
He dozed off on the flight over the ocean, his forehead resting against the window. The sunlight bathed his face in light and I drank in the peace on his features. I wished I could freeze the moment and hold it in my hands forever. We’d never get off the plane, and I’d never have to face the reality of my vision.
Sighing, I rested my head and closed my eyes, praying for a new glimpse of a new future. I was a werewolf now—that should count for something, change the trajectory of the future. Maybe we already had. If I were still human, maybe he would’ve been shot in Honolulu.
I waited, trying to clear my head. Nothing happened. What good was a gift if I couldn’t use it when I needed it?
I opened my eyes again and Grandma Nani gripped my hand. “Rest, mynah bird. Rest now while we can.”
There was no way I could sleep. Not now. But I tried to placate my grandmother.
The captain’s voice startled me from my unexpected nap. Apparently I’d been more exhausted than I realized. We were on the descent into Reno. The weather was clear and cool, and Jason was already alert. All business.
“When we land, Adam will be waiting for us at baggage claim. Sasha will be there, too, and she’s always armed. We’ll have Gareth take Nani and we’ll go in the other direction. If they’re waiting for us, they’ll need to split up. They’ll be weaker.”
I took his hand. His palm was cold and clammy. “Are you trying to convince me or yourself?”
He pulled away from my touch. “I’m not even sure anymore.”
“You’re not in this alone.”
“It’s not me I’m worried about.”
I frowned. “You should be. You were the one in my vision, not me.”
“I’m being cautious, but I can’t let anything happen to you. If that puts me in danger, so be it.”
“My feelings exactly.”
He caught my chin, lifting my face gently to meet his eyes. “Do not take any risks for me. I’ve been a wolf my whole life. I can handle this. As long as you’re okay, that’s what matters.”
I nodded and settled in for landing. If he thought I would stand by and watch him get shot, he had another think coming, but I kept it to myself.
If I was Nero’s target, why would Jason be the one bleeding in my vision?
If I could piece the puzzle together, I could change the outcome. And I had every intention of changing it. Jason would not bleed today. Not if I could help it.
Jason finished his call with Adam while we waited for the cabin doors to open. He leaned in close, keeping his voice so low, I probably wouldn’t have been able to hear him if he hadn’t bitten me.
“Adam, his brother Aren, and Sasha got to the airport early. They’ve been canvassing the entrances and exits and haven’t found any evidence of Damian or Nero. Hopefully it’s a good sign. Maybe I was wrong and we lost them in Honolulu.”
I wanted that to be true so badly I could scream. “Where are we meeting them?”
“Aren and Sasha are staying in the shadows around the parking lot to cover us if there’s any trouble. Gareth and Adam are waiting at baggage claim. Nadya and Chloe have a car ready in the short-term parking lot to take Nani once we’re sure they’re not going to be followed.”
“And we’re going home with…”
“Adam is taking us in his Jeep. He’s parked a little farther back in the lot.”
“We’re not splitting up anymore?” There was no certainty any of our plans would work, but changing it up now worried me.
“Since they haven’t found any trace of Nero, we’re staying together. Safety in numbers.”
I took a deep breath, trying to fortify myself and draw on my core grace-under-pressure nursing skills. “Okay, so we get out and head for the short-term lot.”
He nodded and kissed my temple. “Let’s get home.”
The cabin door on the plane opened, and we filed out and up the Jetway. My stomach tightened into nauseous knots. I cleared my throat and blinked hard.
The vision flashed again, and this time I recognized our shadows. Outside. The shooting would happen outside.
I grabbed Jason’s hand. “We can’t go out there.”
He frowned. “We can’t stay in the airport, either. What’s wrong?”
“The vision. I just saw it again. There were shadows. We were in the sunshine.”
A muscle in his cheek flexed. “Sasha and Aren are covering us when we go out, and they’ve already searched for any trace of Damian and his team. Are you sure it was at the airport?”
I struggled for more detail, but it faded before I could find anything new. “No. I can’t be sure.”
“Then let’s get out while we have protection. We’ll get Nani someplace safe and then see if we can find Damian. I’m sick of running. Time to turn the tables and find him.”
Thousands of butterflies swarmed in my stomach. What if I pressured him to wait and staying in the airport ended up giving Damian time to arrive? Guessing games like this were the path to madness. There was no way to know what would cause my visions to come true.
The night I’d seen Jason unconscious in the ring, it turned out to be my fault. If I hadn’t interfered and run in to save him, he would’ve seen Sebastian’s punch coming. He could’ve protected himself if I hadn’t gotten involved.
Fear paralyzed me. The stakes were too high.
Jason took my hand, his touch yanking me back from the void. “Kilani, we can do this. We’ll be careful.”
I nodded, taking strength in the commitment in his eyes.
Nani pointed to the right and broke the silence. “This is getting us nowhere. The sign says the exit is this way.”
Jason squeezed my hand before we separated, keeping my grandmother between us. Since Nero wouldn’t risk shooting me in a crowded airport, Grandma Nani would probably still be their target like she was in Honolulu. Abduct her and coax me into their custody.
Not if I could help it.
My new heightened senses were on overload. Between the throngs of people bumping into us and the adrenaline pumping through my veins, I worried my head might explode.
“Try to tune it out.” No human, including Grandma Nani, would’ve heard Jason’s whisper, but I understood every word.
“How?” I glanced his way, but his focus was straight ahead.
“Instead of trying to examine every sound and smell that hits us, dismiss them, let them go until you find one that shouldn’t be here.”
I dodged a roller bag. “I have a lot to learn.”
“I’ll help you.” His eyes met mine for a second. “You’re doing great. We’re almost there.”
My heart clenched. I never dreamed I’d find such a perfect lover, friend…mate. Why couldn’t it have been under better circumstances?
We walked through baggage claim and Adam and Gareth waited by the doors, larger than life. Hope bubbled inside of me. Maybe we were going to make it after all. Even if Damian had split his team between Honolulu and Reno like Jason suspected, we had three male werewolves, a jaguar shifter detective with legendary aim, and her werewolf mate, and Nero didn’t know I was a wolf now, too.
Jason and Adam clasped forearms, then he turned and did the same with Gareth.
Adam approached me, clamping his large hands firmly ar
ound my forearms. “Welcome home.” His green eyes commanded respect, boring into me until I lowered my gaze. What the hell? He caught my chin, gently raising it. “Your wolf is surrendering dominance to the Alpha. Once we formally bring you into the Pack, your wolf will settle in.”
Awkward. I cleared my throat and pulled my grandmother closer. “Adam, this is my grandma Nani.”
Adam shook her hand like a normal person. The arm clasping must’ve been a Pack thing. “Great to meet you. Welcome to Reno. I’m sorry it’s not under better circumstances.”
She smiled up at him. “Thank you.” She chuckled. “My granddaughter didn’t mention how handsome this Pack is.”
“Nani.” I nudged her.
Adam grinned and gripped Jason’s shoulder. “Sasha and Aren are out in the short-term parking keeping watch. Nadya will take Nani out to Pyramid Lake.”
Jason nodded. “We’re still riding with you?”
“My Jeep is a couple of rows back.” Adam tipped his head toward Gareth. “Sasha’s taking Gareth in her car.”
“So we’re just walking to the parking lot? No running or hiding?” My pulse picked up the pace.
Adam made eye contact with each of us before he finally nodded. “I wouldn’t let you walk out there if I thought you were a target. We’ve done all we can to ensure it’s safe.”
Jason took my hand. “Stay alert. Assume they could be anywhere.”
Grandma Nani took my other hand. “The sooner we get out, the sooner I can see this Pyramid Lake I keep hearing about.”
I smiled and squeezed her hand. “We’ll keep you safe.”
Adam and Gareth walked ahead with Grandma Nani, Jason, and me bringing up the rear. The sun blinded me for a second and the dry breeze shocked my skin. We were not in Hawaii anymore.
I didn’t need to be an empath to hear the sizzle of tension in the three males in our group. No wonder Nadya waited in the car. She must’ve gotten better at shielding herself over the years. Living with a Pack of werewolves had to be a challenge.
My panic level sank a little lower with each row we passed in the parking lot. We were going to be okay.
