Niko touched his hands. “I’ll do everything within my power to ensure that this man never goes near your son. No matter what. You have my word.”
Viktor looked at his watch. “We have one hour before the next stop. I must call Wyatt to make arrangements.”
I stepped back, still unnerved that we were down a teammate at home and another one was leaving us. On top of that, Crush had sent in his buddies. Now I had my father to worry about. What the hell was going on back at the mansion? Was he there? Knowing Crush, he was there.
Viktor clapped his hands together. “Everyone, collect your things and ready yourselves. With Niko leaving, I need everyone at their best. It’s midnight, so if you require a short nap, take it now before we stop.”
Blue got up and handed Viktor his phone. She snatched her boots off the floor and put them back on while Shepherd searched the car from back to front.
I gathered up all the empty bottles and tossed them in the trash, cleaning away all evidence that Keystone had been here. “Viktor, where are we going? I think we’ve been in the dark long enough.”
He folded down the collar of his grey turtleneck and almost dropped his phone. “There is no point keeping it a secret since Claude overheard a passenger mention our next stop is Virginia. We will be traveling in an RV to West Virginia from Roanoke.”
I sat down and rummaged through my backpack in search of my phone. After a quick check of the weather, I decided my hoodie was fine. The low was in the forties, but the humidity made it seem warmer. Not to mention tomorrow’s high would be sixty-five and sunny.
West Virginia. What the hell did I know about West Virginia aside from the fact it was in a John Denver song?
If we were traveling in an RV, that meant we weren’t going to a big city. Otherwise he would have rented a bus or large van—something that would blend in with our surroundings. The last time I ventured into the woods, I was jumped by Shifters. Nope. There was no way I was stepping off this train unarmed. I put on my belt so I could hook the sheaths on the back and side. My buckle had a miniature knife, but the full-length dagger would do more damage. Better I wait till we got to the RV to strap that on so I didn’t get myself arrested. Then again, maybe country folks wore their weapons with pride. I didn’t know the laws in Virginia or West Virginia, so I tucked the large knife back in my bag.
“Viktor, how are we going to rent an RV at night?” I asked. “Everything’s closed at this hour.”
He was busy on the phone.
Christian joined my side. “He’s already arranged everything.”
“I hate that you can hear all the phone conversations.”
He lifted my chin with the crook of his finger. “Jealousy doesn’t suit you.”
“I think you should tell the kids to get their things together.”
“Jaysus, no.”
“Why not?”
“Did you not see the way the wee one looked at me earlier? I thought she would flee for her life. That’s why I kept the sunglasses on after dark.”
“You look like Ray Charles in those things.”
“Great men dress alike.”
* * *
Walkingthe streets after midnight in an unfamiliar town added a new layer of danger, especially when I didn’t know anything about the Breed culture and districts in these parts. Those of us with hoods kept them on, and I concealed my light while we waited inside the train station. It was enclosed and heated, benches in the middle and bathrooms close to the front. The café was closed, the lights dim, the floors shiny, and the benches empty.
Christian went outside with Niko to wait for the cab. Being the only Mage, I had the advantage of sensing Mage energy from someone who wasn’t concealing. But this place wasn’t exactly bustling, so I leaned against the wall and thought about Christian and me on top of the train.
Viktor and Shepherd flanked the kids, who looked bored out of their minds.
An hour later, a second train rolled through. I was surprised at how many people were traveling at this hour, but everyone had somewhere to be, and the crowd quickly dispersed as tired travelers dragged their luggage behind them and left the station.
I wandered over to Viktor, my thumbs hooked beneath my backpack straps. “How much longer?”
He glanced at his watch. “Not much.”
“I have to go,” Carol announced, inviting no argument as she hopped to her feet. “The bathroom’s right there.” She held her stomach with a look of embarrassment. “I’ll be back in a few minutes.”
Viktor glanced around at the empty building, which we had secured, and waved his hand for her to go.
