"What is going on, Rad?" I asked.
"I think those guys are looking for you."
"How?" Tears sprouted to my eyes. "I've been so careful."
"I'm not sure yet, but you need to get rid of that cell phone I gave you. They might be using it to track you. I'll get you a new one tomorrow."
When we reached the Jeep, Rad opened the back door, lifted Sy up, and buckled him into the car seat. After he shut the door, he turned to look at me, grabbing both my arms.
"I know you're scared, but I'm not going to let anything happen to you or Sy. I will protect you both."
My brow furrowed as I looked at the earnestness in his golden eyes. "Why do you care?"
"You know why."
Yeah, I supposed I did.
"Everything I have ever been taught says dire wolves aren't supposed to have mates, but I know that is wrong. You are my mate, Ajag. I feel it in my soul."
I felt something, but I wasn't sure what it was beyond an undeniable attraction to the handsome man. I'd been avoiding thinking about it because my life was so chaotic right now, I didn't have time to worry about having a mate.
"Rad—"
"I know now is not the time." Rad pulled me closer until our chests were pressed together and I could feel his warm breath blowing across my skin. "There will be time for us once you and Sy are safe."
"I'm not sure that is possible." Just saying that created a deep ache deep in my heart. "I've been running for so long, Rad. I'm not sure that will ever stop unless I'm dead."
A low threatening growl rumbled through Rad. "I will never let that happen."
I wasn't sure he could stop it.
"There's a small town just across the Colorado and New Mexico border called Raton. There are a couple of campgrounds there. Go straight there and rent a space at one of them."
My eyebrows snapped together as I frowned. "What about you? Aren't you going with us?"
Rad shook his head. "I have to go back and get my bike. I also have to meet someone in town to get more information on who is after you."
I knew who was after me.
"It's the council, Rad. They are the ones chasing me and Sy."
Rad's head cocked to one side. "The shifter council is chasing you?"
I winced and nodded. "Maybe?"
Rad's eyes narrowed.
"Look, it's a really long story, but I swear I did not break any shifter laws. And it's not the entire council after us, just Elder Payne." I swallowed tightly, my eyes darting to the toddler in the backseat. "He's Sy's biological father."
Rad's eyes rounded.
"I'll explain everything later. I swear." Desperation was starting to lace my voice. "I have to get Sy out of here first."
Rad's lips thinned, but he nodded. "Okay, we'll discuss this later, and we will discuss it, Ajag, but right now you and Sy need to get on the road. I won't be able to contact you until I see you later tonight so stay safe. Okay?"
I nodded.
"Go, and don't stop for anything or anyone. You will probably need to hit the main highway at some point, but try to avoid it as much as possible. Stick to the back roads. Less chance of someone catching you on video."
