Ronin was just about ten miles from his home when he got the feeling to take the next left, which brought him to a dead end that led into the middle of the forest separating Wildwood from Sevenbridge, a town that was mostly run by bears.
Ronin parked the car and decided to go by foot. He got out and geared up for the second time that day. As panicked as he was, there was no way he was going to rush in unarmed.
Ronin began the trek into the wooded area. The minute he stepped into the woods, he felt sure he was in the right place. It was like a thread pulling him in a certain direction.
Ro had no idea how the mate bond worked completely, but he wasn’t going to question it, either.
He was in the right area and ready to find Ollie and Anton.
He just knew it was that fucker. Goddess, he should have killed the bastard the first time. Fuck the code. Now his mate was in danger.
Ronin crept along the path, thankful for both the cover of darkness and his training.
He made sure to approach quietly until he came upon a shack—a nice word for the rotted structure. Ronin paused and concentrated, looking around for where to go.
“Come on, baby. Where are you...” Ronin whispered.
He moved deeper into the woods, carefully making sure that the leaves didn’t crunch under his feet. It was dark out, but Ro could see with his enhanced vision. When he rounded a corner, he heard voices. Or, at least,avoice.
“I have a meeting with Luther soon,” Anton’s unmistakable voice said. “It won’t be long now for you.”
Ronin stepped behind a small group of trees and peered between the trunks. Oliver sat on the ground, and from what he could see, there was a large bump on his forehead, but other than that, he physically looked fine.I’m here, Ollie. You’re going to be just fine.
As he thought the words, he saw Ollie’s head tilt to the side, but his mate thankfully didn’t look in his direction.
“You’re leaving?” Oliver asked Anton. “How long will you be gone?”
“You don’t get to ask questions. Understood?” Anton snapped.
Oliver nodded. “I was just curious.”
Ronin considered his options. He had to be smart because he didn’t want to put his mate in any danger.
Plus, he couldn’t help wondering who the fuck Luther was.
* * *
Ronin waiteduntil Anton disappeared from where Ollie was.Okay, babe. Time to get you out of here.
Ollie glanced over to where Ronin stood.I knew you would come. I just knew it.
Always, love. Although let’s not make you getting kidnapped a habit.
Ollie chuckled, and he heard the sound like his mate was beside him.
Ronin listened and paused his breathing for a moment to let the sounds of the woods overwhelm him. That’s when he heard it. It was faint, but it was the sound he was waiting for. Anton had clearly never learned stealth. Thankfully, Anton was heading in the opposite direction from where Ronin had parked. Ronin walked towards Ollie and cut his mate loose, then helped him to his feet. He kissed Ollie, pouring all the relief and love he felt into it.
“Wait here for me. If I’m not black in ten minutes, head that way.” Ronin pointed the way he came and placed his car keys in Ollie’s hands.
“No, Ro. I won’t leave you.” Ollie whispered the words into his chest.
“I promise I’ll come home to you. To both of you.” His hands tightened around Ollie for a moment before he stepped back.
“Ten minutes, baby, and hide behind those trees.” Ronin pointed to where he’d been watching Ollie from.
Ollie’s worry was at the back of his mind, but he put it away and focused.
He made his way towards Anton, making sure to stay out of sight and waiting. Anton kept glancing at his watch, and Ronin realized he must be waiting for someone.
