I lifted up onto my toes, placing a quick peck on his lips. His surprise was my reward.
"I thought you could keep me warm." I dropped onto my heels and tilted my head at the snow. "It's supposed to get cold tonight."
Male appreciation gleamed at me. "We wouldn't want you to get chilly."
Now that we’d settled where I’d be spending the day, I raised my eyebrows. “Any chance I could bum a ride from one of your people?”
Liam’s mouth quirked. “I think I can arrange something.”
FIFTEEN
TO MY ETERNAL disappointment, I learned that when Liam said he’d arrange it, he didn’t mean him and me alone in a car. Instead, Thomas and Connor decided to tag along. Oh joy.
The only consolation was that I was relatively sure Liam hadn't informed Thomas of the main purpose of the trip—finding the captain and seeing how involved he was with current events.
Hopefully, Liam had a plan for getting Thomas out of the way before Travis showed up. Although, I wouldn't put it past Liam to help Thomas blunder into the truth.
Kind of an "oh, your sire killed your captain. My bad. I had no idea that's how he'd react" situation.
This was going to take some interesting footwork to balance truth with lie.
In the end, Liam chose to drive, Thomas sitting beside him as Connor and I climbed into the back seats. It worked out since it gave me a chance to shoot a message to Travis letting him know I was enroute.
Moments later I got a reply.
Be there in twenty.
I released the breath I was holding. One problem taken care of. A dozen others still to go.
Nathan and Makoto shadowed us in a rear vehicle. Another surprise I hadn't anticipated.
I should have known Liam’s lack of argument was a cover. If he couldn't steer me clear of this course, it seemed he planned to have his enforcers watch my back.
Smart man. I couldn't even argue with his logic.
With Callie's addition to the fray, we couldn't be sure how many people were after me. One thing that was clear—the umbrella man wasn't the only one.
My hands shook with leftover adrenaline as we pulled out of the park and onto Highway 23. I stuffed them under my legs, feeling adrift and exhausted now that the fight was over.
I wasn't a violent person. I didn't get off on hurting others. Yet that was exactly what I'd done to Kat. I'd enjoyed it too and was already anticipating the next fight.
What did that say about me? That I would so willingly reach into my darker self? That I was looking forward to it?
My stomach rolled uncomfortably. I leaned forward, staring at my knees and taking deep breaths.
Don't throw up, Aileen. Not now.
"None of that," Thomas said, not looking back at me. "You acquitted yourself well. Kat and the rest of her disciples will think twice about challenging you again."
"So glad I could make you proud," I told my knees.
I sensed rather than saw Thomas's smile. "You pretend you're still human, but tonight proves you're one of us."
I got my stomach under control, forcing the fine trembling away as I breathed deep. I sat back, forcing my chin up as I met Thomas's stare. "I didn't do it for you."
The corners of his eyes crinkled. "And that's what makes it so perfect."
His attention shifted to Connor. "You did well. Though I'd argue your solution was a little bloody."
