Her lips twitched. “Thought so. Just checking. So, Knight, when will we see an appearance?”
“Any time.”
“Wonderful.” She shook her head. “If we have two MCs after us at one time, telling the difference between our enemies might pose a problem.”
“You can’t say I don’t take you on interesting dates.”
“Got news for you, buddy. None of these activities make up a date in my book.”
“We ate dinner together and are currently watching a movie.”
Iona rolled her eyes. “First, it’s not a date if I have to cook the meal. Second, if this is your idea of a stimulating movie, you need your head examined. The most exciting thing happening at the moment is the wind blowing around tree branches.”
“They’re still dinner and a movie. They count.”
“When we get back to civilization, I’ll treat you to a date. I’m positive you will see the difference.”
“Doubt it.” He grinned. “But you’re welcome to try changing my mind.”
“You’re on.”
Although they remained vigilant for the duration of their shift, the night was calm. Elias stood, drawing Iona up with himwhen Grant and Rayne walked into the living room for the start of their shift.
“Anything to report?” Grant asked.
“No, and there should have been. Do you want us to watch the back of the cabin?”
Grant shook his head. “We’ve got it. Go rest.”
He couldn’t explain the almost eerie quality to the night. “Wake me if you change your mind.”
“I will. Go.”
Elias escorted Iona to their room and locked them in. “Trouble is coming. We need to be ready to get up at a moment’s notice.”
She nodded. “I think you’re right.” Iona grabbed her Go bag and went into the bathroom. Moments later, she returned dressed in a fresh Fortress uniform. “Your turn.”
He grabbed his Go bag and closed himself into the bathroom. After a quick shower and change of clothes, he returned to the room and set his bag by the door, next to Iona’s Go bag.
Iona set aside her hairbrush and stood as he approached. “I checked in with the rest of Artemis, and passed on our concern for an interrupted night. They’ll be ready.”
“Good.” He bent and kissed her lightly. “I’ll wake you if something happens.”
She gave a slight nod. “Sleep, Elias. We may not have much time to rest.”
“Copy that.” He turned back and climbed into the pallet that Iona had prepared for him. He closed his eyes, and within minutes was sound asleep.
Although expecting two hours, he scored three before Grant tapped on their door. Elias woke instantly, fully alert. He palmed his weapon and held it down by his thigh. “Yeah?” he said, voice soft.
“It’s Grant. Company.”
His heart sank. He couldn’t say he was surprised, but he’d hoped for more time. “Copy. We’ll be down in a minute.”
Iona sat up. “What is it?”
“Company.”
She threw the blanket off her legs and slid her feet into her tactical boots.
