“My love. You’re pregnant.”
“You think?” Her tone is sarcastic as she rests her hand on her belly.
“You have to think of the baby.”
“Iamthinking of the baby—and the one we have at home. They need a father. I did not sign up for single motherhood.” There’s a moment of awkward silence as the three of us all do our best not to remind her that she didn’t tell Daniil about Micah until he was six months old. But that’s ancient history.
“Sweetheart.”
“I love you, Prince Overbearing. But if I think you’re in trouble, I’m not sitting in the car. Well, maybe I am, but I’ll run over all their asses.”
He chuckles. “All right. That’s fair.”
Compromise.
That’s how they do it.
My sister is a retired United States Marine. A helicopter pilot. A combat pilot in her heyday. She’s tough and smart and brave. He knows she won’t sit back safely in the car while her family is slaughtered. It’s not who she is—and that’s not the woman he married. It’s one of many things he loves about her. He told me that once, that he would never try to change her because otherwise, he’s changing the woman he fell in love with into a stranger. What would be the point?
As I think back to the ongoing arguments between Allora and me, I realize I wanted her to be less brave, less vibrant, less of who she is because I was afraid of losing her. It wasn’t intentional—I genuinely want to keep her safe—but she needs to live.
I open my eyes as we get close to the airport.
Chaos, Eric, Mark, and Ron are in the vehicle behind us.
Silver, Nitro, and Thunder are in a van ahead of us, and Metal and Bones are on their motorcycles getting there via a completely different route. In fact, they’re already there, parked just outside the private airfield, watching and waiting. They’ve been giving Daniil updates and so far, there’s no movement.
“Okay, the plan is for us to wait until they’re boarding the plane. It’s going to be tricky because there’s no doubt in my mind Tex will use Allora as a shield.” Rage sounds determined but cautious.
“He doesn’t want her dead,” Daniil reminds us. “So, while I agree he may use her as a shield, I don’t think he’ll do it unless he’s backed into a corner. We need to take out his companions, whoever they may be, and disable whatever vehicle they arrive in. They can’t have a means of escape.”
“Landon.” Courtney touches my arm as they continue talking.
“I’m awake. Just conserving energy.”
“How’s your head?”
“No change. Promise.”
“Still hurts like a bitch?”
“Pretty much.”
“Once we get on the tarmac, I’m getting behind the wheel. Do you think you can shoot?”
I open one eye. “Seriously?”
She chuckles. “Dumb question.”
Rage reaches back with one of my own weapons. “I figured you’d want this back. I’ve reloaded it. Picked it up at the scene.”
“How long after they left did you get there?” I ask.
“Probably three or four minutes. I’m sorry, man. We tried.”
“Not your fault. This is on Silver.”
“Let’s leave that alone until after we get Allora back,” Daniil says.
