Chapter 53
Randal slammed his hand against the steering wheel. Kloe’s broken heart bothers me, but she’ll move on. She didn’t know Bianca was immersed in the world of werewolves and hadn’t even seen Chessa since the child’s rescue. The exclusion was crushing Kloe. Hell, he missed them too. Poor Kloe. I wish I could tell her. But he refused to endanger her.
He knew Bianca was staying away to protect them, and now he had to hurt her. I need to do this for Kloe’s happiness. All Randal wanted was peace.
He screamed, holding the steering wheel tight enough to make him shake. When this was all over, he was taking his wife away from there, as far away as possible. Do they have werewolves in China? He didn’t know anything except this place and the wilderness surrounding the town, but he needed to breathe once the burden lifted, and he’d never get that chance if he stayed. He slammed his hand against the dashboard, roaring his aggression until his throat ached. Kane will find a way to kill me or con me. I’m done.
“Damn it,” Randal muttered when he saw Bianca push her way out of the break in the fence. He blinked the headlights. Deep down he’d hoped she wouldn’t show. He hit the lights again.
She ran through the rain, and he leaned across the seat, pushing the door open. As he sat up, he saw someone else running toward the car too. Bianca slid in, and a moment later the back door jerked open as a dark-haired woman entered.
Randal flipped on the dome light. “You were supposed to come alone.”
“We need back-up,” Bianca said. “Joy is better equipped to handle wolves than we are.”
Randal’s wipers worked hard against the rain. He glanced back at the uninvited woman, and his jaw ached from the force of gritting his teeth. It’s too late to do anything about the she-wolf.
He turned to Bianca. “We could have handled it.” Shit. Randal turned to look out the windshield. The storm intensity appeared to escalate. Wind shook the car. “Whatever happens isn’t on me, you come at your own risk.” He and Joy made eye contact in the rearview mirror. She didn’t flinch.
“If this is so dangerous, why are you involving Bianca?” Joy asked. “You’re from town, go to Kane.”
“Can’t. Kane would decide to kill Kloe if she doesn’t handle this well. And Kloe won’t handle this well.”
Bianca nodded. “He’s right. It’s too dangerous to go to Kane.”
Randal flipped off the dome light and tried to drive forward, but his tires spun because water had collected in the ditch. He managed to get the car moving. The storm strengthened, and Randal had trouble seeing the muddy country road. He leaned ahead, trying to peer out the windshield.
A deer leaped in front of his car, and he slammed on the breaks. They locked up, and he fishtailed. The car stopped in time to avoid the animal in his path. The wind raged harder, and shining eyes in the trees were the only warning as the rest of the herd bound across the road. Taking a deep breath, Randal did his best to slow his racing heart. If an accident were the only thing he had to worry about, then today would be a good day.
Bianca shivered beside him, so he turned on the heat. Her companion glared at him from the backseat, and he sensed she didn’t trust him. She was a smart woman. They drove a few miles in silence. Travel was slow going, but he exhaled relief as the old Connor place came into view. The barn was the only structure standing, and he parked beside it.
There was no sign of anyone, and no vehicles sat anywhere visible. Bianca’s hand was white-knuckled as she held onto the door handle. She appeared ready to jump out and run to Kloe. Guilt tugged at Randal’s heart. He wanted to turn around.
“Shouldn’t we kill the lights?” Bianca whispered. “Do you think they’re still here?”
“I don’t like this.” Joy sat with her arms crossed, glaring a hole in the back of his head.
Randal frowned. “I don’t like this either, but I’m not going to risk Kloe’s happiness by giving up now.”
“That’s an odd thing to say,” Joy observed. “Your heart is beating hard, and I smell fear.” She reached into the front and grabbed Bianca’s biceps. “I think we should get out of here. Are you sure you trust this guy?”
“Randal is like a brother to me. I’m sure I’d react with fear if Law were being held somewhere too.” Bianca turned and put her hand on his shoulder. “I’m putting my life in your hands.”
He flinched. Can I do this? Then he thought about the joy on Kloe’s face when he said he wanted to have a child. He didn’t look at Bianca. “This is for Kloe.” She nodded, and he sagged with relief. “Joy stays in the car with me. She’ll be able to hear if you need help. You go alone.”
“I’m not letting her go into some dark barn, filled with hostile wolves, alone,” Joy said. “You’ve seen what feral wolves can do. I don’t know what these guys are, but they aren’t getting a chance to rip her apart.”
Bianca shivered. “Thanks. Like I wasn’t scared of the creepy, old barn already.” She chuckled darkly. “But he’s right. I’ll do this for Kloe.”
“Don’t do it!” Joy grabbed Bianca’s arm.
Bianca bit her lip as she glanced back at Joy. “I have to.”
Randal heard her take a deep breath as she pushed the door open and rushed out into the deluge.
Joy growled, low and menacing. “You’d better not be sending her to die, or I’ll rip your throat out.”
He understood how his father found suicide easier than living. His hands ached as he gripped the steering wheel and fought the urge to call Bianca back. I’m sorry. I deserve whatever happens to me.