Chapter 431 Chapter 431
“Do you think we missed her?” Kobie looked out around the tree.
“It’s still early.” Blair was on the other side of the tree.
Noah looked at them and wondered if they stopped to consider their light hair was going to stand out like a bright lamp in the trees now that the leaves were on the ground. He looked down, under the few inches of snow. The last part of the walk had been cold, wet, and had a lot of snowfall. He was glad it was after he’d gotten her out of the hole, or he might never have gotten his body out of there if the ground was slick with snowfall. Turning, he watched Emersyn play with her foot in it. Probably the first time since she was a child she’d been in snow. He frowned, or ever. He hadn’t really asked a lot about where she was from. Did they get snow there? He’d have to talk to Calum when this was done.
Checking there was no one behind the building, he went over to her. “How’s your arm?” He looked again to see Calum was still standing to the side of the building. “You should have shifted, it would heal.”
She turned her head and gave him a look filled with annoyance, “I’d already cost us a lot of time.”
He shrugged, “a few more minutes wouldn’t have mattered.”
“Someone’s coming.” Kobie hissed.
He turned back and leaned around the tree to watch. Calum stood in the shadows for a moment as a young woman walked behind the building. She stopped and looked around, disappointment was clear on her face, even from here. She wasn’t very big, making Noah question how old she was.
“McKenna?” Calum stepped around the corner.
She spun around and looked at him, then looked around. Moving closer, with cautious steps, she didn’t take her eyes off him. “Are you from the Alliance?”
Calum nodded.
“They sent one guy? That’s it?” She swatted the strawberry blonde hair back out of her eyes.
Noah hadn’t expected her to say that.
She put her hands on her hips and glared at him, “Took you long enough to get here.”
Blaise moved out of the trees and started in their direction.
Noah looked down at Emersyn, “stay here until we’re sure she’s alone.” She nodded. He looked over to see Blair give him a quick nod.
“I’ll stay with Emersyn,” Kobie whispered.
Noah moved around the tree at the same time Blair did. He checked over his shoulder to see if the women were visible where they stood. He didn’t see them. When he turned back around McKenna was looking at Blair, her eyes were filled with fear.
She lowered her head. “Shit. I knew it was too good to be true.”
Calum gave Blair an amused look.
Blair stopped and gave his head a shake. “I’m thinking I need to dye my hair blue or something.”
Kobie was walking up behind him, “I think your man enough to pull off a faded pink at least,” she glanced at Blaise as she walked over, and she nodded.
“I am not him.” Blair sounded annoyed.
McKenna lifted her head and looked at him, a scowl on her face. “You could be his twin,” she shrugged, “only younger.”
“Lindon is dead,” Emersyn said quietly as she came over and stood beside Noah.
The young woman’s shoulders visibly dropped. “That explains why he hasn’t been around.” She nodded her head for a moment, “that makes it easier.” Her hands were back on her hips as she looked around at them. “You guys are not what I expected. I took a big chance calling that number.” She frowned, “but my gran said the story Lindon told was lies, so I’m trusting you.” She scowled at Calum.
He looked completely unphased by her harsh scrutiny. “What did you expect.” Calum scanned the area.
McKenna shrugged, “an army of big men.”
Kobie grinned, “trust me, we’re all you need.”
Dark eyes turned to her and looked her up and down. “I didn’t even know if that number was right.”
“It hasn’t been used in a while,” Calum told her as he swung the backpack over his shoulder.
“We’re looking for my daughter,” Emersyn stepped forward, “Lindon took her.”
McKenna raised an eyebrow, “that’s kind of what he did. There are a few children there.” She picked up the bag and slung it over her shoulder, “We should get moving. If I’m gone too long the big ugly one will come looking.”
Noah glanced at Blair, he had the same expression on his face, what were they walking into?
“A girl named Akira showed up at our place,” Kobie said.
“That’s where she went?” McKenna frowned, “where is your place?”
“A few day’s drive away from here,” Blair told her.
“Good for her. I’d be gone too, but I don’t want to leave my grandmother behind.” She shrugged, “and she says she’s too old to run now.” She looked at Blair for a moment, Noah could still see the surprise in her eyes, “Kira got out at the right time.” She smirked, “Lindon was furious when she wasn’t there when he came back with some lame cat shifter.” She turned and gave Noah a hard look. “If she’d been there…”
“We get it,” Kobie said.
“How far is it? The camp?” Calum had his phone in his hand.
“Forty-five-minute walk.” She pointed to a large hill, “that way.”
Calum looked where she pointed and turned to Blaise, “you good to scout ahead?”
“I’m aces, boss.” She grinned. “Still stoked that I’m helping you guys,” she looked at Blair, “the man that took out the menace and,” she turned back to Calum, “and Calum who cat eats wild bears for breakfast.”
Calum blew out a breath and then shook his head. “I didn’t eat it.” He motioned to the direction McKenna had pointed.
Blaise shrugged and headed that way at a slow jog.