Chapter 550 Chapter 550
Setting the khakis and t-shirt on the table, she blew out a breath. Her whole body was tense, her cat jittery and Blaise didn’t know if it was the situation or the new version of Griffin Ballard causing it. Whichever it was, she needed to get her shit together. There was no time for all of this. She had a mission, to keep him alive and safe. Nodding, she went over to her bag and hefted it on the table. She looked at the tranq gun and decided she was keeping it within reach for now. His animal was close and she didn’t want to be unprepared if he made and appearance.
She had a feeling in her gut that something was going to happen. She planned to be prepared if it did. Grabbing the notebook and folded map, she tucked them into the waterproof pocket of her bag. Popping open the box that held his items, she placed them inside as well, even his gun and the pills. She left his phone sealed in the electronics bag and stuffed it in too. Pausing, she looked around. If, at some point, they had to make a run for it, she’d need water and protein for him, to appease the bear. Nodding to herself, she went into the kitchen and grabbed a few bottles of water and a pack of bars from the cupboard. Going back out, she put them in her bag and did it up.
Stopping, she looked at the door, went over, and yanked it open. She was relieved he stood right outside it. “You should come in. Clothes on the table.”
Turning, he looked down at her. With a slight nod, he stepped back inside. “The air was nice.” With long strides, he moved by her, grabbed the clothes, and went to the bathroom. The door closed.
Her cat moved through her, getting her attention. “I’m focused, don’t start.”
A few minutes later, the door opened. Raymond’s clothes fit him. There was room in the pants, which she figured he’d appreciate. The t-shirt was tight fitting and outlined the new body he was driving. She didn’t know if he had abs like that before, but they were a thing of beauty. Blaise worked hard to stay in shape, so it was normal to appreciate a toned body. She realized he was staring at her.
“I don’t look like myself now.”
She gave him an amused look. “That makes it harder for anyone looking for you.”
“Good point,” he motioned to her bag.
She shrugged, “just making sure I’m prepared.”
“For?”
“Bailing if we have to.” She put her hands on her hips and leveled him with a serious look. “Can you drive a snowmobile?”
His eyes widened. “I have no idea.”
“If we have to go, you take the machine and I’ll shift.” Her phone buzzed in her pocket, she pulled it out and answered it without checking who it was.
“Blaise, it’s Gideon, you have four heading your way, two already went up.”
She hated it when her gut proved right about bad things. “Call Kenzo and tell him we’re heading across the trail.” She hoped the map Illias had sent her was accurate.
“Will do. I’ll come up behind them, so don’t take me out when you’re done with them.”
“Delete any you come in contact with.” She smirked.
“It will be my pleasure.”
She sent a quick message to Kenzo telling him the location was burned and then went over and put it in her phone in her run pack. Taking one gun off her side, she put it in the pack as well. She’d hoped for more time, but this was better than standing here dealing with her cat constantly inhaling the scent of Griffin. Once they were in the clear, she would be having a heart-to-heart with her animal.
“Go see if one of those suits will fit you. We have company coming.”
Without a word, he went over and took one of the snowsuits off the hook.
Blaise kicked off her boots and tied them to her bag. “Do you know how to shoot?”
“Yes.”
She released her other handgun from the holster and set it on the table. “You might need it. If they get me, you shoot anyone left breathing, grab my phone out of this,” she held up her run pack, “and call Kenzo.”
He paused, pulling up the suit, “they’re not going to get you.”
An odd feeling came over her when he said that. That this complete stranger had faith in her like that caused a lump in her throat. She didn’t have time for this emotional stuff. “Get ready, I’m going to put the bag on the sled. After I shift, grab my clothes, and you stay behind me. If I stop, you keep going.” She paused long enough to see he understood. She motioned around her. “Kill the lights, I’ll be right back.” It was going to suck going out in that without her boots, but she didn’t have time to be sensitive. She needed to get him out of there and make sure he was safe.
Going into the shed, she dropped her bag and grabbed the skis on the sled. Hoping the tank was full enough, she hefted it and moved it over three feet. Repeating the movements until it was aimed out the door, she secured her bag to the back.
Her cat rolled inside her. Blaise froze and inhaled. “I smell them.” The ones that had headed up must have been moving fast. She stepped out and checked the wind. It was blowing up the mountain, which was a bonus for her. She’d know before they got here.
The cold registered on her feet. Moving back to the door, she paused and tapped into her cat to see if she could see anything in the snow. Nothing seemed out of place. Going back in, she saw that Griffin had turned off all the lights.
“I can see in the dark now.”
She heard the surprise in his tone. “Comes in handy.” She picked up her rifle and stood by the window. “The wind is blowing their scents up ahead of them.”
“Shouldn’t we get going?”
She looked over to see him working his foot into a boot that was probably a lot tighter than it had been a week ago. “No. We’ll take out the two that came up ahead, so they can’t follow us.”
“Okay.” He zipped up the suit halfway and picked up gloves, and tucked them into the inside of the suit. He went over, picked up the gun, and then stood in the kitchen archway. She was impressed that he chose a spot that allowed him to see all the windows and anyone stupid enough to try to get him on her watch.