Chapter 627 Chapter 627
Asher put the cord into the case and added a box of tranquilizer darts. He slid it down the table to Webb. Who then took it over to the other table where Leyton stood.
“How many of these are we packing?” Griffin looked at Nate.
“All of them.” Nate set another large box on the table beside Asher. “Some of the teams are going to be out for a few weeks, maybe more.” He glanced at Asher. “You better take at least four of the ones from the girls and two of these.”
Asher nodded. Since they started this, word had come from the prince that they knew where to start in locating the island. He was excited that they were going to, but at the same time, his best guess was at least a week alone with Journee driving that way and then longer figuring out the rest of the way. Even his cat was nervous being with her that long. He’d never known his animal to be nervous.
Leyton hefted another box on the table, and Asher noted how large he was. He glanced around. All of the men in the room with her made him look less than average. Which he wasn’t. He caught Webb’s attention and tilted his head to the side. “All of you guys are from bear clans, right?” He straightened up. “I feel small around you.”
Nate looked at the others for a moment. “Actually, yeah, we are. I didn’t think of it until now.”
“Same clan?” He took the case that was slid to him.
Nate shook his head. “Ley and I are grizzly.”
“Black bear for me.” Webb smiled.
Griffin snorted. “Apparently, I’m Kermode.”
Asher raised an eyebrow. “I’ve never seen one before.”
Griffin leveled him with a look. “Me either.”
Asher opened his mouth and then closed it. He’d forgotten Griffin’s story. That’s how messed up his head was right now.
“Are there a lot of bear clan on the teams?” Griffin looked at Nate.
Nate paused for a moment. “There’s quite a few,” he glanced at Leyton, “Ender, Calder, Marsh…”
Leyton nodded. “Barack, Sydney, and of course, Wynter.”
“Yeah, can’t forget Wynter.” Nate grinned.
Asher was trying to stay present in the conversation and out of his head. “At least I know who to call if I need backup.”
Nate’s expression grew serious. “If you need backup in the next week or so, you call while running or driving as fast as you can.”
Leyton nodded, “Yeah.” He frowned, “maybe we should send someone with them.”
Nate shook his head, “Raymond wants it to be just the two of them, to attract less attention.” He looked over his shoulder at Asher, “You’re even getting a new ride.”
Asher had no idea. Then again, he was supposed to talk to Jesse and Devin about it and hadn’t had the chance to. “Any idea what I’m getting?”
Nate shook his head. “Something that doesn’t scream that you are part of the Alliance.”
“Oh, maybe it’s a sweet ride.” Webb looked excited.
Asher liked his vehicle now. He didn’t have to stop and get a room or anything. He looked down at what he was doing so he wasn’t staring at any of them. What was he going to do with Journee on this trip? His cat tensed, and then Asher remembered that she’d been out there on her own all this time, so a posh hotel room wasn’t going to be something she demanded. “As long as it drives and gets us where we’re going, it doesn’t matter.”
“You’re no fun.” Webb smiled, “I’d be asking for a fast ride.”
The door opened, and Calum stuck his head in. “Asher, we need you for a few.”
Asher set the tranq darts into the case and nodded. He glanced at Nate.
“Go. We’ve got this.”
Asher nodded and went over to the door. “I hear we have a starting point.”
Calum held the door until he was through it. “Yeah, and it’s a bit further than we anticipated.”
“Oh?” He tucked his hands in his pockets and walked slowly so he could see where they were going.
“We’re debating on flying you there, but it’s risky; that’s why we need your opinion.” Calum motioned down the hallway so Asher would go the right way.
“Okay. I don’t mind if there’s a lot of driving.” He glanced at him. “It’s kind of my job.”
Calum grinned, “All of us drive a lot.”
Asher nodded in a nonchalant way. It was true. Calum seemed to be everywhere all the time.
“Shae says she’s going to get Journee to shift after we eat.” He put his hand on his stomach. “I’m hoping that’s soon. I’m starving.” He grinned.
Asher stopped and stood there. “I don’t know if I’m the one to take Journee.” He frowned; the thought of another man taking her set his cat off. “We’re—” he rubbed his jaw, “we’re mates, and she’s been isolated and alone all her life…” He stopped when he noticed the Calum was smiling at him.
“If that’s the case, you are the only one that should take her.” Calum started walking, “Your cat isn’t going to let another man drive her anywhere. Not unless she’s claimed, and even then, it’s touch and go sometimes.” He shrugged and just kept going.
Asher’s cat felt like he did a full circle inside of him. Shaking his head, he hurried to catch up to Calum. If he didn’t hate the idea of flying, he would ask to do that.
Not unless she’s claimed. That popped back into his head. He was one step from breaking out in a sweat now. His heart was thumping so hard in his chest that it reverberated through his entire body. Claimed. There was going to be none of that happening.
“Are you coming?”
He realized he was standing in the middle of the hall with his hand over his heart. “Uh, yeah.”
Calum was grinning but made no comment as Asher caught up and went in the door he stood beside.