Chapter 790 Chapter 790
Rather than running back and forth between the houses, Eaton had everyone on a call to discuss the plan.
Bear sat at the island where he could keep everyone in his sight, mostly just Calla. By they time they got back with the vans the team had been separated in the three houses. Calla had been in the basement with Gia, going through the boxes of clothes. They had decided it would be a good idea to take them when they left to give them to the rogues working by the factory.
Deacon had attempted to explain that they had a lot of bodies to transport and not much space. They didn’t accept that and then piled things up to go. Whatever couldn’t fit in the transports, they were going to have the clean-up team bring back.
Bear didn’t argue. He knew they’d pack up as much as they could from the houses, and to him, it made sense. It wasn’t going to be used by anyone here again.
“Sorry. We’re here now.” It was Raymond. “I was working on the transport for Ender and Vail to come and help clear those buildings.”
“Better tell them to bring a truck,” Deacon said. “The ladies have decided nothing should go to waste.”
“The vehicle they’re bringing should be large enough,” Kaid said.
“We’re heading out at first light.” Eaton’s tone was all business. “Some are meeting up with Raymond and Devin. Others will be driving straight through.”
Bear watched Calla pause going through a cupboard, and lean against the counter, listening.
“Bear, you and Calla will be driving to a safe house, so take as many supplies as you can. You’re taking Edda. Blaise and Griffin will meet you there.”
Bear touched the earbud. “Got it.”
Calla turned around and opened a top cupboard and started setting food items on the counter.
“Kaid, you and Kelii will be staying behind and waiting for the others from your team to get there.”
“The king has seen the photos and has given the green light for burning house number one down,” Raymond said in a cold tone. “It will serve as a distraction for a short time as to why they haven’t heard from Leon.”
Bear met Calla’s gaze. She looked relieved that the house was being torched. He agreed with that plan. The scene in that metal room didn’t create pleasant images.
“Deacon, you and Gia will transport Bianca and Liora to the medical facility for a full assessment. You’ll receive further instructions there.”
“Copy,” Deacon said.
“Beck, you and Creed will be transporting four of the prisoners to the center. They will be tranquilized for most of the trip, so I don’t anticipate any issues.”
Beck chuckled into the mic. “Easy day.”
“Gideon, you, Luka, and I will be moving Leon, Kumar, and Guy to Raymond’s location. Once there, we’ll leave Leon with them and split. Dane and I are escorting Ellery and Zuri to H.Q. Luka will join you, and you’ll transport the other two to the barn.”
“Got it,” Gideon said.
“Be our pleasure.” Luka sounded pleased with his assignment.
“Liora and Bianca will have to be wrapped in the Faraday blankets. They have trackers. Edda doesn’t. We’re taking their four vehicles; the GPS has been disconnected, but keep heads on a swivel because we don’t know if they have other ways to track them.”
Bear watched Calla as she went through the things on the counter. He hadn’t seen her animal, but the blond of her hair told him that she was a light shade and, if he wasn’t mistaken, almost the same as he was.
“Raymond will have cash envelopes for everyone, and you’ll be given a list of locations you can pick up further supplies. Any questions?”
Bear watched Gia give Deacon a look and then touched her ear. “Can we leave earlier if the storm lets up?”
“You can, Gia. You’re not transporting prisoners.”
Calla paused and looked at Bear and then nodded.
He touched the earbud. “Calla and I might head out earlier, too. Get some distance between us and this place.”
“Copy that, Bear.” Eaton paused for a moment. “All right, everyone, you know the drill. Take turns having a nap and being on watch.”
“Thank you, everyone.” Devin had been on the call the whole time.
Calla turned around and smiled at Edda when she came out of her room carrying two bags. He didn’t blame her; the woman wanted to get out of there. This was likely the first time she was truly free from Tomas and the danger of living as a rogue.
Bear disconnected from the call and went over to them. “I’ll find out which vehicle we’re taking and get it loaded up.” He looked at Edda. “We’re going as soon as the storm breaks, so you might want to have a nap.”
She gave him a wide-eyed look. “A nap? I couldn’t sleep if I tried. I’m getting out of here and I get to meet my son.” Her eyes teared up.
Calla touched her shoulder. “You can always nap on the drive.” She looked at Bear. “Where is the house we’re going to?”
“I’ll find out in a few minutes when I go over and talk to Eaton.” He glanced at the food on the counter. “Take as much as you can. The fewer stops we have to make, the better.”
Calla nodded.
“I can make sandwiches.” Edda offered.
“That would be great.” Calla smiled.
Edda turned and went into the kitchen.
Calla picked up the two bags and went toward the door.
Bear followed her. He grabbed his jacket off the hook. “Listen, it’s been stuck in my head—” She turned and looked at him. His animal rolled through him. Not now, he conveyed. “Getting you out of that room when I…”
“Fell at my feet?” She grinned.
“Yeah. I guess I did.” He shook his head. “Why did you say you’re not a wolf?”
Her cheeks flushed, and she put her hand over her face. “This is going to sound dumb, but—” She dropped her hand and looked at him again. “When I went for that run and met Beck out there—” She paused and looked over her shoulder. “—Beck gave me his shirt, which I was thankful for—” She shook her head. “I thought, my cat, and I thought he was our mate. His scent—” She frowned. “I still don’t get it.”
Bear heaved a sigh of relief. “It was my shirt. I gave it to him so you wouldn’t have to stand there naked and talk to him.”
Her eyes rounded. “Oh. Thank you for that.”
Bear leaned down. “Just so you know—I found your bags and scarf at the mall after you stupidly got in the vehicle with Leon and left—” He held her look for a second. She didn’t deny it wasn’t the most intelligent thing to do. “Your scent on your scarf.” He shrugged. “I knew you were my mate then.”
Calla laughed softly. “I find out from a shirt, you a scarf.” She leaned closer and inhaled. When she breathed out, he felt her breath on his neck. “I lost a night’s sleep trying to figure out how a wolf was my mate.”
Bear grinned. “I can see that being a puzzle.”
“Right.” She exhaled and then looked at him. “I’m glad you’re a lion and—” Her cheeks flushed again. “—when we’re not in the enemy’s house or transporting anyone, I’d like to explore this—” She motioned between them. “—more.”
“The worst timing ever, right?”
She nodded. “But at least you’re not a wolf.”
Bear grinned. None of what she’d said was a no. His animal felt like he was trying to roll over inside of him. “Not a wolf.” He put his arms in his coat. “You should grab a nap if you can.”
She shook her head. “I’m going to hang out with Edda, but you need sleep because you’re driving first.”
“I am?”
She grinned. “Yes. The room I used is—”
“I know where the room is.”
“Right. I stood in the window.” She rolled her eyes. “You can rest in there. If the storm lessens, I’ll wake you.”
Bear doubted he’d sleep. He wasn’t tired at all. “Okay. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”
She smiled, and the soft look in her eyes made the urge to lick her face fill him again. Grabbing the two bags, he turned away and went to the door.
“Bear?”
He stopped and looked back. “Yeah?”
“You should probably put your boots on.”
Bear looked down at the socks on his feet. He nodded slowly. “Be drier that way.”
She started chuckling and turned back to go into the kitchen.
Maybe he did need sleep.