Chapter 5

Deva went outside and inhaled deeply, taking in the scents around her. She was happy they were not stuck in a city. Lately, the ops were all in overcrowded areas, and the teams were squished into safe houses that were set up for half the number in them. It was a good thing none of them were long-term.

Amari and Tripp came out. Both were smiling. “We’re going for a run.” Amari gave her mate a side-eye look.

Deva knew exactly what they were up to. “Enjoy.”

“Always.” Tripp took Amari’s hand and tugged her toward the bush.

Turning around, Deva walked over to the other side of the yard. She should go for a quick run too. No telling when the next chance she’d have to do it.

Asher pulled up the drive and parked beside the car Taggart had been driving. It didn’t take them long to get out. She could only imagine how tedious it had been sitting on top of the hill for two days.

Amari had filled her in on Journey’s story, and Deva had been speechless. To go through what she had for eighteen years was incredible. It only added to the importance of getting everyone off the island.

She heard the door close and figured it was them going inside. The next breath she took told her that Taggart had come outside. Her animal was closer just with his presence. Turning around, she watched him walk slowly toward her. He moved silently, with a grace that only a true predator had.

He stopped a few feet from her. “I talk to Devin, and he was quite pleased Dobry and Demir track the king.”

“They know where he is?” She held her breath. If they did, plans would change as soon as they were done with the island.

His eyes searched her face for a moment. “Soon. They know what city he was brought to.”

“Close to Aiden Tomas, no doubt.”

“Ja.” He shrugged. “Makes for easy to rescue king and put Tomas in the ground.” He shrugged. “So to speak.”

“No, that’s an accurate ending for that monster.”

“Monster? You think Aiden Tomas is monster?” He took off his jacket, folded it, and set it on the ground. “He is not the baddest one I have saw.” He straightened up and looked at her again. “We are to stop them all.” He nodded. “The monsters.”

Deva inhaled slowly and glanced at the bush, “Yes. No matter how long it takes.”

“Ja. No matter how long.”

She took a deep breath and tried to exhale some of the tension filling her.

“What is bother you?”

“There is so much on the line with this island thing.” She gave him a brief look, “That’s what’s bothering me.”

“Bothering.” He looked down at the ground. “I do no know on the line.”

Deva grinned for a second. “It’s so important that we are successful. That’s what I meant.”

He stood there and looked at her, a serious expression on his face. “We will be victorious, beauty Deva. Do not worry over that.” Taggart moved closer and reached slowly, taking her hand. “I want for to kiss you, but I think is too soon. Your cat is not sure of me.” He held her hand gently, his thumb brushing back and forth along it as he looked at her. “For now, come run with me. My cat wants to meet with yours.”

It was cute how he said cat slowly now, so he was sure he used the right word. “I was going to go for a run.” His smile was slow and dangerously sexy.

“Ja. We run.” Lifting their hands, he kissed hers lightly and then released it. “Go. Become your cat, and I follow.”

“Okay.” She smiled, not even sure why she was. Everything he did was a surprise to her.

“Go quick, or I will be lured to watch you, and I think not yet. I like thinking of how your look without clothes.” His grin was mischievous.

She felt her cheeks flush and was glad it was getting dark and he wouldn’t notice. So many surprises, her own reaction included.