Jacob ended up reading the letter to them – his Romanian sounded pretty sweet on the password part – I was too busy rereading the note trying to glean every facet of information from Louis’ message.
Maximus drew my attention. “So we just keep following this road?”
I didn’t answer right away, using my time to alternate between watching the mountain road and looking down at the note. I was expecting it, and sure enough a map started to appear along the space at the bottom.
“Yes, just keep on this path,” I finally said, leaning my head out between Braxton and Maximus.
Of course, once I was this close to the dragon shifter I couldn’t help myself, his scent drew me closer. Before I knew it I was pretty much snuggled into his face. What can I say? I was needing some comfort, and he was the best.
“You okay?” His low grumbly tone washed over me.
I nodded. “I just want this month to be over. I need to know if I’m going to be running and hiding for eternity, and, on a side note, this thousand year anniversary can just go screw itself. I’m over waiting to see what will happen with the dragon king…”
A shimmer caught my eye. “There!” Mischa and I yelled at the same time.
Everyone else in the car swung their heads to stare out the left side.
The opening in the side of the mountain had appeared out of nowhere. And I would bet my last piece of cake – no, wait not my cake – I’d bet the quads’ last piece of cake that a human would never have seen a thing. It had that golden sheen over the entrance, the same type which protected Stratford and deterred any but supernaturals from entering.
“What did you see?” Maximus’s brow was wrinkled, his brown eyes darting around.
I glanced at the rest of the car’s occupants. Everyone but Mischa and I looked confused.
“It’s right there,” I said, turning back to the glow. I even pointed this time so there was no way they could miss it. If Braxton didn’t slow soon we were going to drive right past.
I wrapped my arm across his massive chest. “Stop the car, Brax.”
I had a strong suspicion I knew what was going on now. Since no one but Mischa and I could see this entrance, it had to have something to do with the dragon mark. This was what Louis’ note meant about following my lead. We were going to have to guide the others in.
Although, considering Mischa had little training and was not connected to her dragon – if she had one – I was going to be the one going in.
Braxton pulled the car over to the edge of the road, onto a small graveled area with just enough room for our SUV. Actually, we were still half on the road, but it was the best we had right now.
“What’s going on, Jess?” He captured my gaze, and I knew without any doubt that he was going to fight me on this.
I brought my face very close to his. I could see every facet of his stunning blue eyes, a color which had haunted my dreams of late, for more than one reason. “I need you to trust me. I’m going to have to do something you won’t like.”
His reply was instant. “No fucking way!” The dragon in him rose to the forefront and I could see the unmovable beast that was such a part of his personality. “You step one foot out of this car and we're going to have an issue.”
My own dragon and wolf responded in kind. We did not like being dictated to, even if I knew it was because he loved me and didn't want danger slithering its slimy ass anywhere in my vicinity. I think, if he could, Braxton would have wrapped me in cotton wool and secured me in a remote location.
I caught Maximus’ eye, and with a sigh he gave me an almost imperceptible nod. While my vamp’s features had tightened, I knew he would back me on this. Mainly because he was not exactly aware of my full plan. I leaned forward, and before Braxton could reach for me I kissed him a solid smack on the cheek, flung my door open, and dived off of Jacob’s lap.
Braxton’s curses rang free. I didn’t look back. Maximus would be using his bulk to detain his brother. I wouldn’t have long, no one could hold Braxton down, but hopefully it was enough time. I didn’t want to do this, running into the unknown without my pack, but Louis’ note made it clear: it had to be me. And I didn’t feel like sitting through the six hours of arguing it would take before the Compasses grudgingly agreed to let me go. Action was better.
Okay, and maybe my wolf was feeling a little reckless after the many hours of being cooped up.
The cold was icy enough to take my breath away, but my metabolism kicked in and heat followed the rush of blood through my body. The car had stopped about ten yards from the small opening into the mountain. The golden glow gave me a moment’s pause, but I trusted that Louis wouldn’t have sent me into anything too crazy.