Therian Promise(78)

“Hold up,” Payne’s voice came over the two-way radio. Kyle adjusted the volume and reseated the tiny transceiver in his ear canal. “Ian’s going to fly ahead and make sure the situation hasn’t changed.”

“Copy that,” Quinn replied then found a relatively safe place to stop.

Ian climbed out of the passenger side of Payne’s SUV and took off his shirt. After tucking his earpiece into the pocket of his jeans, he spread his wings and leapt into the air.

“Why’d he take off his radio?” Ava asked after Ian disappeared above the trees.

“Didn’t want the wind to blow it off,” Carissa guessed. “I flew with him once and it’s really windy up there.”

“You flew with Ian?” There was a little too much envy in Ava’s voice for Kyle’s comfort. He had no doubts about Ava’s loyalty, but her fascination with the raptor was still annoying. “When? Why?”

“Long story,” Quinn grumbled, and Carissa laughed. Apparently, Kyle wasn’t the only one annoyed by their interest in Ian.

“I’ll tell you later,” Carissa promised. “We better focus right now.”

Quinn took off again, his pace slow and steady. Suddenly the truck lurched violently to one side and then the other. Kyle bumped his head against the window before he positioned his hand against the dashboard. “Take it easy.”

“Tell that to the trail. What little there is of it.” Quinn wrestled the wheel with both hands and shifted his gaze between the truck’s mirrors. “They must fly in and out. This is painful!”

Silence spread as the climb grew even more treacherous. Several times the trail was so steep Kyle was tempted to get out and steady the truck. Tree branches scraped against the windows and the seat belt bit into his chest. He glanced at Ava and Carissa, finding each pensive and still.

He accessed his link with Ava, knowing there would be little time for reassurances once the raid began. Despite the looming danger, her emotions were remarkably grounded. An occasional spike of fear flared through her determination, but overall she was calm and—ready. He pushed affection across the connection and she responded with a smile.

“There’s a small clearing after the next descent. We’ll hike in from there,” Ian directed. “We don’t want them to hear our approach.”

Quinn turned the truck around and backed into the cover of a leafy tree. Payne followed suit, positioning the SUV for a fast getaway.

Ian was waiting by the time everyone climbed out. Erin handed him his shirt and he pulled it on as he explained, “The guards work in pairs and follow predictable patterns. This shouldn’t take long.”

Anything involving Osric was never that easy. Kyle reviewed phase one in his mind, trying to anticipate complications. They’d done their best to cover all bases, but there were still so many variables. He gave Ava a quick hug as protectiveness welled within him. She’d outsmarted her wolf pursuers. In fact, he wouldn’t have been able to find her without Carissa’s help.

His people would never accept a leader who had yet to be tested in battle. Like it or not, Ava needed this opportunity. “Keep Erin company for now.” He brushed his lips against Ava’s then stepped back. “We’ll need you soon enough.”

“Let’s do this thing.” Payne wasn’t armed with conventional weapons. Anything he carried into the fight would have to be abandoned once he transformed into one of the guards.

“Follow me.” Ian headed off through the trees and the others fell in behind him. Each of them was more accustomed to giving orders than receiving them, but Ian was the only one with firsthand knowledge of the situation. They hiked up a rise and remained within the trees near the crest until the hill dipped suddenly. Hustling down at an angle, Ian gradually slowed their pace.

Kyle spotted the guards off to his left and Ian motioned for them to fan out. Skirting the target, Kyle crept along, giving the others time to reach their positions. Ian sent a telepathic pulse, signaling the charge. The guards snapped to attention, shouldering their weapons as they scanned their surroundings.

Ian dropped down from a tree, knocking one guard to the ground and kicking his rifle out of reach. Stunned and confused, the guard thrashed. Ian easily deflected the blows. A well-placed punch rendered the guard unconscious then Ian reached into his pocket and withdrew a couple of oversized zip ties so he could restrain his prisoner.

Reaching the second guard a moment later, Kyle and Quinn coordinated their attack. Quinn ripped the rifle out of his hands as Kyle jerked his arms behind his back, preventing him from activating his radio.