Hunter's Heart (Alpha Pack #4)(66)

"We should get ready to go. The day is almost gone," Ryon pointed out.

"Wish we didn't have to."

"There's nothing I'd like more than to blow off this whole thing." He sighed. "Sometimes it sucks being the good guy."

"I wouldn't have you any other way."

He winked. "Really? Because I'm saving my bad boy side just for you."

"Sounds good to me."

They began to gather their things and finally headed out for her uncle's estate. If they managed to escape him a second time, it would be a miracle.

. . .

The scent of his mate on his own skin was driving him out of his frigging mind. He wanted to throw her to the ground and make love to her again. And again.

The woman had turned his heart inside out. Like a little boy playing with matches, he hadn't been able to resist her spark. The flames would burn out of control, consume them. And it would be worth the burn.

He wasn't sure whether he'd tasted heaven or had been cast into hell. Probably both. Pausing, he wiped the sweat from his brow. Her nearness wasn't the only reason he was about to spontaneously combust.

"Are you okay?" Daria asked, touching his shoulder.

He turned and gave her his best reassuring smile. "No worries."

She wasn't buying. Feeling his forehead for the hundredth time, she scowled. "I think your fever is getting worse, and you're limping."

"I was nearly the main course for lunch. Of course I'm limping."

"Men can be such idiots. Here, let me take your temperature again."

She slung her pack off, but he laid a hand on her arm. "I am not putting another one of those paper thermometers under my tongue. Put it away, will you? You're starting to freak me out."

"You've had worse things in your mouth, my wolf. And last time I checked it was one hundred point three."

"From being near you, angel."

She scowled. "Insufferable man."

He sighed in exasperation, but he had to admit it was nice being fussed over by his beautiful woman. "You've cleaned and changed the dressings. There's nothing else to do, so stop worrying."

"The wounds are red and angry, Ryon. We need to get you out of here."

"And we will, as soon as the job is done."

Daria uttered a ripe curse, and he laughed. "Come on, my stubborn mate. Let's go."

The rest of the day passed uneventfully, except for Daria's occasional poking and prodding. They talked about trivial subjects, mostly growing up, families, and school. He learned that Daria had been valedictorian of her senior class, while he'd been the guy voted most likely to wind up in the Marines, like his father, though he'd taken a different path with the Navy. He'd had a bit of wandering spirit, even in his youth.

Close to dusk, they made camp as close to August's estate as he dared. He found a secluded spot in the foliage for them to await their next move.

Daria checked his wounds and temperature again, clearly unhappy. "Nearly one hundred and two. Your wolf isn't fighting this off."

"We'll be inside August's complex tonight, right after dark, get what we came for, transfer those files to the compound, and then we're out. By this time tomorrow, we'll be on our way home. I'm good."

"Getting away will be twice as dangerous as before, and you're getting sick. Why don't you wait outside and save your strength while I go in and-"

His patience snapped. "Not a f**king chance. Don't push this."

"Fine, be an ass." Daria fell quiet.

Ryon studied Daria from under his lashes. She sat on the ground with her knees drawn up to her chin, arms around her legs. He thought she planned to ignore him until it was time for the job, but he was wrong.

"I love you," she said quietly.

"I love you, too, baby." He met her gaze, throat tight. "Listen. If I don't make it, get the hell out and get to the team. Don't look back."

"Forget that. I won't leave you." She paused. "What if neither of us makes it?"

"Then try to hold my hand so we're not alone." He reached out to her and she clasped her fingers in his, their previous argument forgotten in light of the danger to come.

"I promise."

By nightfall, she hadn't let go of him. Saying a quick prayer, he nodded at her. Cautiously, they made their way to the very edge of the property.

The estate stood eerily silent. A few lights were on inside the grounds, the glow reminding Ryon of multiple eyes on a huge poisonous spider, crouched and waiting in the darkness.

Time to slay the beast.

Chapter Thirteen

Only a couple of armed guards were visible, hovering near the corners of the main house. Looks, however, were deceptive.

"Where is everyone?" Daria whispered, palming the SIG he'd given to her. "He always had several more guards posted whenever I visited."

"Many of them are still out looking for us. The rest are around. If they spot us, it'll be like kicking a fire ant mound."

"I vote we hit while they're full and sleepy from dinner and booze. August doesn't allow them to drink on duty, but that hasn't ever stopped them from sneaking a few rounds after he goes to bed."