Warrior (Relentless #4)(78)

The line went silent for a moment. “Is she…?”

“She’s back, Tristan. She’s safe.”

“What?” His voice shook. “How…? You found her?”

“She came home on her own. I’ll explain it when I see you. It’s not something we can discuss over the phone.”

“Is she okay?”

I laughed gruffly. “She’s perfect, and I’m bringing her home.”

Tristan exhaled. “The plane will be there in a few hours. I’ll notify the Council that I’ll be a day or two late for the meetings. I wish I could cancel my trip,” he said regretfully.

We both knew he wouldn’t. The Council oversaw crucial Mohiri business, and they couldn’t put their job on hold because too much depended on them. The safety and prosperity of our people came above the personal lives of the Council members. It was a vow they took when they joined the Council.

“We’ll stay here tonight and leave tomorrow,” I told him. “Sara returned only an hour ago, and she’s dealing with a lot. She needs a night with Nate.”

“He’s welcome here as well.”

“I told them that, but he wants to stay in Maine. He’ll visit during the holidays.”

“I look forward to meeting him,” Tristan replied sincerely. It sounded like he was typing on his keyboard. The man was always busy. “I’m sending word to the pilot to change his flight plan. Do you have enough security there tonight?”

“I’m calling Erik’s team back from Boston as backup until we get on the plane. Chris is in Portland, so he can be here in an hour. I’m also going to ask Maxwell to provide protection. Two of her werewolf friends are already inside with her.”

“Are you sure it’s safe for her to stay in the apartment after what happened?”

I looked down at several blackened spots on the landing, a burnt offering from the last unwelcome person who tried to enter the apartment.

“The building is warded with troll magic, so it’s the safest location for her tonight.”

“Troll magic,” he repeated in wonder. “My granddaughter is an extraordinary person. I’m eager to get to know her.”

“Yes, she is.” My smile dimmed. “I need to tell you she’s still not ready to meet her Mohiri family. She needs a little time to adjust first.”

“I understand,” he said sadly. “I only want her to be happy.”

“We’ll make sure she is.”

He cleared his throat. “Does Sara know yet about the bond?”

I rubbed my jaw. “No. I’m going to wait until we get to Westhorne and give her some time to settle in first.” I needed to think of the best way to broach the delicate subject with her. She trusted me and I believed she cared for me, but was she ready to see me as more than a protector and a friend?

“That’s a wise idea,” Tristan said. “I know you’ll do what is best for her.”

“I will,” I replied roughly. I would do whatever it took to ensure her happiness.

“Well, I need to call the Council and inform them I’ll be late because my granddaughter is coming home,” he said, and I could tell he wore a wide smile. “I’ll see you and Sara tomorrow, my friend.”

“Tomorrow.”





Chapter 14





I heard a soft gasp from the back seat when we pulled into the hanger. Sara had been quiet during the drive from New Hastings, and Chris and I had left her to her thoughts. Now, she leaned forward to stare through the windshield at the jet waiting for us.

“You guys own a plane?” she asked incredulously.

Chris chuckled as he put the SUV in park. “I told you we would travel in style.”

She made a face. “I thought you meant we’d be flying first class.”

“We are. Every seat on the jet is first class.” He unbuckled his seat belt and reached for his door. “And look, no lines.”

She sank back against her seat. “Roland and Peter are not going to believe this.”

I smiled at the wonder that had replaced the unease in her voice. Getting out of the vehicle, I opened her door. “Come on, they’re waiting for us.”

She slid out and walked to the jet steps. At the bottom, she hesitated a moment, and then she grasped the handrail and entered the jet.

“This is amazing,” she breathed when I followed her inside. She sank down in the wide window seat in the first row and ran her hands over the soft leather arms. “I figured you guys had money, but this is unbelievable.”

“It’s your money too.” I turned back to the door. “I’m going to help them load your things, and then we’ll take off.”

“Okay,” she said quietly, and I could hear the nervousness she was trying to hide.

Five minutes later, everything was onboard, and Chris, Erik, and I climbed into the jet. Chris and Erik went to the back, and I let the pilot know we were ready for takeoff. Then I took the seat next to Sara.

“Can you tell me where we’re going now?” she asked.

“Idaho.”

“Idaho?” She frowned. “I don’t know much about Idaho except they grow potatoes.”

I laughed. “Westhorne is about an hour north of Boise, close to the mountains. We don’t grow potatoes, but we have lots of trees and rivers. The closest town is Butler Falls, which is five miles away.”