Race to Destiny 4 (6 page)

Striker had left on his own to go pick up a rental car for their trip.  It was safer for all of them if they drove instead of taking a plane or bus.  This gave them more power over their safety.  Once he returned, Eric had checked them out of the room and had Mia down in the garage.  They drove out onto the motorway, heading southeast toward the ferries in Portsmouth.  Striker knew they could take the ferry to France.  He chose Portsmouth because the ferry routes there were large and they could hide among the crowds.

They made only one stop on their way and then they made their final stop at a little cafe on the waterfront.  It had Wi-Fi and Striker was able to check the email for the compound.  There was a message for him there and he had been surprised.  It simply said he should head to his father's childhood holiday house.  His father told him countless stories of his boyhood holiday home where his parents had taken him every summer.  It was located in Ver-
sur-Mer, France.  He was relieved to have a destination.  The email also said they should fly there the next day.

Striker's father knew they were driving
, which meant they should go to the small airport there.  Someone was sending a plane for them.  This was good news and Striker felt relieved.  He turned and looked over at Mia and Eric.  They were sitting at one of the outside tables on the backside of the cafe, facing the water.  Mia laughed at something Eric said and Striker caught himself smiling.  It was nice to see her relaxing a little without the weight of the world on her shoulders.

Striker studied their surroundings, checking each and every section for any threats against his mates.  He didn't see anything that would raise any alarm bells at the moment.  He closed his eyes and sent out his senses, feeling for any nuance of disturbance, and feeling for anything that might show a threat.  He again came up with nothing to set him on edge.  He looked back at his mates and began to walk toward them.  He would take advantage of the time to get to know them both better.

As he approached them, he heard Eric say to Mia, "Do you want to order some lunch?  You hardly ate any breakfast."

Mia shook her head.  "I'm not hungry."

Striker pulled out the chair on the other side of Mia and sat down.  "You need to eat.  We have a long journey.”  He gave Eric a pointed looked and Eric got up to go order some food.

Mia sighed.  "Why do you always do that?"

"Do what?” Striker asked.

"Make everything an order
,” she said.

Striker frowned.  "I do not make everything an order.  I simply offer my suggestion."

"Your suggestion?” she said surprised.  "No.  You order.  Why?"

Striker frowned again.  "I am simply looking out for you, and for Eric."

Mia didn't say anything as she turned to look out over the water.  She seemed pensive as she sipped her coffee and stared at the ocean.  Striker could see she was deep in thought, about what he could only guess.

"Did
he
always give orders?” Striker asked her.

He watched as she stiffened in her seat.  He saw the way her jaw tensed and the way she held her head ramrod straight.  She did
n't say a word for several minutes and he could see her struggling to swallow as she sat there.  Just when he thought to change the subject he had brought forward too soon for her, she began to speak.

"He...he was evil.  He always gave orders
,” she said softly, so softly he almost didn't hear her if not for his inhuman hearing.  He remained quiet as she continued, "He...did...things.”  She shuddered and said nothing more.  It was enough for now.  He slid his hand along the table and took hers, sliding their fingers together, and weaving them as one.  She allowed him to hold her hand and they sat in silence until Eric came back to them.

Eric sat down the tray of food and noticed the change in atmosphere at the table. 
'What is going on?’
he asked Striker through their link.

'Mia is opening up a little.  She mentioned
him,
’
Striker told him.

Eric raised an eyebrow at him. 
'Really?  That's a good sign, right?
’  He handed Striker a burger as well, then took his own.

'I think so.  We just have to let her control the speed at which this train is going
,’
Striker added.

Eric looked over at Mia who was frowning at them.  "What?  I got you a burger."

Mia shook her head.  "No, that's great.  I don't know, for a minute it looked like you two were communicating without speaking.  Do werewolves do that?"

Eric looked surprised for a moment until he heard Striker's voice in his head say,
'She thinks we are werewolves.  Let it be for now.’ 
Eric took a breath and said aloud to her, "We weren't communicating any way but with our facial expressions."

"Uh
…huh.”  Mia looked unconvinced.  Without saying another word, she picked up her burger and began to eat.  They ate in silence for a while, watching the boats and people along the harbor.  Striker kept sending out feelers as they ate, keeping an eye out for any threats of any kind.

*
****

Diavolo
read all the emails and found the one sent to Striker.  He knew Drago, Striker's father, would code the email so only he and his son would know what it would say.  He read it over and over again, looking for the true meaning.  He then began to research the holdings of the family.  He found they had several in many different countries, which was even more frustrating.  He knew they had to be discreet so he sent men to every port conceivable to escape from.  Maybe one of them would call soon, he had to get a lead, or Diavolo would have his hide.

Just then, his phone rang.  He picked it up and barked, "What?"

"Sir, we found them.  They are in Portsmouth at the waterfront waiting on a ferry,” one of his men informed him.

"Excellent.  Keep your distance.  I am on my way
,” he ordered.

"Yes, sir."

He hung up and headed out.  He was only a couple of hours away in driving distance.  He could hop a copter and be there in a half hour.  He smiled, they wouldn't know what hit them and he would finally have a bargaining chip against his brother.  He would have to help him or risk being outted to the masses.

**
***

As Striker watched Mia play with her food, he felt a ripple in his scanning.  He immediately became alert and that alerted Eric.  They both began to search their surroundings
, keeping everything calm at the table.  They didn't want to alert Mia and get her upset yet; soon they would lose her to the fear again.  It angered Striker and Eric both to know that whoever was out there had once again already taken Mia away from them mentally and emotionally.

Striker let his rage roll through him and was surprised when he felt Mia's hand on his own.  She had felt his emotional shift and responded to it.  Their mate link was strengthening and it was surprising how strong it was.  He turned his hand to give hers a squeeze of reassurance.  He turned to look at Eric.

'Be ready to take Mia away from here.  My father sent an email for us to meet a plane in a town called Ver-sur-Mer, France.  Go there.  You both will be safe,
’ Striker sent.

'What about you?
’ Eric asked.

'I will be fine.  I am going to stop whoever this is from following you
,
’ Striker told him.

"No.  We all go together.
”  Mia cut in and both men looked at her then each other in shock.  When she saw their looks to one another, she said, "It's easy to read you both.  There is danger, I understand that.  But we go together or not at all."

"Mia, you need to let Eric take you away from here.  I need to stop this threat against us
,” Striker said to her.

Mia shook her head.  "I can't leave anyone behind.  They are evil.  I know what they will do
,” she said in a whisper of emotion.

Striker could see she was full
of emotion that would boil over at any moment.  He wanted to keep her calm, not lose any of the headway they had made so far.  He scanned the area again and knew there were two men watching them from an SUV in the back of the parking lot.  For the moment, they seemed to be staying put as their heartbeats and breathing didn't show any aggression.  They were to watch, that told him there were more Rogues on the way.  If they were going to go together, they needed to go now.

The jet touched down and Orfeo, Dante, Tripp, and Marshall got out of the SUV.  Bane and Brin were back at the compound working with the leaders of the different groups who had moved onto the Senate's compound.  They were trying to use every form of magic they had at their disposal to build a barrier to keep the Rogues out.

The
jet door folded out to reveal stairs and then two Enforcers came out, scanned the area, and then moved to the bottom of the staircase.  The men on the ground watched as Jaden stepped through the doorway first and then turned to help his mate exit.  She took his hand and they descended the stairs together.  Cami looked regal as she stepped onto the ground, turning as the other members of her flight joined her.  Jo, Tey, Darien, and Cloe joined them at the bottom as they all converged on the Senate members, shaking hands in greeting.

"Orfeo!
”  Cami gave him a hug and he awkwardly hugged her back.  She had the same greeting for all the men, and then said, "Let's go.  We have a lot to do."

Everyone chuckled as Cami gave orders, loading everyone in the SUVs
, they all knew not to interfere with the firecracker Alpha, especially when she was on a mission.  As Cami, Jaden, Orfeo, and Tripp settled into their SUV, Cami began firing questions.

"Fill us in.  Have we heard from them?
” Cami demanded.

Orfeo shook his head.  "No, we have not heard from them but we know that Drago, Striker's father, sent the message
by email.  We can only hope he picks it up."

"We also have Bane and Brin back at the compound working with the others there to fortify the compound with magic
,” Tripp said.  "We also doubled the security and closed the gates since the attack.  Orfeo's father has done the same."

"Good.  We can also speak to the witches and see if any spells will help
,” Cami said.  "Adele may be able to help us.  I will call her when we get to the compound."

The men looked at
Jaden who had been silent all this time and he said, "Don't look at me, she is running this show.  I am along for a break from our compound.  Whatever you need from me, I'm there."

Orfeo inclined his head to
Jaden.  "Thank you, Alpha.  We are glad you are all here."

"Our first mission is to fortify the compound while we get Mia there safely
,” Cami said as she continued to talk, listing the things she was going to need, and asking about the women of the Senate.

When they arrived at the compound, the women were all there to welcome their guests and squeals hurt the ears of all the men as the women embraced each other.  They began to all chat at once, asking about the kids and others back in Milliken.  Then Cat announced that her father-in-law had sent his wine, Cami's favorite, over, several cases in fact
, and the women headed into the large living area to begin drinking.  The visitors were also thrilled to see Fredi had cooked their favorites from her restaurant back in Milliken for them.  Everyone settled in to chat and catch up as the men snuck away to hold their own, quieter meeting in Orfeo's large office.

"So, preggers, yay!
” Cami said as she hugged Cat.  "I am so happy for you guys."

Cat blushed and said, "Thanks, Cam.  We are really happy.
”  Then she turned to Cloe.  "I just wish it was you that would be here to deliver.  The doctor here is so serious and grumpy most days."

Fredi
laughed and said, "She's complaining because he won't let her eat cookies and cake any time she wants."

"Yeah and he tells her mates everything
,” Jax added.

Cat stuck her tongue out and said, "Seriously, he sucks."

Cloe laughed with them.  "I know how hard it can be.  Don't worry, I'm sure you will do fine but if things get really bad, call me and I will come."

"Thanks, Cloe
,” Cat said as she went over and hugged Cloe.

"Oh, ok
ay there hormones, come sit down.”  Cloe took Cat's hand to guide her to the couch.  "You should be resting,” she said firmly in her doctor voice.

"
Fredi, these are so yummy,” Cami said around a mouthful of cookie.

"They are really good, but I will bet she knows that
,” Jo said as she ate one too.

Cloe took a sip of the wine and moaned.  "This wine is so good."

"Oh yeah it is.  It is obviously a wine night tonight.  But partying will have to wait until we have Mia safe here at the compound,” Cami announced.

All the women nodded in agreement.  "We have been working with the Fae here to see if they can connect with Eric to get a message to him
,” Cat told her.  "They haven't been able to."

"Hopefully Striker got the email
,” Jax said to them.

They all agreed and then they were all quiet, each thinking about Mia and hoping she was safe.  They all also hoped that she was on her way to the compound.  Then she would be safe, the memory of what had happened to Mia at the hands of Roarke was still fresh in everyone's mind.

*****

Striker leaned forward at the table and said, "We are all going to get up slowly and make our way to other side of the building.  The ferry is getting ready to board and I want you two to be the first to board."

"What about you?  You have to come with us,” Mia said urgently.  They could see her breathing beginning to change and Eric took her hand in his. She knew this was gonna suck,
damn it, her past month was catching up to her again
.  The thought of any of them being caught by Roarke was scary.  He would torture them, just like he had her.  The thing that sucked was that Roarke never asked her a fucking question other than who she had talked to. 
Freak
, but she would not let that happen to her men.  She owed them that much for all the help they were giving her. 
Shit
, she thought and looked at the guys, she would worry about thinking of them as hers later when they were safe.

"Mia, look at me
,” Eric commanded.  "Breathe slowly.  Do not lose it on us now.  We need you to be strong."  She wanted to roll her eyes but she couldn’t right then.  They mistook her worry for fear, when it was determination and anger.  Mia would kill anyone who tried to hurt them.

Striker took her other hand.  "Mia, I am going to get the car and put it on the ferry last, so we will be first off.  I promise I will be on the ferry
,” he said calmly.

Mia was trying to slow her breathing and when Striker spoke to her, she sighed.  "Oh, okay, good.  Okay.  I can do this.
  And just so you know, I am not scared, I am pissed, there is a difference and one you all should get used to.  I am no one’s doormat, and will never let myself become one again."

Striker leaned over and kissed her.  He couldn't stop himself, his mate was so beautiful.  Even in
a tizzy, she was worried for them.  It endeared her to him on a deep level.  He knew she was a strong woman but this just reaffirmed it.  The spark of anger and power she had shown made him hard, twisted he realized, but it was what it was.  He plundered her mouth, taking possession and showing her his emotions.  She kissed him back with fervor, pressing her upper body against his.  He picked her up without breaking the kiss and set her upon his lap.

Her moan as his arms wrapped around her set his body on fire and she followed by putting hers around his neck.  He felt Eric's elation through their link at Mia's response to his kiss.  Suddenly, Mia pulled back from the kiss and while he wanted to keep her close, he let her go.  She sat back and looked at both men with desire in her eyes.  She closed her eyes and took a few deep breaths.

"We need to go.  It is not safe here for us,” Mia whispered.

Eric stood and took her hand to help her up.  "Come then.
”  He looked at Striker.  "We will see you aboard."

Striker nodded and smiled at Mia.  "No worries, love.  See you soon."

"See that you do,” Mia said in a firm voice.  “Or I will kick that perfect ass.”

He had to bite back a grin as he inclined his head in acknowledgement.  He watched as Eric led Mia on board the ferry and then he turned to head to the car.  The entire time his senses kept check of the men in the car, making sure they stayed put.  It seemed the ferry had sold out and the men weren't able to get on so once Striker had parked the car on the ferry, he sought out the captain.  Using his powers as
a vampire, he suggested they leave a bit early and shove off from the dock.  The captain, as other humans, was susceptible to his suggestion.

As the ferry left the dock early, the men in the car jumped out and ran to the end of the dock.  Striker stood on back and watched them pace furiously back and forth.  He knew that more men would await them in France and that worried him.  They had gotten away this time, but would they survive the next?

With that question on his mind, he turned and headed toward the bow of the ferry to search out his mates.  He wanted them all together to face what was to come.