Finding the Dragon (Dásreach Council Book 1) (30 page)

“Kai.” Dar called over the radio. “Kai. Come in.”

“Sorry, I’m here. I just don’t understand who would have known that information and be likely to be a traitor.” He answered.

“Me either, Kai. Only those I thought I could trust know anything. And, most have not been told about your whereabouts. I think it’s best if you take off for Tiranam Dásig as quickly as you can. Until I figure out why they are going after you so hard and why they have targeted women with contact with the tattoo parlors, I think we need to concentrate on that. Get you there, so you can complete the mating ceremony and your mate can be better protected.” Dar said in a resigned voice.

“Agreed. I’ll contact you when I can. You didn’t mention Malkum, so I assume he hasn’t checked in?” Kai asked.

“Not yet, but we’ve sent a few of the better trackers into the bayou to search for any signs.” Dar answered.

“Alright. I’d better get my mate and hit the road. I don’t want them to find us if we can help it.” Kai said.

He and Dar shared a few more goodbyes and then he flipped the switch off.
Shite. This is really ending up a cluster-fuck.
He thought as he walked out of the small room and headed to the larger living space out front. Alvena was sitting at the kitchen counter with a bottle of water and a ham and cheese sandwich in her hand. She turned to him with a gorgeous smile until she saw his face.

“What’s wrong, Kai? What happened? Are Rogue and Nat, okay?” Her voice carried all of the worry in her tone that he saw in her eyes.

“Malkum hasn’t reported in yet, but Charlie called Dar this morning. He and Nat are fine. They had a run in with the men that had followed them, but they are both safe.” He tried to reassure her.

“Well that’s good news. So, why do you look so upset?” She asked.

“We have a traitor and we don’t know who it is.” He stated bluntly. Kai figured it was better to be upfront with Alvena. If he tried to protect her and she found out later, she would be angry that he hadn’t been honest.

“Oh, Kai, I’m sorry. This must be hard for you, but what does that mean for us and our friends?” Alvena had placed what remained of her sandwich on the counter, food long forgotten.

“It means that we need to get moving, because they know the general area where we are.” He looked at her as the situation dawned on her. “We need to get moving and head somewhere where I can keep you safe until we can solve this.”

“Where is that, Kai? Is there anywhere that I can be safe from these men?” She practically begged him to reassure her.

Kai walked over to Alvena and wrapped her small, delicate hands in his own. He rubbed his thumbs back and forth trying to sooth himself as he tried to sooth her. He hadn’t wanted to tell her this until they were farther along on the trip, but he had run out of time. He had hoped to spend more time with her. More time that he could have used to convince her that she was meant to spend the rest of her life with him. A life that would be extended to the long life of a Dásreach after they were mated.

“Alvena, I want us to catch a flight from the nearest airport and head to Tiranam Dásig, the Dásreach community in Colorado.” He waited, hardly breathing, for her reaction.

“Do you think I will be safe there?” She asked.

“Aye.”

“Will your friends bring Nat and Rogue there?”

“Aye. I don’t know how long it will take, but we will bring all three of you there.”

“Okay then, let’s go.” She said as she jumped down and grabbed the duffel bag.

Kai stood in shock as he watched his mate pack what meager provisions and belongings they had into the bag. She stood staring at the flowers he had given her the night before. She stroked the petals as she stared at them.

“I wish I could keep them alive and bring them with me.” She said. “It’s probably not practical, but I want to keep them.”

Alvena pulled the flowers out, dumped the water in the sink, and proceeded to push a flower at a time into the empty bottle until she couldn’t get any more in. She used the cap from the bottle she had been drinking to cap it and then placed it in the bag. She finished off the last of the water in her bottle and then turned to look at Kai.

“Hey, big guy, don’t you think you should get your boots on?” She said as she looked at his feet.

“Definitely.” He responded with a chuckle. His mate continued to surprise him.

*

As they walked through the woods, it soon became obvious that Alvena would never be able to keep up and would soon tire. After a bit of arguing, he had partially shifted and picked her up, carrying her on his back her arms tight around his shoulders and her legs wrapped around his waist. He held on tight to her legs as he jogged through the trees. Kai hoped they would be able to catch a ride at the road to somewhere where they could get transportation. With her on his back they made much better time and before the sun had gotten much past midday, they had reached the road. Kai sat Alvena down and shifted completely back to man.

They walked along the road for probably an hour, when he heard a rumbling in the distance.

“Alvena, get into the woods, lass. Let me make sure it’s safe and then you can come out. If we’re lucky we’ll have a ride.”

Without a word, she hurried into the trees. She hid so well he almost couldn’t see her.
Good enough.
He walked to the edge of the woods and leaned against a tree as he waited for the car to come around a bend in the road behind them.

It didn’t take long and a beat up white pick-up truck soon bumped along the road towards them. He stepped up to the road and waved at the driver. It was an older gentleman and he appeared to be alone. This looked like a possible ride. From the looks of Alvena, he didn’t think she would be able to handle much more walking, so he hoped the old man would give them a lift. Kai watched as the truck came to a slow and rattling stop. The vehicle looked like it might not make it as he checked it over and approached the window. It was already rolled down and he leaned in through it as he looked into the bed of the truck, seeing only ropes, chains, and some old feed sacks. The seat area of the truck was only a single bench seat. No extended cab. There was nowhere for anyone to hide.

“Hello. I was wondering if you could give me and a friend a ride?” Kai asked, trying to sound and look harmless and friendly. Sometimes people could sense that there was something different about him and would do everything they could to get away.

“Howdy,” the old gentleman’s eyes wandered around the area to the side, back, and front of the truck, “but boy, you’re alone.”

Kai turned and waved Alvena out. She walked slowly and carefully to stand beside him.

“Doesn’t hurt to be careful. Our car broke down at a cabin we were staying at and we were out of food. No choice, but to hit the road.” He looked at the old man, wishing for him to accept what he said and give them the ride. The man took a look at Alvena and his eyes softened.

“Well, they call me Bub, and that little gal looks plum tired. Go ahead and get in. I can take you at least a little bit closer to civilization. I’m goin’ to the crossroads just before the bar outside of Grosse Tete. Will that help you out? After I turn there, I’m headin’ in to the bayou, so you’ll want to get off there.”

“That would be lovely.” Alvena responded as she grabbed the door handle.

She pushed Kai out of the way and got into the truck. She shuffled over the seat and sat in the middle. He watched as she looked around for a seatbelt. When she didn’t find one, she looked at Kai and shrugged.

“Well, get in, big guy. You’re holding Bub up.” She said with a grin and turned to Bub. “Thank you so much for the ride. I’m not used to the warmer weather or to walking. It’s a bad combination.”

Smiling at his mate, he placed the duffel on the floorboard of the truck and hopped up onto the seat. He shut the door and Bub started moving down the road again. He didn’t drive exceptionally fast, which was probably a good thing based on the sounds the truck made, but he was at least going faster than Alvena could walk.

“Thank you for the ride, Bub. I was getting worried about my lass here.” Kai said as he hung his arm part way out of the window.

“No problem, son. My momma always told me to do unto others as you want them to do unto you and I definitely would hope someone would stop if I was walkin’ along a road.” Bub replied to Kai. “So, what you all doin’ in these parts? You have a funny accent and your gal here is a Yank.” Kai laughed at the old man’s question.

“Well, I’m originally from Scotland and I live in New Orleans. Al here is visiting from up North and what trip is complete without a stay in the bayou along the waterways?” Kai responded. Shortening Alvena’s name in hopes that it would help them keep some anonymity in case the mercenaries came across Bub and asked him questions.

“That’s true, son. This area is a beaut. I hope you enjoy the rest of your stay young lady.” Bub rambled as he steered the truck around the curves in the road.

Before long, Kai recognized that they were approaching the crossroads. Alvena was busy talking to Bub about what he thought she should see while she was in the area. She had charmed the old codger just like she had him.

“Well, here we are.” Bub said as he pulled to a stop at the crossroads. Kai could see the pub just up ahead along the road they had been traveling.

“Thank you so much for the ride, Bub.” Alvena said to the man. “Can we give you something for your trouble?”

“You are most welcome and definitely not. I’ve been blessed with your presence for a short time. That is payment enough.” He flirted back with Alvena and made Kai laugh.

“In that case Bub, may the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand. That’s something my da always says.” Bub smiled as Kai finished the old Celtic blessing his da would always say when he parted ways with friends he wouldn’t see for a while.

Alvena gave him a peck on the cheek and slid across the seat and jumped down out of the truck. They waved to Bub as he turned and headed down the other road. Alvena began to walk down the road to the pub.

“Come on, big guy, I’m dying of thirst here.” She yelled over her shoulder.

Chapter 21

They walked past several motorcycles as they entered the pub. The dingy room left a bit to be desired, but at this point if the place could provide something to drink and hopefully something to eat, Kai would be happy. Fans ran to keep the stale air moving and only minimal light lit up the place. He wasn’t going to think about the germs. He looked over at Alvena as she approached the bartender.

“Can I get a Coke?” She asked.

“What kind?” The bartender replied as he picked up a glass and scooped up some ice.

“Just a Coke.” Alvena responded with confusion as Kai walked up.

“She’ll have a Coca-Cola.” He said to the bartender, who began to fill the glass at the soda station.

“Yeah, that’s what I said, a Coke.” Alvena said as she looked at Kai and the bartender strangely.

Kai chuckled at Alvena and then turned to the Bartender.

“Do you serve food here?” Kai asked the man behind the bar.

“Just burgers and fries.” The man said as he handed him a greasy plastic covered piece of paper.

Kai looked at Alvena and she shrugged.

“Just two regular cheeseburgers and fries will be fine.” Kai told the man as he placed the menu back on the bar. He wiped his hand on his jeans, trying to remove the greasy feeling. “Our car broke down and we were wondering if there was someplace close where we would be able to get a rental?”

“Not sure. I’ve never had to rent a car.” The man replied. “There’s a phone book by the phone in the back hall. You can check in it.” The man motioned in the direction of the phone as he walked off to put in their food order with the kitchen.

“Alvena, I’m going to go check on the phone book. Why don’t you wait here for the food and enjoy your Coca-Cola?”

“Sounds good to me, Kai. I can’t believe how exhausted I feel and I didn’t even walk as far as you did since you carried me part of the way.” She said distractedly as she clinked the ice in her glass.

“Alvena?” He waited for her to look at him. “No worries, lass. I have a lot more stamina…” he winked at her, “…than the average guy.”

Alvena spit out a piece of ice. It slid down the bar. They both watched it until it stopped. She turned to him a look of horror on her face. She glanced back at the ice and then back at him. After the fourth time, Kai couldn’t help it, he broke down laughing and she slugged him in the arm.

“That wasn’t very nice.” She grouched. “Just go find us some transportation so we can get out of this place. I can feel my life shortening as I speak.”

“Sure thing, lass.”

Kai chuckled all the way back to the phone hanging on the wall in an even dirtier hallway. He carefully picked up the phone book and flipped through it. There were no car rental places listed and he didn’t think he would find anything in the area. He was afraid he was going to have to get something from Baton Rouge, which wasn’t acceptable since the mercenaries supposedly were heading there looking for them. They needed to find something in a completely different direction. The book wasn’t going to help him, so he dropped it on the little shelf by the phone and walked back out into the pub. As his eyes landed on Alvena, she looked at a man that had approached her. Kai’s footsteps picked up speed.