When the vans stopped at the Parkland gas station, 20 minutes later. Keira felt on edge as soon as they arrived. She knew that the rogue numbers had been increasing, and she didn't want to allow them the opportunity to come within striking distance. The Task Force never used the same road twice when they traveled for missions or other TF tasks.
Her grandfather had always told Keira that there were two types of rogues: those who were desperate and hungry, or those who were being led by someone. Keira really hoped they would have kept going. Something was telling her not to stop here.
Marcus began giving out instructions regarding sleeping arrangements, guard shifts, and getting provisions. Keira stayed in the van with the General.
"What else do you know about this area?" General Donovan asked when they were alone.
"The Task Force believes that these rogues are being led by someone," Keira replied.
"Usually, we don't see a group bigger than five, but we know that their numbers have been increasing. Their attacks are now planned and strategic."
"General Donovan," Keira said, turning to face him. "We should leave as soon as possible."
"I didn't think you scared easily," was his reply.
"I don't," Keira countered. "But something is happening. Something big that we haven't seen yet. There is no Task Force to stop it. Don't forget, stopping rogues was one of our primary tasks in protecting the Kingdom and keeping the packs safe."
"Nothing can bring me down," General Donovan stated. "I wouldn't worry so much about it. I'll make sure you're safe."
'I'm not worried about my safety,' she wanted to say, but kept quiet.
At that moment, she felt them. A presence like no other. It was dark and cold and uncaring. It was void of happiness and anything nice. It belonged to the rogues…there was more than one of them. Keira didn't need a fancy title or position to know that they were out there.
'Aren't they paying attention?' Sabelina asked. 'Can't they tell that they are out there? Do they think they won't attack?'
'I don't think they will with the General around,' Keira stated. 'But what I'm more worried about is that they are here. They have started noticing the coming and going of important people leaving the palace. They shouldn't know when we left and when we will arrive. Someone is probably feeding them information.'
Sabelina didn't comment.
As night fell, Keira decided to stay in the van. She really wanted to go out and stretch her legs, but there was something stopping her. It wasn't that she was afraid; it was more like her instincts were on overdrive, and they were telling her to watch her back. She no longer had the Task Force power or protection, it was just her now against everything.
She definitely had to watch her actions from this point on. Keira wasn't sure where she stood with General Donovan, and she sure didn't know if he would protect her. Sure, they were mates, but he hadn't been acting like he had wanted her to stay or be his mate for that matter.
'Keira,' Sabelina warned when a familiar scent wafted through the open windows.
'That son of a bitch should be dead,' Keira said, almost growling out loud. 'I thought we had killed him.'
'Apparently, fate has other plans for him,' Sabelina replied. 'Are we going to speak with him?'
'I know what he wants,' Keira stated. 'I don't know if we should go and speak with him. He's not the type to seek us out. Something must have changed.'
While Keira debated what she should do, General Donovan got into the van and sat next to her.
"I can sense your uneasiness," he said, glancing at her. "What's wrong?"
Keira stared at him, surprised. She didn't think that he would come and speak to her.
'We may have judged him too quickly,' Sabelina admitted. 'Maybe bonding with him wasn't so bad.'
"Do you feel that presence outside?" Keira asked.
"I feel something sinister," he replied.
"That is my good friend Nikolai," Keira said. "I've killed him twice, but somehow he keeps on living."
"He's not alone," General Donovan stated.
"No, he isn't," Keira agreed. "He has other rogues with him."
"They shouldn't know we are here," she continued. "I assumed our departure was secret or at least need to know."
"It was secret," the General said, frowning slightly. "Not many people would know when we left."
"Someone told them," Keira stated. "Someone we know can't be trusted."
General Donovan's frown deepened, but he didn't comment.
"I'm going to go speak to him," Keira decided. "I need to know what game he is playing."
"You shouldn't go alone," he said.
"He won't attack me," Keira assured him. "I get the feeling that Nikolai is acting on orders. He would have attacked by now if he had gotten orders to do so."
Keira stood.
"Don't worry, I'll be fine," she said and planted a quick kiss on his forehead before heading out of the van.
Keira walked past all the sleeping figures and headed toward the building. As she approached the darkest area, a figure materialized from the darkness nearby.
"Captain Grace," the figure greeted in a low rumbling voice. "Long time no see."
"Nikolai," Keira greeted with an ease that she didn't feel. "I thought I wouldn't see you again."
"You almost didn't," he admitted, pointing to his face.
There were three long scars across his face, stretching from his forehead down toward his chin. His left eye was glossed over, his cheek and lips were all but destroyed.
"You got me good," he continued.
"Well, I didn't want you to forget me," Keira replied, smiling. "After all, I had been looking for you for a long time."
"We've been playing cat and mouse for 2 years," Nikolai stated. "I think it's about time we settle the score once and for all."
"I've been waiting on you," Keira said. "You're the one who is always running away and going to hide for months. How about we settle it tonight? Just get it over with, huh?"
"Not tonight, my dear captain," Nikolai answered. "I don't want to deal with the Alpha of the Crystal Mountains. My men aren't ready for that type of battle."
"Who says I'll ask for help?" Keira asked.
"No Alpha would let their Luna get attacked," Nikolai said, smiling.
"Should I start calling you Luna now?" he asked thoughtfully. "I don't want to be disrespectful."
'He's well informed,' Sabelina stated with a low growl.
"You can call me whatever you want," Keira said, shrugging. "If calling me Luna helps you sleep at night, so be it."
Nikolai let out a loud barking laugh. Keira kept a smile on her face. His laugh hadn't improved much.
"My dear Luna," Nikolai said, shaking his head. "I can't wait to hunt you down and kill you."
"We shall see who kills whom first," Keira replied.
Instead of replying, Nikolai turned around and disappeared into the forest. Keira didn't move until she could no longer sense the rogues in the area.
'You were right,' Sabelina said. 'He is following orders. They all are.'
'What I want to know is why and who,' Keira replied as she headed back to the van.
'We need to watch our backs,' Sabelina continued. 'He's ready to settle the score.'
'I'm aware,' Keira replied. 'I've been trying to kill him for two years.'
Deep in thought, Keira walked past the sleeping figures and got back into the van. Moments later, General Donovan joined her.
"What did he want?" he asked.
"To talk," Keira replied. "He's ready to settle the score."
"He's attacking?" the General asked, alarmed.
"No," she replied. "Just wanted to let me know that our game of cat and mouse is going to be ending soon."
"Will he come after you?"
Keira nodded. That was the most likely scenario.
"I'll make sure you're safe," he said. "Whether I like it or not, you're part of my pack now."
Keira flexed her jaw in annoyance. It wasn't if she had any choice in the matter to be part of his pack.
"Don't worry yourself over it," Keira said stiffly. "I can take care of myself. I would hate to be a burden to you. You seem to be very busy."
"I am busy," he stated.
Keira's annoyance grew.
"Yes, I can see that," Keira replied. "If you don't mind, I would like to get some rest."
Keira indicated to the van's door when the General didn't make a move to leave.
'What a jerk,' Sabelina said, pouting. 'He was ready to bond with us but still doesn't want us around.'
'I don't think he ever will,' Keira said as the General left. 'We stuck with a mate that doesn't even want us. One that will fulfill his obligation to us and nothing more.'
The next morning, the group packed up and got ready to leave. Keira used the facilities and showered before going to join the group. Being around Nikolai had left a disturbing feeling on her skin, and all she wanted to do was clean it off.
Keira kept her annoyance in check. She didn't want to affect the rest of the wolves riding with them. She needed them to be alert if Nikolai decided to return. She doubted that they would, but Keira learned long ago not to trust a rogue.
When everyone was back in the vans, the group set out once more. Keira stared out the window and ignored anything else that was going on around her.