Page 78 of To Hunt A Wolf
He glances at the vehicles currently being loaded with people. I can already see that there won’t be enough room in them for all these bodies. And who knows what sort of threat is headed our way already. If we’ll even make it out in time.
“No,” I say, “It’s not.”
“Don’t,” Tripp warns, eyeing me knowingly.
“I did this.”
His gaze hardens into a stony resolve. “No,” he says firmly. “That prick Thiago did this. Don’t let him get off that easy. He’s the one who’ll have to pay.” He grips my shoulders. “And wewillmake him pay.”
I shake loose of his touch, not sure I fully believe that anymore.
“Yeah,” I say anyway. “Okay.” I straighten. “What can I do?”
“Put her in the truck,” Levi says before Tripp can answer.
I look up to see him leading a dozen men through the hangar, every one of them dressed in nothing but shorts.
“I’m not taking a spot in one of the cars,” I say.
Levi frowns. I brace myself for an argument.
“Tripp, take them to the perimeter. Organize and start sweeps,” Levi says.
“You got it.” Tripp gives me a sympathetic look. “Don’t do anything stupid,” he tells me and then jogs off with the security team.
I turn to Levi. “I’m not going to argue about this.”
“Good. Then it’s settled.”
My eyes narrow. “There isn’t enough room as it is. I’m not taking up a spot that should go to someone else.”
“The truck is armored,” he says. “It’s safer for you there.”
“And what about all the women and children? Will they be safer?” He scowls. “Where will you be?” I press.
“Running with the others.”
“Good. I’ll do that.”
He looks ready to argue or maybe even toss me over his shoulder and throw me into the closest trunk. I plant my feet, ready to fight him off, because there’s no way I’m taking a spot away from a mother or her child.
“Let her run with us.”
We both turn to look at Jadick. His hands are full of supplies.
“She’s shady as hell,” he adds when Levi doesn’t answer. “Probably best to keep her where we can see her. Besides, we need her for the plan.”
“I already told you that idea is too reckless,” Levi begins.
“I’m in,” I say quickly.
Jadick beams at me. “Atta girl. Okay, let’s get these vehicles on the road. See you at the checkpoint?”
“Fine,” Levi mutters, and Jadick strides away.
I try—and fail—to hide my victory.
“Don’t look so smug, Mac. If you’re running with me, that means I will tackle your ass before I let you do something stupid.”
