Page 138 of Bosse
Good thinking,Adrian sent back. That would make the most sense. While Red was the fastest of the two, Justin’s grizzly Herc had the size to match the lion since they both agreed Krol would not give up. Herc would take any opening to make the kill.
Waiting had never been Adrian’s strong suit, not like Justin’s ability. Similar to his bear, Justin could sit silently for days if that was required to accomplish his mission.
Justin said,I’m surprised Ivo didn’t demand to be part of this operation.
Adrian could understand Magdelina’s mate being out of his mind with worry and ready to kill everything between him and his mate. Adrian wouldn’t stay put if Jaz were in trouble, but Ivo did not have the military training he and Justin possessed. He might get Magdelina killed with a wrong move, the last thing her mate wanted to have happen.
Adrian replied,He did. Ivo would have come if the Guardian had shared our intel. We’d have spent as much time and energy keeping him alive as anyone he deemed guilty of aiding Krol.
I’d be the same, Justin admitted.
But you wouldn’t lose your head and kill Eriko before we found out where Krol had taken the women.
You’re right about that.Justin was quiet, then said, I just wish we could keep him updated without putting the women at risk.
I’d like to as well, but the Guardian tasked us with bringing her home and said he’d deal with Ivo because that bear is going to be pissed at being told to stand down.
The sound of wheels turning in dirt preceded Krol’s garish wagon decorated to advertise tinctures, knives, and metal pots. If it had been an authentic gypsy wagon, things would have been hanging on the sides and clanging.
As the wagon passed their observation point, Adrian saw a guard from the estate jogging behind. He didn’t have a wolf shifter smell but that of a werewolf. Unlike his wolf shifters and Bosse, those wolves turned during a full moon.
Eriko had said they were witch-born werewolves. Would that make a difference?
Red dragged in a breath full of black magic through his nose and shoved his snout into the loose dirt, breathing through his mouth.
Justin said,That stinks.
Adrian told him what Red was doing to prevent sneezing.
Herc has his paws over his nose. I think they’re far enough ahead that we’re clear if Red and Herc need to sneeze and knock that crap out of their noses.
Once the animals were set, Adrian agreed with Justin to give Herc the lead to take off and follow closer to the wagon. That way, the grizzly bear could engage with Krol as soon as that lion appeared.
Herc followed the wagon on his side of the road, staying twenty feet off to the side in the trees.
Red hung back, watching Herc for any sign of going after Krol’s lion, which was the only reason Red caught Herc shaking his head and slowing down.
Bear is in trouble, Red told Adrian.
Justin called a second later.We’re being attacked. Dark magic.
Red took that news in stride, but his muscles immediately bunched as he lunged into the hunt.
They’d have to put off catching up to the wagon after backing up Herc.
When Red raced across the road and into the woods, Herc came into view. The massive grizzly stood and roared, paws slashing the air at an invisible threat.
Adrian called telepathically to Justin.We’re close, but we haven’t seen the wilkotauk yet.
Justin murmured something indecipherable.
That was not good.
Red paused before rushing forward and lifted his snout to inhale. He swung his head hard to the left, then snuck back toward the road.
Adrian trusted this wolf with his life. Red would do whatever was possible to save Herc and Justin. Before they reached the road, Red turned to parallel it, then slowed to a careful walk as he stalked something.
Off to the right, Justin’s bear came down on all four legs, roaring a vicious sound. If Herc could escape the magic, he’d slaughter whatever attacked him.
