Page 47 of Gripp

Gripp turned away to check out the beach again, and it was a good thing because she knew the truth was shining in her eyes. Gripp would only argue with her if he thought she wasn’t going to follow instructions, and they did not have time for it right now.

“Ready?” Gripp whispered.

“Yes,” April answered. She held the gun steady in her hands and looked up and down the beach. The way appeared clear.

Gripp took a deep breath, then leapt out of the trees and dashed across the sand. He heaved the boat out from behind the rocks and dragged it toward the water.

“Gripp!” April screamed. A small group of men broke from the trees farther up the beach and ran at him. April fired a shot, but she was too far away. Gripp spun to face the men, engaging immediately in hand-to-hand.

April ran down the beach, her heart thudding into her throat. It was impossible to tell if the attacking men had tracked them from the mine or if they were locals who had found the boat, but obviously, Gripp wasn’t going to stop to ask questions right now.

Nor am I. I’ve been shot at too many damn times to give these guys the benefit of the doubt.

As she approached the water, April saw Gripp turn around to check her position. He pointed at the boat.

“Go, April. Now!” he roared. Without waiting for an answer, he turned and shifted, flying at the attacking men in his panther shape.

April looked at the boat. It was just a couple of steps away. One shove, and it would be out in the waves, carrying her to safety.

There’s no way I’m going anywhere without Gripp.

With a roar of determination, April raised the gun. There were four men attacking Gripp, and now that he was in his panther shape, the fight had become a twisted mess. Gripp dove and jumped like a liquid shadow, his movements so fast, she could not keep up.

“I can’t get a clear shot!” she cried. Gripp growled loudly enough for her to hear it, even from a distance. She knew he was probably telling her to run.

No fucking way.

With a cry of frustration, April dropped the gun and ran toward the fight. She slid into the fray and immediately threw up her arms to block a deadly blow from one of the guys. With a few swift kicks to his chest and head, April knocked him out.

As she spun back to check on Gripp, she saw the other three men had him pinned, and all three had knives out. April leapt up and kicked one in the back, sending him sprawling into the sand. Gripp took the opportunity to attack, swiping the weapons from the hands of the other men.

Between the two of them, they quickly knocked out the last two guys and ran to the boat. Even though it looked like they had conquered their enemies, both of them knew more could approach at any moment.

April jumped onto the side of the dinghy, hurling herself over the edge and onto the floor. Gripp shifted back into his human form and gave the boat a mighty shove, easing it into the gentle waves of the cove.

Gripp ran beside the boat for a few steps, making sure the little dinghy was not caught in the sand. As the waves began to slap the sides and drag them out to sea, Gripp hauled himself over the edge and collapsed on the floor of the boat.

For a few minutes, April admired the sight of him lying before her. He was stretched out on the floor, his tanned skin beaded with glinting drops of seawater. She watched the rise and fall of his muscular chest and admired his powerful arms and broad shoulders.

When he opened his eyes and saw her looking, Gripp grinned. He winked at her, and April felt a thrill rush through her.

“Looks like we made it, babe,” Gripp said, sitting up. April reached for him, sliding carefully along the bottom of the boat, so she didn’t capsize them. Gripp wrapped his arms around her, and for a moment, she melted into his embrace.

Cool spray from the surrounding waves flecked April’s warm skin. The waves rocked the boat gently, lulling her tired body into a state of deep relaxation. She looked up and saw the sky above them was a perfect, deep blue. There was not a single cloud in sight.

Gripp wrapped his arms around her, and April knew he was sharing the same sensations with her. Even though they both wanted to get to the ship, they also knew their relationship would change as soon as they reached civilization. It was inevitable.

Right now, wrapped around each other on the floor of the tiny boat, there was only his heartbeat against her cheek, his warm body fitted to hers as if they truly were made for each other. The endless blue sky was like a promise of a future that could never be.

Maybe, if we don’t move, reality won’t catch up with us. We’ll be safe in a world of perfect sky and calm water where all we need is each other.

Gripp sat up a little, trying to get his bearings. April held on to him, knowing that the moment had almost passed. She reached out and drew his face to hers, kissing him as if it was the last time she would ever touch his lips.

When she pulled back, Gripp smiled at her, brushing her hair back behind her ear. The sea breeze tugged at her, making little waves splash against the boat. Then, Gripp’s eyes focused on a point beyond her shoulder. April knew what he was going to say, and she knew their last moment together had truly passed.

“I see the ship,” he said.

April expected to feel relieved, but all she felt was a sense of deep regret.

---