I woke up entangled with Jeremy and Jackson. They were sleeping so peacefully next to me that I smiled. Carefully, I extracted myself from them and crawled off the bed. They both grumbled but stayed asleep. I noticed my bags sitting by the bathroom door so I grabbed the one with my soap in it. I tried to be quiet as I entered the bathroom and shut the door.
I put my soap and things in the shower and turned it on. I was still naked from last night so I waited for the water to warm. I wonder how long I had been out. I was so distracted before that I hadn’t asked how long I was under the spell. I really needed to figure out how spells worked so that couldn’t happen to me again. The water felt amazing on my sore body once I stepped under the spray. I was deliciously sore from last night but I wasn’t complaining.
I was taking my time washing my hair and body when I heard ringing. Why is it every time I get in the shower there’s an interruption? What was ringing though? I never picked up my phone so it couldn’t be mine right? Rinsing my hair and skin I tried to enjoy my shower once the ringing ceased. I was rinsing the conditioner out of my hair when I heard it again. I sighed and turned the water off. I still took my time getting out of the shower to wrap myself in a towel and wrap my hair in another. The ringing had come from my bag. I dug through the pockets and finally pulled my cell out. Jeremy must have gotten from HQ. I had seventy missed calls from the same number. I didn’t recognize the number and they never left a voicemail.
Just then the phone rang in my hand so I answered. “Yeah.”
“Bout time. I’ve been calling for hours.” I knew that voice.
“Widow. What can I do for you?” I refused to let my anger take over even if I wanted to rip her limb from limb.
“Well your boyfriend took you away from me in London. So I followed you to New Orleans. I’m waiting for you. I’ll send the coordinates. Come alone, don’t bring your mutt either.” The call disconnected.
I stared at the phone waiting for the place where I could finish this. The door to the bathroom opened to reveal both men completely nude and in panic mode. I smiled and put my phone back into my bag.
“Goddess chere. We woke up and you weren’t there. We kind of panicked.”
“You should have woken us little one and we could have helped you shower.”
“I’m sorry guys. You were sleeping so peaceful and I didn’t want to wake either of you.” I smiled at both of them as my stomach grumbled. They both laughed and threw some clothes on.
“Well we can take the hint little one. Get dressed and we will get food ready for you downstairs.”
They both kissed my temple and left me alone. I felt bad that I was leaving them again. I couldn’t let them come with me or even follow me. I couldn’t take it if something happened to either of them. I dried the rest of my body off and went to one of my bags in the room.
The largest one had everything I would need. I placed it on the floor and unzipped it. My smile spread as I looked in the case. Jake had packed everything I would need for a small war. There was a bag that had my knives and sais. My guns were in a locked case that only opened with my finger print. I saw extra clips and ammunition next to the case. I would have to hurry before the guys came looking for me. I pulled on my leather pants and corset while I listened for anyone approaching my door. I laced up my boots after making sure the holsters for my knives were secure. I didn’t want to wear a jacket so I put my guns into the bag with my other knives. I tried to load the clips when I heard footsteps outside my room. I froze and stared at the door.
I listened but didn’t move, please don’t let anyone come in here now. The door never opened as the footsteps faded away. Breathing a sigh of relief, I finished loading two clips and shoved them in the bag. I also put my harness in the bag so no one would see me armed until I got there. I went back into the bathroom and quickly threw my hair into a high ponytail since it was still wet. I pulled my phone back out and noticed a message. Sure enough I had coordinates to meet Widow. Looked like it was out of town in the warehouse district.
I grabbed my bag on my way out of the room. The guys would be mad but I couldn’t put them in danger. This was not their world that I was going into. It was my world and I knew how to handle that. I was in the hallway when I heard laughter downstairs. My heart clenched at the thought of leaving them behind. I sighed and went back into the room. I couldn’t leave them wondering where I went. I pulled out my phone and memorized the address I needed. I set my towel on the bed, placing my phone on top with the address displayed. If I could at least get a head start than I would arrive alone.
There wasn’t much time now and I had no idea where I was. There was a chance that someone would see me trying to sneak down the stairs. Going over to the French doors I opened them wide. We were on the second floor of the house. I could see the lights of the city in the distance so we weren’t that far out. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. I looked back into the room and sighed. So much for not running away again.
I prayed to the Goddess to keep everyone safe and allow me to come back to them. I refused to let the tears fall, I would come back to them. I grabbed the railing of the balcony and jumped over. Landing on the ground, I froze and listened to my surroundings. There was still laughter coming from the house but I couldn’t hear anyone panicking. There wasn’t much time before they noticed me missing. I spotted a drive out to the road and took off as quietly as I could.
Once I reached the road, I turned toward the city. I wouldn’t look back at the house even if I wanted to. The sooner I finished this, the sooner I could get back to them. I started walking along the road trying to clear my mind. I had walked about a half mile when I heard a truck coming up behind me. I kept up the same pace as the driver pulled alongside me.
“Well hey there pretty lady. You shouldn’t be out here alone. Need a lift into town?”
“I’m headed elsewhere but thank you for the offer.” I refused to look at the driver and remained looking toward the city.
“Well what kind of people would we be if we didn’t help out a beautiful woman?” Hop in and we’ll take you where you need to go.”
I stopped walking and turned toward the vehicle. There were two males in the truck, both looked very young. I lifted an eyebrow as I pretended to consider their offer. I was going to accept and have them drop me off close to my destination. It would be quicker than me walking the whole way. Both boys seemed eager to help which brought my guard up but I could handle them.
“Very well. I see your parents taught you manners. I need to go outside of town to Industrial Drive.”
“We can get you there no problem!” Both boys nodded eagerly.
I made my way over and instead of getting in the cab I jumped into the bed of the truck. I smiled as I tapped on the roof of the cab. To my surprise they didn’t object and began to drive away. The wind felt wonderful on my skin as we drove. I closed my eyes to enjoy the peacefulness around me. My mind began to wander.
I explored my powers in my mind while they drove. Both powers seemed to belong with me, like an old friend. I was so concentrated on examining them that I almost didn’t notice the panic in my mind. I knew it wasn’t mine, they found out I was gone. I didn’t know how far my telepathic powers could reach but I tried to reach Jeremy anyway. I must have been too far away from him because all I got was nothingness.
An uneasy feeling started in my stomach the longer they drove. It could be the mate thing causing it. Or I could be walking into a trap. I would have to find out once I got there. Opening my eyes I notice that we were close to the destination. I opened my bag and started to suit up. Neither boy noticed what I was doing so I hoped they wouldn’t see all of the weapons I had. I secured all of my knives and was placing the guns and extra clips in my holster when the truck started to slow down.
“Are you sure you want us to drop you here? We could take you further.”
“Here will be fine gentlemen.” They stopped the truck and I jumped out. “Please head back the way you came. I will be fine so don’t worry.”
They both shrugged and pulled away. I watched the truck lights fade into the distance before setting out. The overwhelming feeling of dread grew as I walked towards the warehouse Widow had picked. This was definitely a trap. I shouldn’t expect any different from her honestly. It was going to be a fight but I was willing to keep going. Widow needed to be stopped. If I couldn’t stop her then I would die trying. One of us weren’t going to walk away this time. I only hoped that everyone would be safe once this was over. I knew none of them would understand.
I walked in front of the warehouse and paused. Taking a deep breath and sending up a pray to the Lord and Lady to keep those I love safe. I walked for the only open door I could see. I couldn’t sense anyone outside so I continued on. I approached the door with caution scanning the area for any traps. I didn’t think that she would set any traps to take me out without her gloating first. Better safe than sorry though. The interior of the warehouse was dark except for a small light at the other end.
I hesitated at the door since I couldn’t see anything. Then I felt the power inside of me stretch like a cat. I felt it expand within me and spread outside my body. I wasn’t sure what was happening but I could feel my power coat the warehouse. I started to wonder what my powers were doing when a wealth of information flooded my brain. I could somehow see the interior of the warehouse and pinpoint where everyone was stationed. I knew there were thirty people inside, although I couldn’t tell who was who. I also knew that there were no traps or tripwires around the entrance. I took a deep breath and walked into the darkness.