“Cut the crap, Declan. Julian has arranged for a helicopter to get us out. He thought the airport wasn’t such a great idea, seeing as it’s most likely crawling with DaCosta scum. The only problem is that there’s a storm brewing out over the water. He’s not sure if it’s going to develop into something significant, but the chopper was delayed and won’t be here until tomorrow morning.”
“Good to know. Any news on Jagger?” Declan waited for an answer as static cleared the airwaves.
“That’s a negative. Julian picked up his scent, but so far nothing. He’s gone back out with Cracker for another pass.”
Declan glanced over to Jaxon, noting the clenched jaw, and was about to speak when he was interrupted.
“The girl…what about the girl?” Libby’s voice was strained, but her hand shot out and grabbed Declan’s wrist. He paused before activating the radio once more.
“Ana, how’s the girl doing? The one we rescued from the compound.”
Ana’s sarcastic tone bit through the air, and it was obvious that the newly rescued female had done nothing to ingratiate herself with the vampire.
“She’s an ungrateful bitch who attacked Cracker and tried to escape. Julian had to tie her up, just to keep her here.” There was a slight pause. “I don’t trust her.”
Declan nodded. “Good work. Keep her restrained until we get back to camp. We need to question her a little more closely.”
The air seemed to thicken and cling to the three of them as they made their way through the heavily forested area that surrounded the jungle. It was thick with pine and mahogany trees. They were descending, and the terrain would soon change into the lush underbelly that made up the Belizean jungle.
It was early dawn, the first streaks of sunlight were beginning to push back the inky black night. They cut through the blackness with arcs of red, orange, and gold, looking like bony fingers.
Libby shivered as she looked up into the waning night sky.
Where are you, Logan?
She sighed softly to herself and drew strength from the man who walked so tall beside her. She was no longer alone, and once she had her little boy, safe and secure in her arms, all of her dreams would finally be realized. She would accept nothing less. It was the least she deserved after all the hell that she’d been through.
She pushed all of her fears to the side and squared her shoulders.
They would win. They would triumph.
There just wasn’t any other option.
Think whatever you must, my pet. Just bring me the girl.
Laughter slid through her mind, invading, violating, and Libby nearly stumbled.
Jaxon looked to her, but she nodded, indicating that she was fine, and kept walking.
Keep up the games asshole, she thought, I am so gonna kick your fucking ass.
But there was no answer.
He was gone.
Libby held back the snarl that leapt up from her throat, clenched her hands and looked forward. She would move heaven and hell if she had to, but she was going home with her son.
Off into the distance she heard a low rumble, and it echoed and vibrated across the sky. Something was definitely brewing, the air cracking with energy. Jaxon touched her shoulders reassuringly, and for the first time in a long time, Libby felt hope.
They quickly disappeared into the thick jungle as they continued their way down the mountain, mist and rumbling thunder trailing in their footsteps.
But they were not alone. A lone jaguar watched quietly from high in the canopy above them. It was an impressive animal, long, extending nearly ten feet from nose to tail. It hesitated briefly, its long black tail flicking about in slow, precise movements. Then it stood, stretched, and quietly slid into the jungle after them.
Chapter 24
It was a tired and quiet trio that finally made it back to camp several hours later. The sun had already reached its zenith and was beginning to make its descent once again. The warmth of her rays was oppressive, but the humidity and moisture that cloaked the air and clung to everything was mainly due to the storm that was threatening. Ominous rumblings had echoed over the jungle for hours, and yet it held still, off in the distance.
The wind had answered Mother Nature’s call, with gentle gusts giving way to stronger gales. Libby’s hair snaked wildly about her face, flying in all directions while still managing to stick to the sweat that coated her skin.