Fur, Cloak and Dagger (Team Greywolf 4)
Page 32
“We too are interested in wolf populations, but for genetic studies. This technique is safer than tranquilizing them with dart guns and less risk they’ll attack us.”
At least they didn’t kill them. More likely they would after getting blood. Tranquilizing them ensured they wouldn’t run and hide. Out of the corner of her eye, she noted a female wolf stirred. Likely, Nik was awake as well. She hoped he played it cool so she could gather more information from these goons. “Who are you doing research for?”
“Classified.”
One of the men approached the female and shot her with a tranquilizer and she returned to sleep.
Emma scoffed. “So much for not using tranquilizers.”
“Better than killing her.” He knelt and attached an electronic collar around her neck.
“Well then, I better let you get your data.”
He grinned. “We are keeping the females and culling the rest.”
“What? There’s no need for that. Besides you don’t have permission to kill them.”
“We do.”
She was right. They knocked them out so none would escape. “That I’d like to see.”
He sneered and took out a gun and aimed at her head. “Read my permit.”
“You are poachers,” she played along.
“Put your hands up.” He stepped back. “Call your guide.”
Now would be a good time to wake up, Nik. Emma complied. “Boris!” She swallowed. “What do you want with us?”
“You are right. We don’t have permission to hunt the wolves. Which is why you and your guide are a big problem.”
“I promise we won’t say a word.”
He scanned the area. “Where the fuck is your guide?”
“I bet he saw you holding a gun to my head and took off.”
He sighed. “We can’t have that.” He signaled to his two men. “Find him.”
Emma held her hands high while looking for weaknesses. He seemed completely surprised she was there. Wait and see what’s next, asshole. “The authorities will worry if my guide and I don’t return.”
He grinned. “People vanish in the wilderness all the time.”
“My guide is an experienced wolf tracker and hunter.”
“I’m not the least bit worried.” He gazed at his watch. “My men will find him in no time.”
“I bet he’ll lose them.” Emma smirked.
“No matter. I plan to kill you either way.”
Time to put my acting to good use. She fell back and faked a seizure. Appearing as a helpless woman was her best weapon.
“What the fuck?” He leaned in.
Emma swept him off his feet, and he pummeled to the ground, losing the grip on his gun. She stood, eyeing the distance to the tent and her hidden Yarygin pistol.
“You bitch,” he brandished a hunting knife. He lurched toward her.