Emma looked down. “I know, but I doubt lycan society will be so accepting of your decision, no matter how much I want you.”
“Doesn’t matter. I am my own boss. The pack is not my style.”
Emma sighed. “Unfortunately, I’m not. I’ve been groomed to work for the LIA since childhood.”
“Groomed, interesting word for someone who does not wish to be a pet.”
“You know what I mean. I was taught lycan law.”
Nik sighed. “Understood.”
“For now, our biggest issue is getting out of this in one piece.”
“Just wait here. I promise I will come back to you after I stop Saskia.”
“No later than sunset.” Emma looked around at a nearby waterfall. “I’m coming down once my stomach rumbles.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll come back with fast food.”
“Good luck finding a working kitchen after the explosion.”
“Just to be safe use the vaporo.”
Emma took out the small vial and dusted it on her neck. “Okay, but that means you better be back in a couple hours.”
Nik grabbed her and then kissed her. He released her. “I’m happy you remembered me. Just don’t forget I’ll come back for you soon.”
“Before you go…”
He inhaled and slowly released his breath. “Yes.”
“Why don’t you wear the CV?”
“No. Better that you keep it. I want to be quite noticeable when I return to Saskia.”
Nik shifted and left.
Emma fingered her lips, remembering his mouth over hers for the last time. A romance between them would only last until they left this island. If Nik was successful, Saskia would be dead or locked up. The problem was the eleven or so werewolves waiting to tear him apart.
Nik in wolf form scanned the fallen facility. The chaos was worse than he expected. Humans with mangled body parts littered the grounds. He honed in on Saskia. She was nowhere in sight. Neither was Bolton. He flared his nostrils to focus on their scent. Nik growled. Bolton occupied the cabana where they had imprisoned Emma.
Nik followed Bolton’s scent. He was in human form, but had the residual smell of his werewolf form. Alone, and still naked, Bolton sat on the sand near the cabana, despair on his drawn face.
Nik shifted and approached him. “Your lab is ruined.”
Bolton looked up. “All gone.”
Nik glowered at him. “Every human murdered.”
“I know. My entire lab staff. I never should have trusted Saskia.”
He scowled. “She murdered my bartender and the waitresses.”
“Of all the werewolves for Svetlana to include, Saskia was the worst.”
“Yes. That bitch brought ex-cons and now controls all my men.”
Nik snorted. “Didn’t Nexus show you the files on Saskia?”