Emma held her breath at the sound of footsteps. They sounded human. Could it be Nik? Why so soon? She remained still, in case it wasn’t Nik.
She peeked out from behind a boulder. Shit. Bolton. He wore shorts and a polo shirt, but remained barefoot, actually pawed. He looked like a werewolf tourist without cameras. Not exactly the person she wanted to see. She retreated to her hiding place.
Bolton scoffed. “Don’t think you can hide from me, Agent Emma.” He circled around and pointed a gun at her. “Drop your weapon and put your hands up.”
Damn, he was fast. Emma didn’t have time to swing around with her gun. She raised her arms and stepped out. “How did you find me?”
“Your comrade gave you up.”
Emma flinched. “What?” Never. Although, if he had to leave her to Saskia or Bolton, he’d definitely choose Bolton.
“Not like that.” He laughed. “I promised Nik I’d see you safely off the island.”
Nik would never trust Bolton or would he? “So why the gun?”
“He told me you were packing heat like any good spy. I only drew my gun to protect myself.”
Something wasn’t right. Nik would never put her at a disadvantage by telling him she had a weapon. “Funny, that doesn’t sound like what a comrade would say.”
He snorted. “Come now. It’s not like Russia never sent spies to infiltrate the CIA.”
“But a werewolf?”
“Why not?”
Was it possible Nik was a mole sent to infiltrate not only the LIA, but the CIA as well? Nik had helped Slade and Cricket escape the Nazi werewolves. Rylee and Lev had vetted Nik. Yet, there was the possibility Nik was a Manchurian type agent, brain washed to believe he told the truth. Good enough to trick even Lev. Nah. Why not play along with his theory? “And you have proof?”
“Nexus found the files.”
If that was true, why didn’t Nexus tell her? She didn’t want Emma to go after Nik. If he really was a double agent, she would have mentioned it. “Is that why Nexus tranquilized you?”
Bolton scowled. “Nexus betrayed us. She too works for Russian intelligence.”
Was there a grain of truth in that? Could Nexus, and worse, Nik have betrayed her? “And my so-called comrade Nik wants me to leave with you?”
“I’m not saying he doesn’t have feelings for you, I’m sure he doesn’t want you to die. Now that he and Nexus have all the data for Russia there is no need to kill you. He is romantic after all.”
“Yet, you are no longer with Saskia.”
“The bitch is insane.” He waved the gun toward the trail. “Come, we don’t have much time.”
Emma folded her arms and planted her feet. “Why don’t you just leave me here?”
“Once I get off the fucking island, I’ll have a bargaining tool.” If she stayed on the island, Saskia would kill her anyway.
“Me? Like I’m of any use.”
“You have no idea.” He growled, displaying fangs. “Move.”
“So you are giving me to Saskia?” What would he get in exchange?
“Precisely.”
“Saskia will simply sic her werewolves on you.”
“I’ll be prepared. Off the island, on my property, I’ll be protected by an army of men.”
Emma sighed. Werewolf or not, a good kick to the groin would ensure her freedom.