I blinked. Battle? Dream would undoubtedly fight to the bitter end, but that thought seemed to imply there was a whole lot more headed our way.
I shivered and rubbed my arms, not really wanting to contemplate just how much “more” there might be. The only way I was going to get through the days to come without being overwhelmed by the enormity of the task still ahead was by proceeding one step—and one person—at a time
Whatever comes, Bear said, we will be with you.
Except when you go through a rift, Cat added, ever practical. That we can’t do. But if you call us when you arrive at the end point, we will hear.
Which is what you should have done at the sand base, Bear added.
Watching our home and protecting the little ones is just as important as helping me, I reminded him gently. Until we knew where that rift led, there was little point in calling either of you in.
But you will call us in the future? Because you almost died in that place and we were too far away to guide your soul back to us.
I took a deep breath and slowly released it. I hadn’t thought about that aspect of it, and given the last thing I wanted was to be separated from them on my death, I should have. I promise. From now on, I’ll call to you both.
Good
, they said together.
Jonas lightly touched my shoulder, drawing my attention back to him. “I’ll wake you when we arrive at the rendezvous point. Until then, stop worrying. And stop chatting to the terrible twosome.”
Cat and Bear giggled at that, and a smile tugged at his lips as he made his way back to the driver seat.
Of course, it was very easy for him to say don’t worry and not so easy for me to do. Not when the seeker part of my psychic senses was randomly throwing nuggetty warnings my way, and refusing to clarify.
I closed my eyes and began the slow, steady breathing ritual that would sweep me into the healing trance. This time it was so deep that I had absolutely no awareness of what was going on around me. When Jonas touched my shoulder to wake me up, I jumped.
“We’re here,” he said, one eyebrow rising. “Nuri’s arranged transport to take us across to the nearest rail station.”
I scrubbed a hand across my eyes and pushed upright. Jonas caught my elbow to steady me. “Why the rail station? Wouldn’t it be easier for us to simply drive there?”
“Dream will have people watching vehicles coming in and out of Central.”
“If she had any brains, she’ll be doing the same with the pods.” I glanced around and noticed we were alone in the hauler. “Where are the children?”
“Already in the transporter.”
“Damn. I wanted to say goodbye to Ten.” I glanced past him and watched the clouds of dust spin past the ramp and briefly mask the trees. “Where are they being taken?”
“To the same place as the other kids.”
I frowned. “Those kids deserve more than being stuck in another lab environment and studied like rats.”
“Yes, but until we stop Dream, our priority has to be keeping them secure.” He moved to one side and ushered me forward.
My frown deepened. “If it is a military installation they’re being kept in, won’t Dream be able to uncover it? Especially if she has taken over the identity of someone in the House of Lords.”
Our footsteps echoed as we moved down the ramp. I glanced skyward and saw that the transporter carrying the children was already a distant speck. But there was a small ATV waiting to the right of our hauler—two men had exited from it and were walking toward us.
Jonas placed a hand against my spine and guided me toward the ATV and the two men. “Trust me, she won’t be able to force the information out of anyone, no matter who she targets.”
It took me a moment to grasp the importance of the statement. I glanced up at him sharply. “That’s why you won’t tell me—just in case I get caught. You think I’ll talk.”
“With the right drugs, anyone can be made to talk. It’s not personal, Tiger.”
“Do you know the location?” I bit back.
“I did initially, but with my deepening involvement and the suspicions it has probably raised, Nuri has relocated them without telling me where.”