“Already scouting it for any signs of civilians,” Ben confirmed to us remotely.
“It’s not necessary,” I said through gritted teeth.
“Yeah, definitely. I think it is,” Taylor insisted.
“When he gets stressed, it helps if he just blows something up,” Grant explained. “It won’t take long.”
The look on Kano’s face was priceless. He didn’t know what to say or think.
“Uh, okay.”
“Great,” Grant said physically pushing me out of the door.
“I’m fine,” I insisted.
“Nope, those fists are not the sign of fine,” Taylor observed. “We’ll just go, throw a few grenades into the big hole, and all will be right again.”
“Nothing will be right as long as we’re here,” I muttered.
As they were rushing, they walked right down through town. I knew it was the fastest way to start the gossip train. We were supposed to be discreet and not draw attention to the fact we were even there, but they were too concerned with me to suddenly care about that.
As we passed by the hardware store someone walked out and I slammed right into him. I pulled back quickly.
“Killian.”
He looked around uneasily like he’d lost that cocky confidence of earlier and that fear I’d sensed was back. “What are you doing here?”
“Just got through talking with Kano. You could have told me about your dad.”
“That’s not any of your business.”
“Actually, it sort of is.” I didn’t bother elaborating. If he wanted details, he could go ask his brother. I didn’t owe Killian anything. Not anymore.
A little girl tugged on the tail of his shirt. “Who’s that?” she whispered.
“No one sweetie.” He picked the child up and they started to walk away.
“Whatever you’re doing here. Do it fast and then get the hell out of my territory.”
I was in shock staring at Killian with a kid. I guessed a lot did change in eight years.
Grant gave me a shove and we kept walking all the way back to the plane and then beyond to the ravine.
“All clear,” Ben noted.
I pulled out a grenade, popped the pin and tossed it into the ravine. It exploded in midair.
“Did you see that? Killian has a kid. He’s a freaking father. Who ever thought that was a good idea? It’s like I don’t even know him anymore.”
“She was cute,” Taylor said.
“But Killian? A Dad?” I couldn’t even fathom it.
I reached down the side of my pant leg and pulled out a stick of dynamite. Retrieving the lighter from my pocket I lit it and tossed it into the ravine. It hit a large boulder but bounced off before also exploding in the air.
“Where the hell does he keep those things?” T whispered to her mate.
“Everywhere.”
After a few more explosions I had significantly calmed down and was ready to head back. The return walk was far less dramatic.
I strolled into the Alpha’s office without even knocking. My head was certainly not on right.
“Better?” Painter asked.
“Much. Hey, why didn’t you tell me Killian had a kid?”
Kano gave me an odd look.
“We passed him in town with his little girl. Cute kid, but seriously who thought that was a good idea. She had to be an accident. He was still playing the field and banging every available female around, and some that weren’t so available, if you know what I mean. Whose kid is it? Never mind. It’s absolutely none of my business. Just surprised me is all.”
“Can we please just get back to work?” Silas asked. “You aren’t usually such a goddamn gossip.”
Silas always had a way of putting each of us in our place.
“We’ve briefed Kano on what we know so far,” Painter said. “The former Alpha disappeared two months ago. I’ve already got a call in to Emma to see if she can help me with the timeline. Archie is scrolling back through any cameras he can find within a ten-mile radius in hopes of picking up a lead.”
“It has to be the Raglan. The profile fits. We know they’ve been watching the Clan. Hell, they might still be watching.”
“Already on it. I’ve identified two wildlife cams in the area that are using cellular uploads. Archie’s working on it. I could really use T’s help on this one,” Tarron confessed.
Silas looked at her and nodded.
“I’m on my way.”
“I’ll escort her back,” Grant offered.
“Then who the hell will escort your ass back here?” Silas pointed out.
Grant let out a low growl but checked up quickly.
She kissed him, assured him she would be fine and in constant communication. Then left.
“Mates?” Kano asked.
Silas nodded.
“From what you’ve told me about this team, is that wise?”
“She’s the best,” Silas conceded. “This one does okay, most of the time.”
“She’ll be fine. Bears are mostly peaceful as long as they aren’t provoked. Taylor’s not stupid enough to do that here,” I reminded him.
“Not like you, huh?”
I was willing to take the jab if it meant he would calm down some. I just grinned and shrugged.
“Causing trouble in my territory already, Baine?”
“Wouldn’t dream of it, Alpha.” We both knew I was being sarcastic, but Kano seemed to relax a little.
“Good to see you’re still a smartass.”
“Can’t change who I am.”
“Smarter than the average bear?” he asked rolling his eyes.
I gave him the first genuine smile I’d had since we landed. “You know it.”
With the needed information acquired and Kano up to speed on what was happening, there was nothing left for us to do and no reason to stay.
As we were saying goodbye, Tarron reported in.
“Um, guys. We have a massive storm coming in. The pilot has informed me that we aren’t going anywhere until it passes. He’s staying with the plane but advises the rest of us to take shelter.”
I groaned.
“What? Sad to say goodbye this time?” Kano teased. The light bantering with him felt good, normal, like old times.
“At least you’re giving me the opportunity this time.”
“Ouch.”
“You deserved it.”
He shrugged. “You’re probably right. For what it’s worth, I’m sorry. We handled things poorly and you weren’t the only one that paid the price for it. I tracked you for months afterwards, then I tried to find you but you had just disappeared. I’d catch glimpses of your location here and there, but by the time I got there, you’d be gone again.”
“He’s very good at that,” Grant teased.
I glared at him. Kano’s words had shaken me. I didn’t owe him an explanation, but I gave it anyway. He’d come after me. Why? “I couldn’t even tell you where I was or what I was doing. Holed up in some rundown motel so drunk I couldn’t see straight. Don’t remember a damn thing until one day I woke up and decided I needed to do better. I wandered around taking whatever job I could find. Turns out I’m great with explosives, been blowing shit up ever since.”