Garrett stiffened. “If that plan is going to work, we can’t cover you with tracking dust. They won’t take you to Yvonne until the dust dissipates, and if you wait that long, the rash will probably heal itself, even if you don’t employ your healing cells on purpose.”
“I know,” Karma whispered.
Benny growled low and long. This was an impossible decision.
* * * *
Except for the constant worry about her girls, this had been the best week of Karma’s life. Partly because of Mercy, but mostly because of Benjamin and his kindness—as well as his spectacular body. Even so, she was about to kick him in the groin.
“Again,” he barked, grasping her arm and pulling her off the mat. “You have to kick faster and then turn.”
They’d been training for three hours, and she was done. She’d donned yoga pants that made her feel exposed, but she could tell her timing was better in them, and she was going to make herself wear jeans when it was time to go. She had that confidence now. “There is no faster. I’m tired, Benjamin.” It was time to stop avoiding the inevitable. “I have to make the phone call, and you know it.”
He stood so tall and broad, an immovable object in a dangerous world. His eyes blazed a deadly hue, and his muscles stood out from head to toe, giving him the look of a panther about to spring. The lazy humor usually evident in his expression had fled, leaving this battle-scarred warrior in its place. His tension and fury colored the atmosphere of the entire training room. “We need some rules.”
What was it with the soldier and rules? Karma tried to remain respectful and not roll her eyes. “All right. Rules.”
“One, you don’t heal the rash at all—no matter how much it bugs you.” He looked as if he was about to pounce and then lock her away in a closet.
“Agreed.” She understood his need to control the situation as well as his frustration that he could not. She felt the same way about her daughters. Linda had disappeared, most likely crossing over at last. Karma would truly be on her own. “Next rule?”
“Once we get them back, this is your last mission. No going into danger—no matter what happens between us.” This was said on a growl that sent spirals of desire right to her core.
She cleared her throat. “Agreed. I have no interest in being a soldier, spy, or dignitary. Not right now.” She didn’t care whether that was a modern attitude or not. She wanted peace and fun and time to enjoy her girls as they grew up. Her adventures would consist of picking the right flowers to plant and messing around with odd recipes. She’d lived in fear much too long; now it was time for joy. Would that life include Benjamin? It was shocking how badly she wanted a chance with him, but she wouldn’t settle for anything less than everything. Never again.
“Fine.” If he looked any angrier, steam would probably blow right out of his eyes and nose. He drew a small black phone from his back pocket. “This is a burner. Crouch down, whisper like you’re hiding from me, and be quick.”
Her hand shook when she accepted the phone, and by the tightening of Benjamin’s jaw, he noticed. “Okay. I had to memorize Terre’s number before I escaped with you.” She crouched down, following Benny’s directions, and then dialed.
“Terre,” he answered.
She cupped the phone. “It’s Karma. I have a way out and will be on the road in an hour while they’re training. I don’t know exactly where I am, but I will seek a road name I can recognize.”
Terre was quiet for a moment.
She put her mouth closer to the phone. “Hurry up. I don’t have much time before I must take them supper. I’ll run right after I serve them.”
“They’ve made you a servant.” For some reason, Terre sounded pleased. “That’s what you are.”
“They’re coming,” she whispered, her voice naturally rising. “Promise my girls will be there.”
Papers shuffled. “Go north and west, wherever you are. Head toward Seattle, and call me again when you’re close for more specific instructions.”
She kept her voice as level as she could. “Once I get close, I will require proof that you have my children. If you don’t, I leave. Period.”
“You’ve grown some balls while you were away.” Terre chuckled, and the sound was chilling. “Very well. I will have those brats here. I’m looking forward to exploring this new side of you. Before I destroy it, of course.” He clicked off.
She felt as if the acid in her stomach was eating through her body. She trembled and dropped the phone onto the mat. “He said to head toward Seattle.”
Benny reclaimed the phone. “You don’t have to do this.”
“Yes, I do.” She stood, accepting his hand when he offered it.
Mercy appeared in the doorway with a bag in her hand. “I collected enough poison ivy to turn you into one big blister, and I also cooked some of the leaves and extracted the urushiol to rub directly on your skin so the reaction will happen sooner than usual. It should take an hour or two, tops. This is going to be incredibly uncomfortable.”
“I can handle it,” Karma said softly, sliding her hand into Benny’s.
Mercy’s gaze dropped to their joined hands. “All right. What’s the plan?”
Benny tightened his hold around Karma’s hand. “Have Logan and Garrett search around Seattle for a Kurjan encampment, and somebody needs to notify Bear and the Grizzly motorcycle club. If we’re going into his territory, he’ll know it. The last thing we need is to get the Bear Nation pissed off at us.”
Mercy set the bag to the side. “We can be wheels up in thirty minutes. Just let me know.” Then she disappeared down the hallway.
“Bear is the leader of the Bear Nation?” Karma asked. “Is that a joke?”
“Bear is a smart-ass and took the name a long time ago,” Benny admitted. “He’s the leader of the Bear Nation, and he also leads a motorcycle club of wild-assed bears, where Logan and Garrett once worked undercover for a while. I think Garrett may join them again for a time.”
She frowned. “Why are we calling them?”
“Out of respect, as well as the fact that they’ll provide backup when we need to come in and get you.” Tension rolled off Benny. “Unless they decide to kill us first. The shifters really don’t like the Seven.”
Life just kept getting worse. Karma looked at the innocuous garbage bag by the door. “I guess we should do this. I should.”
Benny finally grinned, although the look was more of a grimace. “I’ll help. Head to toe, right?”