Page 34 of Rescuing Red

Except, when she studied the surrounding faces, she knew they wouldn’t be leaving soon. The sun teased the horizon, threatening to take its light away, and fatigue pulled at everyone’s expressions. They’d been working nonstop to save everyone, and while she was sure they’d follow if Blaide said to leave now, she knew they wouldn’t be able to stay on their feet for long.

She tried to keep her dismay to herself, but Nana squeezed her fingers and Blaide offered her a silent wave of support. They’d get some rest while the world lay in darkness, then head out as soon as there was enough light to see.

Chapter 20

Blaide

Blaide woke before the sun, rising from his dreams in a rush that had his mantle bristling. He wasn’t sure what disturbed him until the low hum of engines drew his attention to the broken window beside him.

Almost every building had some amount of damage, so the people had split themselves between the ones that were still safe enough to occupy to get some rest. Many of them hadn’t slept since the attack and had been ready to drop, and there was no way they’d have lasted even an hour trying to walk through the jungle at night. As much as he hated the delay, they’d had no choice.

The ship flying overhead made him worry it’d been the wrong decision.

He held his breath as the noise passed over the broken village, moving in the direction they needed to go. The ship was barely above the treetops, likely trying to sneak closer to the city. His estimation about how long they had dropped, and he gently pulled his arm from under Liz.

Liz shifted, letting out a whine in her sleep, but it was her nana’s blue eyes that stared up at him as he rose.

“It’s time to go.”

Her tone was matter of fact. No question in the words, though he answered with a nod. He’d been worried about her keeping up when he lifted her from the basement, but the older woman had shown a surprising amount of strength, rebounding and helping others get settled for the night after a bit of water and food.

Running a hand through Liz’s hair, she pressed a kiss to her granddaughter’s forehead before levering herself up and moving on to the family sleeping on the opposite side of the room and gently waking them. His mate finally stirred, sitting up with a groan she tried to stifle.

Crouching beside her, he cupped her face and stroked his thumb along her cheek.

“Time to get everyone moving. Are you ready?”

She gave him a quick nod and let him pull her to her feet, leaning into him before kneeling and rolling up the blankets they’d used. According to the residents, they would reach the city before nightfall if they made good time, but he did not know what state the city would be in. It was better to take things and not need them than leave anything useful behind.

Letting her know what he was doing, Blaide stepped out into the chill of the morning to wake the others. The motion within the surrounding buildings let him know he wasn’t the only one awakened by the ship, and he nodded to the people who poked their heads out.

“Time to go. Grab rations and water and meet at the clearing.”

He repeated the message at each place people had bunked down. By the time he made it back to where he’d began, Liz, Nana, and the families who had rested with them were ready togo. Leading them to the clearing at the edge of the town, they stopped and waited until the others joined them.

“I need the strongest in the front with someone who knows the route. Take turns cutting a path when needed. Families with children in the middle. Use slings to carry them if possible.”

He gazed around at the grim faces staring back at him. This trip was going to be harder than his first trek to the city had been, but he could see the determination of those around him.

“Keep as quiet as you can and stay close to the person in front of you. Do not stop for any reason.”

A few eyes went wide and there were some rough swallows, but it was better for them to be prepared for the worst. Meeting each of their gazes, Blaide did his best to project confidence. When he was sure everyone was ready, he nodded to the two alphas who’d helped in the school, letting them take the lead.

Blaide stood and watched as people passed by, following behind the men he’d set as the leaders of the group. It was hard to hold back his wince at the noise and the trail they were leaving, but he had to remind himself these weren’t soldiers, and moving fast was more important than moving quietly.

A small hand slipped into his, drawing his attention to his mate. He’d have liked her in the middle of the group with her nana and the children, but she’d insisted on staying in the rear with him. They’d make sure no one fell behind. But he’d placed himself at the back because that’s where he expected the danger to come from. He didn’t want his Red in danger, but there was no time to argue. They needed to leave. Now.

***

He ended up only being partially correct. They made it until just past noon before a noise alerted them they were close to a group of enemy troops. Making everyone freeze and hide in theundergrowth while he checked the soldiers’ position, he realized they’d come close to stumbling right into them.

Blaide picked his way back to the villagers, careful not to make a sound. Motioning for the others to be as silent as possible, he directed the men leading the group to move to the west before continuing toward the city. He stood vigil as they moved, unable to relax knowing they were so close to death.

Even when they’d moved far enough that he couldn’t pick up the sounds of the troops, he remained tense, and it was the only reason he found the enemy coming up on their tail a few hours later. Shaking Liz’s hand loose as the hair along his ruff stood on end, he turned and checked the jungle behind them, knowing they were running out of time.

He raced to the front of the line of refugees, heart thumping with each step he put between himself and Liz, but there was no time to waste. Catching up to the alphas in the lead, the look on his face must have given his thoughts away.

“We need to move faster, but we can’t make noise.”

---