Page 48 of Blades of Ice

“But there were tracks leading away from the helicopter.”

“True, but we don’t know how far away they are. Beckett would want you to follow the solid lead, not waste time.”

Lydia didn’t like that plan, but she wasn’t going to argue. “How far will we have to hike?” Lydia’s legs were still recovering.

Dooley pointed at the map. “I’m hoping we can land the helo somewhere around here. That leaves another twenty to twenty-five miles on foot.Ifwe can land there. We’ll circle around and see if there’s a better spot.”

“Make sure to charge your damn satellite phone before you leave,” Carleigh said.

“Should we charge Chloe’s too?” Lydia asked. “Or could someone else be tracking it?”

“I’d leave it off for now to be on the safe side. Did you get your package yet?”

“Yes, and thank you for that. I didn’t think I’d need the license this soon. I also didn’t think I’d be the owner of a helicopter and a warehouse to store it in. Do I even want to know how much that set us back?”

“Not as much as you’re probably thinking. The warehouse was dirt cheap, and you and Beck can use the helo in the future. Or you can sell it. Since you have shopping to do, I’ll let you go. Be safe out there. Love you.”

“Love you too, C.” Lydia took a sip of coffee, which had grown tepid again. Instead of reheating it, she chugged it, needing the caffeine hit. “Blech.” She mentally added insulated cups to the shopping list. Lydia probably had ten of the things at home, but if they found Amara, they would need to come back tothe rental until they got a lock on Beck’s location, and the cups were a necessity.

“Do we have time for a quick breakfast?” Kennedy asked. “I can make bacon and egg sandwiches we can eat on the drive to the store.”

“Yes, My Darling. While you do that, I’m going to shower.” Dooley stood and kissed his mate thoroughly. Lydia had to look away. She didn’t begrudge them showing affection, but it made the ache for Beck that much worse. She opened the fridge and pulled out the bacon and eggs. The sooner they got the sandwiches made, the sooner they could head out. Finding Amara wasn’t the same as getting her mate back, but maybe the Empress would be able to help since she knew Boyd well.

Kennedy made a shopping list while Lydia cooked. After she typed in everything Lydia asked for, the fox asked, “Not getting personal, but do you need tampons or pads?”

“I’m still a couple weeks away from my start date, so I should be okay.” Then again, nothing had gone as expected, and if they got trapped out in the wilds… “Go ahead and grab a box of tampons.” Lydia told her the brand she preferred. She also asked Kennedy to grab her some tuna packs to replace the peanut butter sandwiches. Lydia finished their breakfast, and the couple took theirs to go.

Lydia remained behind to study the systems on her new helicopter. It wasn’t like driving a car where most everything was the same. She uploaded the necessary manual and read it thoroughly. She also doublechecked the no-fly zones even though Caleb had traveled close to the same route she was taking. Lydia had never been more grateful that she’d kept up her flying lessons with Frey. Not only had he taught her how to fly, but he’d schooled her in flight laws and everything she needed to get her license. Carleigh and Cailín were the only ones besides Frey who knew how much Lydia loved flying the helos.

It took two hours for Dooley and Kennedy to shop and get their gear ready. Lydia repacked her bag and was waiting when they returned. Once they transferred the groceries into their new packs, the trio loaded up and headed out. At the warehouse, Dooley unlocked the roll-up door and pressed the button to raise it. “You want help with that?” Dooley asked as Lydia prepared to move the helicopter out of the hangar.

“I got it, but thanks.” Caleb had left the ground handling wheels attached, so Lydia grabbed onto the stinger and gearbox, then pushed the bird out of the warehouse. Once that was done, she removed the wheels, which Dooley took from her and stored them inside the building. He pulled the SUV inside, then lowered and locked the door while Lydia climbed inside the helo and took a few minutes to familiarize herself with the controls. Dooley and Kennedy stowed their gear and got seated.

Lydia started the engine and took a deep breath. It had only been a year since the last time she’d gone up with Frey, so her nerves calmed quickly once she was in the air. If she’d been alone, she would have let out a loud whoop, but she kept it to herself. Dooley sat in the co-pilot seat and directed Lydia using a map on his phone to follow the coordinates Carleigh shared earlier. The flight took about half an hour to the point Dooley plotted for them to land. Lydia continued a few miles, searching for something closer, but in the end, there were no flat spots with enough clearance close by, and she didn’t want to waste daylight or fuel.

When Lydia set the bird down, Dooley said, “Damn, Lydia. That was smoother than Caleb’s landing. When Carleigh said you knew how to pilot a helicopter, I didn’t realize you were an expert.”

“Yet you got in one with me while bringing your mate along.”

Dooley looked over his shoulder at Kennedy. “My little fox told me to trust you because she does.”

Lydia flipped the switches and shut the motor off. They waited until the rotors stopped turning to climb out. They all grabbed their own gear, and Lydia pulled out the paper map. It had been helpful her last trip, but also it made her feel closer to Beck. Because they had specific coordinates, she left the drones back in Valdez. Lydia held out the map and pointed. “We’re here, and we need to go here.” Lydia trailed her finger along the path. “We have about four hours of daylight. I’ll apologize now for slowing us down.”

Kennedy took Lydia’s hand and squeezed. “I’ve never worn snowshoes in my life, so if anyone will slow us down, it’ll be me.”

“We’ll be slow together. And at any time you feel like shifting, I’ll carry your pack.”

Kennedy beamed up at Lydia. “I’m glad we met.”

“Me too.” And Lydia meant it. She had plenty of family and friends, but the little fox was something special, and Lydia was blessed to know her, especially out here in the middle of nowhere. She didn’t feel so alone.

As with her last time trudging through the snow, they went around instead of over obstacles. They encountered wildlife, but this time, she didn’t need her flamethrower. She had Dooley. Lydia kept her eyes on the position of the sun, and when she noticed a good spot to set up camp, she said so.

Dooley dropped his pack to the ground. “It’s like you’ve done this before.” He helped his mate with her backpack, then opened his to remove their tent. Lydia got hers set up, while Dooley was still working on his. She didn’t want to overstep by offering to help. She didn’t think he’d be offended, but she didn’t want to chance it.

Kennedy had spread out a waterproof blanket and was sitting with her short legs stretched out in front of her, anklescrossed, watching her mate. Lydia got her attention, pointed at Dooley, and raised her eyebrows. Kennedy grinned, shaking her head, so Lydia took a seat next to her friend, mimicking the way she reclined. Kennedy scooted closer and leaned her head against Lydia’s shoulder.

“Tell me more about your family. I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but your mom sounds hilarious.”

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