Page 29 of No Man Left Behind

And she felt it.

The weight of someone watching. Someone who didn’t like her.

Like in Seattle. And Albany.

Maybe it hadn’t been her imagination.

Finch growled again.

Maybe it was real.

Chapter10

Running Behind

Marcus wanted to kick his own ass. He hadn’t brought a gun because who brought a gun on a date?

He wasn’t sure of the threat yet. But the dog was worried, and he was a protector at heart. He sensed a threat toward Elina. And now that Marcus had his mind off kissing the breath out of her, he could feel it, too.

The sixth sense they’d all developed in the army had activated. The one that had saved them countless times. He kept Elina cradled in his arms because he hadn’t determined the threat’s direction yet. Then he’d put himself between her and the danger.

A glance showed Finch no longer studying the station. His attention was on the trail leading into the woods. It could be something as simple as a moose or a bear. Those would likely have the dog reacting. But his gut told him a human was out there. Watching.

“What do you sense, Finch? Is someone out there?”

Elina kept her voice low. “It could be someone on a walk. Are the trails lit?”

He shook his head. “No money in the budget for that yet. Could be a lost tourist.” Except, no way in hell was it a lost tourist. But he didn’t want to scare her until he knew more.

She shivered and leaned in closer. “What if it’s a wild animal? We should leave. I don’t want Finch to get hurt.”

He didn’t respond to that, but took his phone out and dialed Sean. “Hey Falcon. Any chance you’re at the Saloon?”

“What’s wrong?”

Of course, his friend had picked up on the worry in Marcus’s voice. “We’re outside the station. Finch is growling at the trees.”

“Be right there.”

“Act casual.”

Elina started to turn in his arms, but he held her close. “Let’s stay here for a minute. Just in case it is a human with a bad attitude, let’s wait until Sean arrives. Finch couldn’t have saved those kittens without good instincts. Let’s see what he can tell us.”

“I should go. If I leave, you won’t get hurt. ”

He doubted she realized how much she told him with those few words. He dropped a kiss on her head. “No. You should stay. We should both stay. We need more information about the situation before we make any decisions.”

Another shudder ran through her, and he firmed his grip. “How long have you felt like people are surveilling you?”

“Oh. I didn’t mean that.”

Marcus heard Sean’s footsteps approaching behind them. “Falcon and Branna are arriving. We’ll talk more about who’s bothering you in a bit.”

She made a noncommittal noise, and he knew she hadn’t meant to reveal so much. Despite the possibility of danger in the present situation, he was glad he had an in to a deeper conversation now.

Sean and Branna arrived, Falcon with his holster on his hip and an exasperated expression on his face. Marcus assumed Branna had insisted on coming along, and Sean hadn’t been able to talk her out of it. His warrior buddy would prefer the woman he loved stay safe at home.

Marcus completely understood the emotion.

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