Page 96 of Visions, Paws, and Claws

Theron ended the call. It was time to play his ace.

And while everyone is reeling from the news and demanding action, we employ misdirection and move swiftly to bury the truth before anyone has a chance to see it.

He gazed at the stone caskets behind the wall of glass.

And it will stay buried until the right moment.

When Gerans would cease to be the villains they were portrayed as and instead be hailed as a unifying force, bringingpeace and harmony to all in a universe where every shifter knew their place.

Their superior place.

Chapter Twenty

Tuesday

BRICK HADto admit he was impressed.

“How in the hell did Duke lay his hands on a C-17? We’re talking top of the line cargo aircraft.” The belly of the steel beast held the troop of thirty or so men and women, plus the trucks and trailers that housed the medical equipment, night-vision goggles, food, rifles, tents, water…. Everything they’d need for the mission.

“I told him to call in every favor he was owed. Looks as if he did just that.” Horvan sniffed. “Why does your bag smell like Aric?”

Brick smiled as he stroked a hand over his duffel. “He packed one of his shirts to remind me why I’m doing this.”

Horvan returned the smile. “Okay, that’s kinda cute, but seriously?” He wrinkled his nose. “He must’ve worn that thing for days.” The plane hit turbulence, and he tapped his earpiece. “Is this gonna last long? … Okay.” Horvan shook his head. “Pilot says we’ll be out of it soon.”

The sound of retching filled the air.

“Wizbang, you forgot to take your Dramamine again, didn’t you?” Crank yelled. “Fuck, you do this every time.”

“And you know I fucking hate it when you call me that, Crank. What’s wrong with Wizbowski? Too many syllables for ya?” More retching followed.

Across from Brick, Saul passed a bag along the line of soldiers. “Here, give this to him.”

Brick snickered. “Some of the best fighters I know are in this team, but they can’t fight a queasy stomach.” Another retching sound met his ears, only this was quieter—and closer to him.

Crank glanced around, frowning. “Who’s throwing up now?”

“No idea.” Brick snorted. “It sure wasn’t me. Got the constitution of an ox.”

“You mean a polar bear, right?” Horvan said with a smirk.

Crank got up and lurched across to them. “Okay, this is weird. The sound came from over here.” He cocked his head, listening.

It happened again.

“I heard it this time.” Horvan frowned. “Except it seems to be coming from your duffel, Brick.”

Crank arched his eyebrows. “It seems your luggage doesn’t like air travel. Better give it a Dramamine too.”

Brick stared at the kit bag, a suspicion dawning. “Oh my God, he didn’t.” He loosened the straps and the cord and peered inside—to find a pair of beautiful gray eyes staring back up at him. The barf on his striped fur took away some of the cuteness and provided Brick with a reminder of why he was angry. “You little—” He reached into the bag, lifted out the tabby kitty, and held him up, Aric’s front legs splayed and stiff, his tail down.

“Who’s that, Brick? Your emotional support animal?” Dex hollered, chuckling.

Eve glared at him. “Shut up. That’s his mate.”

Horvan peered into the bag. “Hey, at least he threw up overhisshirt.”

Brick gave Aric a hard stare.You are in so much trouble.

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