Page 10 of Eden and her Mercenary
Royal
"I'll call Mack now, see if he can meet us." I stepped away to make the call, leaving Eden with Ryker.
Through the kitchen window, I watched as Ryker introduced himself properly. Despite her initial wariness, Eden seemed to relax slightly as they talked, Stella remaining vigilant at her side. The other dogs had begun to stir, stretching and yawning as morning light filled the cabin.
Mack answered on the fourth ring, his gruff voice thick with sleep. "This better be important, Royal."
"Need your expertise," I said quietly. "Off the books. It's about a dog."
"Since when do you have a dog?" The sound of rustling sheets came through the line.
"It's not mine. But she might have something implanted—something military grade."
That got his attention. "Military grade? What are we talking about here?"
"Neural implant, possibly. Behind the ear. Need to know what it is and if it can be removed safely."
A long pause followed. Finally, Mack sighed. "Bring her to the back of the store. Use the service entrance. Nine o'clock."
"Thanks, Mack. We'll be there."
When I returned to the kitchen, Eden was helping Ryker feed the dogs while explaining her transport route.
"—so, the shepherds and the beagle are going to families in Pearl Lake. The rest continue on to Kingston tomorrow."
"Except Stella," Ryker said, glancing at the pit bull who watched them from a careful distance.
Eden's face hardened. "She's not going anywhere near those people again."
"Mack will see us at nine," I announced. "Back entrance of his store in Pearl Lake."
Relief washed across Eden's face. "Thank you."
"We should move soon," Ryker advised. "Those Junction guys could still be searching the area."
Eden nodded. "I'll start loading the dogs."
As she moved to gather the transport crates, Ryker pulled me aside. "You know what you're getting into here, right? If Prophecies and Junction are involved, this goes way beyond some dogfighting ring."
"I know." I watched as Eden gently coaxed the lab puppies into their crate, her movements efficient but gentle.
"The MacGallans won't like us getting involved in something this messy," he warned.
"Then don't tell them." I met my brother's gaze. "Look, I'm seeing this through. You don't have to—"
"Don't be an idiot," Ryker cut me off. "Where you go, I go. That's how it's always been." He glanced at Eden. "Besides, she seems... important to you."
I started to protest, but the knowing look in his eyes stopped me. "I just met her last night."
"And yet here we are." Ryker clapped me on the shoulder and moved to help Eden with the remaining crates.
I checked my watch—7:30 AM. If we left now, we'd arrive at Mack's with time to spare. I gathered my essentials—gun, extra ammunition, wallet, and keys—and did a final sweep of the cabin to ensure we weren't leaving anything behind.
Eden approached as I was locking up, Stella following close at her heels. "Your brother said you have a plan for getting to Pearl Lake without being spotted."
"Back roads," I confirmed. "Longer route, but less chance of running into our friends from Junction."
She nodded, exhaustion and worry etched in thelines of her face. Despite this, there was a quiet determination in her stance that I couldn't help but admire.
