Page 63 of Claiming Ours
“And I have to get back to Anchorage,” Langston added, rubbing at his beard. “I can’t go as the medic.”
Memphis raised the hand holding the cigarette. “I’d be happy to help where I can.”
“I want to go too,” Baylee added with a determined nod.
I shook my head. “No, I don’t think that’s a good?—”
“There could be injured animals, Liam. I’m going.”
I pursed my lips, wishing like hell I could smack her ass for that sassy tone even though she was right. I just didn’t fucking like it.
“We can take the horses,” I sighed. “They’re our best way into Caper if everything else is blocked, and it’s quicker than going on foot. Dax and Finley can air-drop supplies like water and nonperishable food. We three will assess the damage from the ground and render aid however needed.”
Brandon eyed me as he contemplated my plan. It was a solid one, even if it would take over a day to get there on horseback. Caper was a tiny, multigenerational compound of sorts, a grouping of houses all owned and occupied by the Leech family. It was rustic as hell, but the Leeches had always lived off-grid and wanted to stay. The fact that they’d reached out to us for anything was a testament to how bad the situation was.
“I don’t know,” Brandon said, taking out his phone and coming to stand at my side. He pulled up a satellite view of the area. “It’s rough as hell out there, but there might be some animal trails you could ride along.” At that, he gave Memphis a skeptical glance. “Have you ever ridden a horse before?”
Pink stained Memphis’s cheeks. Clearing his throat, he responded with a reluctant nod. “Once or twice. There were horses at the rehab facility.”
I pointed at the marked trailhead for the Soul Trail. “We could start there, then veer off a few miles in. There’s a big drop-off somewhere around here, but I’m sure we could find a way around it.” My gaze went to Baylee at the mention of the Soul Trail, stomach sinking, knowing it was where all those womenhad gone missing. “If we leave soon, we can get several miles in before having to camp for the night. We would get to Caper early tomorrow, if everything goes according to plan.”
“There are a lot of risks.”
I clapped Brandon on the shoulder. “There always are in these types of rescue assignments. You know that better than anyone. But we still help anyone who needs it, hence the ‘adventure and rescue’ part of the company you three started.”
“He’s not wrong,” Amy chimed in. “We’ll make sure they have satellite phones, since there’s no way in hell their personal cells will work out there, plus enough supplies to get them through several days in case things don’t go as planned.” At Amy’s comment about no cell service Baylee deflated, almost seeming relieved. Odd. “We have to send someone, babe. They called us for help. You know how hard that had to have been for old man Leech.”
Brandon’s resigned sigh was all the approval I needed.
“Carl, bring three sat phones to the barn.” He nodded, turned on his heel, and started toward the main office where we kept the equipment and had our weekly meetings. “Baylee, get your personal bag and kit packed for what you’ll need to treat the wounded animals, but remember, we’re on horseback. Lang, take Memphis to your place and help him pack up your medic bag. I’ll run to the general store with Amy to grab some jerky and other nonperishable food items that aren’t heavy or bulky.”
With a loud clap to get us all in motion, I gestured for Amy to head down the stairs first. Before Baylee could follow her, I wrapped an arm around her waist and yanked her back against me.
“I don’t like you being in danger,” I said into her ear.
“I won’t be. You and Memphis will keep me safe.” She turned her head to brush her lips against mine. “I trust you, Liam.”
After one more quick kiss, she shimmied out of my hold. I sighed, watching her perfect ass as she walked toward the barn. Running a hand over my head, I started after Amy.
“If anything happens to her,” she said when I caught up, “I will cut off your balls and serve them to you as grilled hors d’oeuvres.” The smile she shot me made me blanch. Fuck, she was scary. “Also, have so much fun and be safe, okay?”
I could only nod in response, because what else could you say to a remark like that? Though Amy didn’t have to worry about her friend. I’d protect Baylee with my life. And after earlier with Memphis and Langston, it seemed I felt the same way about the recent addition to our community. That made the unexpected add-on to my relationship with Baylee way fucking easier than I ever expected sharing her could be. Baylee trusted and wanted Memphis, and I trusted him to take care of her and keep her safe.
Now all we had to do was make it official. Me, Baylee, and Memphis. Plus Elvis, too, I guess.
Something deep inside me settled at that thought, like everything was finally falling into place. But like Baylee, I’d had my expected future yanked away and shit on, so it would be hard to trust that this wasn’t fake or short-term. I just had to trust them… which for someone with my past was a big fucking ask.
But for her—for them—I’d sure as hell try.
21
MEMPHIS
Ilooked fucking ridiculous, and from the way Baylee kept eyeing me over her shoulder and giggling, she 100 percent agreed. With an annoyed grumble, I shifted in the uncomfortable saddle to ease the growing ache in my ass—and we’d only been riding for thirty minutes.
Baylee slowed her horse until we rode side by side. “Don’t look so petulant. The clothes don’t look bad. They’re just not your typical trendy style, that’s all.”
No fucking shit, this getup wasn’t me. I eyed the Wranglers and flannel shirt I’d borrowed from Carl with disdain. I had to put my foot down when he tried to make me wear a pair of cowboy boots. That was a step too far. My go-to motorcycle boots weren’t ideal for horseback riding, but the style was all me, and they fit like a glove on the off chance we needed to get off the massive beasts to hike at some point.
