Page 23 of Big Top Bear Raid
Wraith smiled back upon hearing Zion’s admission.“Good.”Leaning up, he pecked a kiss to his mate’s lips.“Then let’s go.Eurik’s probably wondering what’s keeping you.”
Scoffing, Zion muttered, “If he’s smart, he’ll know it’s you.”
Wraith grinned broadly, pleased that his mate’s scent was betraying how he was relaxing.
Good.
Truthfully, Wraith couldn’t imagine how Zion thought he would manage to leave without him...knowing or otherwise.He also wasn’t certain how his mate had managed to sit tight for so long.While sex between mates was wonderful, Wraith knew it could only distract someone so much.
Hell, Zion just discovered that his cousin is still alive after over a year and a half of thinking he was dead.I don’t think I’d have the kind of discipline needed to wait three days...
“Wraith?”
Zion’s call drew his attention, and he saw that his mate was already straddling his motorcycle.Grabbing his helmet, Wraith pulled it over his head.He hesitated beside his own bike, then crossed to Zion’s side.
At Zion’s questioning look, Wraith explained, “I’ll ride behind you, if that’s okay.”TheHarleywas plenty big enough, even though normally he preferred to drive himself.When Zion didn’t respond, Wraith shrugged and offered a wry smile.“I’m feeling the need to hold you.”
Having his mate try to ditch him while going and doing something possibly dangerous had his instincts screaming at him to stick close.
After giving him a nod and an understanding smile, Zion used the heels of his boots to flip the passenger foot pegs down on each side.
Resting his hand on Zion’s shoulder, Wraith placed his left foot on a peg and swung aboard.Once he’d settled, his big bear mate brought the motorcycle to life.Wraith gripped Zion’s belt loops in a loose hold as his mate started them moving.
Wraith enjoyed the wind on his face as he thought about what could happen.While Eurik was meeting up with Stan, they were hoping to sneak back to the animal trailers.There had been zebras in the show, too.Wraith agreed with Zion.If there was one shifter being held captive, perhaps there were others, too.
Time to find out.
Plus, if there was a possibility for Zion to speak to Acadia, his mate wanted to see just how responsive his cousin was after so much time alone.While some shifters were solitary, normally those of the reptile variety, bear shifters were not.Wraith couldn’t imagine how his wolf would manage if he was forced to live without his pack.
That’s a whole other brand of hell.
When they reached the driveway to where Wraith knew the bears were staying at the secluded farmhouse, Zion only had to slow.Eurik already sat on his motorcycle at the end of the driveway.The other bear shifter smirked and tipped his chin up in a sort of hello to him.
“Didn’t think Zion would get away with leaving you behind, Wraith,” Eurik commented, his voice sounding in Wraith’s ear through his helmet’s tiny speaker.“You be careful.All right?”
“I will be,” Wraith assured, warmth filling him that the other bear was concerned for his well-being.Still, he didn’t want Zion to dwell on the fact that he was somewhat vulnerable, so he asked, “So, do we have a plan?”
“Sure.”Eurik glanced his way, a grin curving his lips, before refocusing on the road.“Stan’ll sneak me into their camp.You watch and see if you can follow without being seen.”After a few seconds of hesitation, Eurik told them, “I think Stan is actually a pretty good guy, so let’s do our best not to get the human in trouble.”
Wraith and Zion both made noises of acknowledgement before they fell silent.Peering at the trees, he let his mind drift as he enjoyed the ride.He hoped they would be able to get in and out without issue.
While Wraith wanted to appease Zion’s need to see and rescue his cousin, Wraith needed his mate to be safe, too.
When they drew close to where the circus was set up, Eurik slowed their pace.He took a side road and came to a stop.“Find a place to stow your motorcycle.”Pointing to the left, Eurik told them, “The driveway to the back lot is five hundred yards ahead.I’ll sit here for a few, letting you get in position to watch.Hopefully, you’ll be able to follow me in on foot.”
“Sounds good.”
Zion looked over his shoulder at Wraith and held up a hand.Knowing what his mate wanted, he took hold of his hand and swung off the motorcycle.Then Wraith watched as Zion trundled slowly off the side of the road.His mate disappeared amidst a copse of trees, and the engine shut off.A second later, Zion reappeared and held out his hand.
Wraith took it, squeezed his fingers once, then released him.Together, they started jogging down the road.Seeing the turn ahead, they ducked into the trees and began making their way along it, keeping to the shadows.
After a few minutes, Eurik passed them on the road.The rumble of his engine quieted, telling him that he’d slowed.A second later, the rumble quit altogether.
“Hey, Eurik,” a soft tenor voice greeted him.
“Hi, Stan,” Eurik replied, his tone warm.“It’s good to see you again.Thanks for inviting me.”
“Absolutely,” Stan replied.“It’s perfect timing, too.”
