Page 33 of Viking
Then he was gone, striding across the compound, his long legs eating up the distance.I watched until they disappeared into the darkness, my fingers pressed to my lips where I could still feel the pressure of his urgent kiss.
The shock of the moment faded, replaced by cold, practical fear.I forced myself into motion, hurrying down the hall to Athena’s room.She was still asleep, one arm thrown over her head, Hopper clutched against her chest.For a moment, I just watched her breathe, overwhelmed by the fierce protectiveness that had become as natural as my own heartbeat since she came into my life.
“Athena,” I whispered, gently shaking her shoulder.“Sweetie, wake up.We need to go.”
Her eyes fluttered open, confusion clouding them before that now-familiar wariness settled in.She didn’t cry or complain, just watched me with those solemn eyes that had seen too much for her three years.
“We’re going on a little trip,” I explained, pulling her small backpack from the closet.“Just for a little while.Can you help me pack Hopper and your new unicorn?”
She nodded, sliding from the bed and gathering her stuffed animals while I quickly shoved clothes into the backpack.As I worked, my mind raced between the danger approaching and my new status as his woman.
I moved to the window, pulling back the curtain just enough to peer outside.The compound had transformed in the minutes since Wire’s arrival.Men moved with military precision, taking up positions behind vehicles and buildings.They looked like they were heading toward the front gates.I saw Viking with another man beside him.He seemed to be giving instructions.This was a side of Viking I hadn’t fully acknowledged until now.These weren’t just rough men playing at being outlaws.They were warriors preparing for battle, organized and disciplined in ways I hadn’t expected.And they were doing it for us -- for me and Athena.
A small tug on my shirt made me look down.Athena stood beside me, her backpack on, Hopper and the unicorn clutched to her chest.Ready to run, just like that.No tears, no questions.My heart broke a little at the realization that this wasn’t her first midnight evacuation, that Kris had probably prepared her for moments like this.
“It’s okay, sweetie,” I said, kneeling to her level.“Viking’s friends are going to keep us safe.”
She glanced toward the window, then back at me.“Viking?”she asked, her voice so small I barely heard it.
It was the first time she’d said someone’s name since she’d come into my care, and it was his name.Something twisted in my chest -- pain and hope mingled together.
“He’s coming back for us,” I promised, praying it wasn’t a lie.“He’s making sure the bad men can’t get to us.”
A sharp knock at the door made me jump.I scooped Athena into my arms and moved cautiously to the entryway.Through the peephole, I saw Atlas, Wire’s teenage son, shifting nervously on the porch.
“Ms.Kringle?”he called softly.“Viking sent me to take you and Athena to the safe house.”
I opened the door, clutching Athena tighter as I stepped onto the porch.The compound beyond was a flurry of activity, men and motorcycles moving with purpose, the distant sound of engines growing louder by the second.The peaceful home I’d begun to adjust to had transformed into a war zone in minutes.
As Atlas led us toward a waiting truck, I cast one last glance toward the main gate where Viking stood with two men, his blond hair catching the security lights.Whatever happened next would change everything -- for me, for Athena, for Viking, for all of us.
The only certainty I had was that when morning came, nothing would be the same.
Chapter Nine
Karoline
The truck had barely pulled away from Viking’s house when the first shots rang out.Atlas slammed on the brakes, his young face suddenly going white with fear as he scanned the darkness.“We can’t make it to the safe house,” he said, his voice cracking.“Road’s blocked.”
More gunfire erupted, closer now.His knuckles whitened on the steering wheel.“Back to the house.Viking anticipated this and gave me orders if extraction fails to fortify in place.”
I clutched Athena tighter against my chest, her tiny body rigid with fear, and nodded.We had no choice.
Atlas reversed the truck with surprising skill, tires spitting gravel as we careened back toward Viking’s house.The distance we’d covered in barely a minute took an eternity to retrace, each second punctuated by distant shouts and thepop-pop-popof gunfire.We skidded to a stop, but Atlas didn’t cut the engine.
“Get inside, barricade everything,” he instructed, his young voice dropped unnaturally low in imitation of his father’s authoritative tone.“I need to get back to the clubhouse.”
I didn’t waste time arguing, just yanked the door open and ran with Athena in my arms, her face buried against my neck.The key -- where was the key?My hands shook so badly I dropped my purse on the porch, contents scattering.Behind us, Atlas’s truck peeled away, disappearing into the darkness.
“It’s okay, sweetie,” I whispered to Athena as I fumbled with the lock, finally pushing the door open.“We’re going to be fine.”
Inside, I set Athena down just long enough to slam the door shut and engage all three deadbolts.The security bar came next, sliding into place with a solidthunkthat gave me a moment’s comfort.But it wouldn’t be enough.Not against men with military training and tactical gear.
“Stay close to me,” I told Athena, who hadn’t moved from where I’d placed her, Hopper clutched tightly to her chest, her eyes wide and watchful.The distant crack of gunfire punctuated my words, making me flinch.
I moved to the living room windows first, pushing a button beside it and watching as bars slid down over the outside, then yanking the curtains closed.Outside, engines revved -- motorcycles and what sounded like heavier vehicles.More gunfire, closer now.A man’s voice shouted orders I couldn’t make out.
I hurried to secure the rest of the windows in the house, as well as the back door.Athena remained in the entry where I’d left her, and I raced back to her.My phone buzzed in my pocket.I pulled it out with shaking hands, hoping for a message from Viking, but the screen showed nothing.No service.They must have brought jammers or cut the cell towers.So who had just tried to reach me?
