Page 81 of Tabitha

Been there, done that, and still have to bury the bodies, thank you very much.

Before I can voice my concern, Banks continues. “The winner who takes the flag and the person who makes the most kill shots will join us tomorrow for a full day at the compound. We’ll split off into groups of five. Tabitha, since you came in first place, you get to choose your own team.

“Each team will be given a map that’s marked where you can collect your flag. You’ll get a five-minute head start before my men will try to take you out. Good luck!”

Behind him, there are a group of ten men already geared up in a plain green shirts and military fatigues, Bruce and Steward standing amongst them.

Whatever they’re planning, they intend to do it soon.

I can’t get over the impression that this is some sort of trap, but I don’t understand what they’re after. They’ve been here for months. Why wait so long to make a move?

As my men gather around me, Bast and Pierce look grim, picking up the same vibes. Gage and River are on high alert, the pup sticking close as we move to collect our paintball equipment. No padding is offered, just guns and goggles. River automatically checks over the equipment, firing one shot from each gun to check functionality.

Bright red paint splatters the ground, very much resembling a puddle of blood.

Not ominous at all.

Bast and Gage are studying the map, discussing strategy, and I take a quick look, easily recognizing the typography. Our flag looks like it’s planted—my breath hitches—way too close to my father’s cabin to be a coincidence.

Pierce hovers at my side, his watchful eyes not missing a thing. “What’s wrong?”

I bite my lip, my chest tightening at the thought of the guys seeing where I was raised, but after everything they’ve shared, they deserve to hear it from me. “The flag is near the cabin where I was born.”

The men go still, looking up from the map, concern darkening their expressions for a second before all emotions are wiped clean. Gage is the first to speak. “You think it’s a trap?”

“I’m beginning to suspect this is just an elaborate plot to lure me to town. I’m just not sure I understand why.” As much as I don’t want to admit it, I’m beginning to suspect that just being near me puts the men in danger.

I debate whether to send them away, but I have a feeling it’s much too late for that.

We’re all trapped now.

A whistle blows, and the other teams take off into the woods and scatter. Bast folds the map, then stalks toward me, his amber eyes almost feral. “Then I suggest we figure out why they really came here and what they want with you.” He stops directly in front of me, looming over my shorter form. “Because you’re ours now, and I have no intention of letting them anywhere near you.”

“Guys…” River comes to stand next to me. “We only have four minutes left before they’re after us. I suggest we get moving.”

We take off without another word, the guys falling into formation around me. We head west, directly out of town, and it’s not long before we’re swallowed up by the forest. I glance at the others, then lift my hand. “They’re going to be coming after you guys hard. If we want a fair chance, I say we split up and regroup back at your old cabin. It will divide their forces and give us higher ground.”

Gage is the first to answer. “That’s actually not a bad idea.”

“Gee, thanks.” I shoot him a droll look, then give him a tiny smile to show that I’m not upset.

An adorable blush colors his cheeks, and I’m instantly charmed.

“I don’t like it,” Bast interrupts, casting a quick glance at me. “I don’t like leaving you alone for any amount of time.”

I have to bite back my smile, peering at him from the corner of my eyes. “Fine…I’ll take city boy with me.” I nod toward Pierce. He flashes me a wry smile, but doesn’t seem to put off by the pet name. “The rest of you lay a trail. We’ll meet back at the cabin.”

* * *

RIVER

While I know I should be heading in a different direction, I can’t stop myself from trailing after Tabitha and Pierce. Fear that I won’t ever see her again grips me by the balls, and I just can’t let her out of my sight.

So instead, I stalk them through the woods, taking care to not leave a trace.

And it’s not long before I spot Banks and his men creeping through the woods. I watch them closely through the scope I always carry. The instant they spot that we’ve split up, a furious discussion ensues, then their team splits in two.

The main group heads directly toward the flag, while the rest follow the trails we left.

---