Grinning hugely, Nathan lightly acknowledged. “And a few more that you’ve never seen either.” Opening his pack, he displayed several grenades.
“Oh, you devil!” Clapping her hands, Riley felt like dancing in glee. “What about the historical significance. Is this going to change time?”
Tilting his head, Nathan looked at her questioningly. “What do we really know about the Pleistocene period other than it was cold and a lot of animals died out?”
“Uhmmm, if you’re asking me specifically—not much.” She was a botanist, for goodness sakes, she wasn’t a historian.
Casually tossing a grenade from hand to hand, Nathan explained. “What I’m saying is, not much survived that period and if we use these babies, there won’t be enough left to identify, even if some of it’s found thousands of years from now.”
“Too true! But how did you get these by Bethany? She was pretty specific about what I could and couldn’t bring.”
“She didn’t ask and I didn’t mention them. Besides, Bethany loves me. I could have brought a cannon and she wouldn’t have said anything. It was the other people working on the project that I had to worry about.”
“Maybe you should have brought a cannon, or at least a really big gun! We wouldn’t be in such a mess if you had.” Glumly, she mentally reviewed their weapons and found them wanting.
“If we get to use these, all it’ll take is one. The effective radius of the kill zone alone should take care of most of them and I suspect the others will run.” Nathan wrapped the grenade and placed it back in the pack. The rest stop over, they gathered up the packs and equipment. “We need to keep moving if we’re going to make the cave by nightfall.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
“So—are you sure we’re tracking the right ones?” Jonas barked.
Startled, Geena glanced up from her careful scrutiny of the ground, surprised at his tone, and even more so at his audacity in asking her, of all people, such a ridiculous question.
“I don’t see how it could be anyone else. Look here,” she pointed to some muddled prints. “We have a larger individual and a smaller one, a man and perhaps a woman or a boy. The markings left by their moccasins are totally different than the ones made by the larger group following them. Most of the larger group are either barefoot or their soles bear the same stitching patterns, that sort of thing. These here,” pointing to the first set, “are of much finer quality—smaller, more even stitching—like ours!” Focusing on the prints, she continued. “The first two are traveling pretty fast; the strides are longer and less delineated. If I were to guess, I would say they’re running from something, probably the second group. But it’s kind of hard to decipher. As you can see, the first tracks have been trampled over by some sort of small animal herd, but you can see them there,” pointing again, “and there.”
Frowning, Jonas argued the point. “And if you’re wrong, then we could be following God only knows who!”
Geena stopped, straightening up slowly, her eyes narrowing as she spun around to face him. “How often have I been wrong?” she growled menacingly, her lip curling in anger. “And unless you’re looking for a new outlook on life, you do your job, and let me do mine.”
Jonas backed off, knowing her too well to push further. More than one unlucky male had overstepped her good nature and ended up singing soprano. Satisfied, Geena resumed tracking, choosing to ignore any further comments he might make.
They had been tracking the two groups since early morning when Geena discovered the first prints. Convinced they belonged to Nathan and Riley, she was off and running, like a hound dog after a raccoon. Later, a second, larger group of tracks converged along the same path as the two runners. The tracks were relatively fresh and ominous to the beholders. It was pretty easy to guess that if Nathan and Riley were running, the situation was out of control.
CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX
The terrain they now traveled, though less treacherous, was nonetheless strenuous. Unwaveringly, Nathan pushed himself and the small group along, the pace demanding and relentless. Night was swiftly falling when the entrance to the cave came into view. Demon whined as he sniffed the evening air, nervously pacing alongside Nathan. The night hunters would soon be on the move and it was with great relief that they finally reached their intended destination. Holding her breath in anticipation, Riley waited impatiently as Nathan moved aside a number of large rocks and disappeared into the cave opening. Within minutes, he stepped back out, motioning her to follow. The sheep, following her lead, jostled for position, trampling hurriedly behind. Nathan rolled the covering rocks back into place and then rummaged through a pile of wood along the far wall, pulling out a number of torches, lighting one from an ember transported in a small clay pot.
The glow from the torch lit the small chamber, and glancing around curiously, Riley noted with interest the supplies and water skins stacked around the cavern. The sheep milled around anxiously, looking for food and water, tired and hungry from the long, arduous trip.
Eyeing them in aggravation, Nathan commented dryly. “I’m going to have to go back out there and drag in some grass or they’ll never settle down.”
Riley nodded. “I’ll get them some water. Seems to be enough for tonight at least.”
“I think we could probably go for a week if we need to. Cover the opening with that skin while I slip out. No need to advertise our location.” Nathan rolled the rock back just far enough to ease out. A short time later, he was back, forcing large bundles of grass through the small opening. When the sheep and the horse were munching contentedly, Riley retrieved a food pack and began preparing a meal. Nathan collapsed on a hastily contrived bed, the rigors of the day showing on his pale, strained face.
Heating water took only a few minutes and a small pot of tea was soon brewing. Nathan thankfully accepted a small cup while Riley hurried to get the meal prepared. Though lacking the comforts of their previous shelter, the current cave was nonetheless warm and protective. The animals settled down and peace permeated the chamber. Nathan managed a few bites of dinner before drifting off to sleep, trusting Riley to keep watch for now. Demon crouched down facing the cave entrance, ever watchful, his fierce countenance reminiscent of his savage ancestors. As Riley placed a large food bowl down in front of his muzzle, he favored her with a quick lick, just enough to show his lofty appreciation, but not enough to distract him from the task at hand.
“Good boy,” Riley crooned. “You are such a good boy.”
A slight wag of his tail was Demon’s only response.
Satisfied that all was well for the time being, Riley settled down and prepared to keep the first watch, knowing that Nathan would never be able to go any further unless he got the rest he needed. Strangely, Riley was content. Her little family had survived thus far and if God was good, they would make it through tomorrow. Sighing, she drifted off into a light sleep, one ear attuned to danger.
CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN
“Get that perimeter up!” Jonas growled. “And you four,” pointing to the former Black Ops members. “Up in those trees and keep watch! Four hours on, four off. Nothing gets through! Am I clear on this?”
Nodding, they moved off, silently blending into cover. Jonas had chosen a spot easily defensible and camp was hastily erected. No fires would be lit, inadvertently giving away their location, and they would sup this night on jerked meat and hardtack. He had eaten worse in his lifetime.
Several guards soundlessly walked the perimeter as well, their primitive weapons held in readiness. Large animals crashed through the dark underbrush, evoking images of the earlier encounter and every team member was on alert. Jonas whirled, startled, as a small hand came to rest on his forearm.
“What the hell do you want?” he snarled.
Allie’s small face materialized, her squeaky voice apologetic in the night air. “I was afraid and I just feel better being near you.”
The light of the moon shown on her delicate features, eyes large and
dark, trembling lips pressed tightly together. Uttering a quick expletive and cursing his inability to deny her solace, Jonas reluctantly relented. “We’re all afraid. You’d have to be an idiot not to be afraid. Just don’t let being afraid cause you to lose focus. I need every one of you alert and ready.”
Reluctantly, Allie turned to leave. “We’ll be okay,” Jonas spoke to her retreating figure. “We just need to stick together and watch our backs.” He watched her until she disappeared into a small tent, concern for her and the other members’ mental status heavy on his mind. The dangers were not unlike many he had encountered before in his line of work, but unlike those previous situations, this one held a wide variety of unknowns. Finding Nathan and the girl would be tantamount to the success of the endeavor. If they were unsuccessful in that regard, he was afraid it would create a downside that would be hard to overcome. So far, the team viewed the experience as an exciting adventure, albeit a risky one, and he hoped they continued in that vein.
Shaking himself, he made a quick tour of the perimeter before turning in. Bats twittered as they pursued night-flying insects, brush rustled as small animals skittered about, but other than that, the night was quiet. White teeth flashing in the darkness, several guards silently acknowledged his presence in passing. Soft whistles from high up in the trees reassured him that everyone was in place.
CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT
Sometime in the night, the dog growled, low and menacingly. Immediately, Riley leaped up, heart pounding in alarm. Demon’s eyes glimmered silver in the light of the small campfire, hackles rising as he stalked stiff-legged towards the cave entrance. Breath held in anticipation, Riley waited for his next move. Poking his nose through a small opening between two large rocks, Demon scented the night air, his growl becoming louder and more threatening.
“Wha—” Nathan came awake with a start. “What’s going on?”
Riley shrugged, watching Demon’s every move. “He must have heard something!” she said quietly. “I don’t know. He just suddenly started acting this way!”
Rolling free of the bedding, Nathan grabbed a weapon and rushed to kneel beside the dog. “What’s going on, boy? What is it?”
The dog turned to face him, his ears twitching, attention attuned to the outside.
“Put out the fire!”
Riley hustled to do his bidding, scooping fistfuls of dirt over the small flames, hands shaking in nervous anxiety. Seconds later, the small fire was extinguished, and complete darkness shrouded the small chamber. Alarmed, the animals moved restlessly, sensing their concern.
Breathlessly, they waited as minutes ticked by. Ears straining to hear the slightest sound, Riley’s eyes finally adjusted to the cloak of darkness, barely able to make out the cave entrance and the dark figures of Nathan and the dog crouched nearby. After what seemed like an eternity, Demon’s incessant growling ceased.
“Whatever had him upset, I think it’s gone now.” Nathan whispered. “Better not light any more fires ‘til morning, though. Might have just been a predator after the sheep, but we don’t know.”
“If it wasn’t an animal, do you think they spotted our fire?”
“I don’t think so. The entrance was pretty well blocked and we kept the fire small. I’m betting it was an animal.”
Reaching and finding her in the dark, Nathan folded her tightly against him. Hugging back fiercely, Riley cuddled close, comforted by his nearness. His heart beat solidly and steady, much like him, she mused. Solid and steady. The kind of man she always wanted. Unwittingly, a vision of his nude body swam through her consciousness. Heat rose. Feverishly, she skimmed the tunic up, running her hands over his powerfully sculpted pecs, twining her fingers in the sprinkling of soft hair.
“Great idea!” Nathan commented, amused. “Much better than playing cards or watching TV. I can’t think of anything I’d rather do right now.”
Giggling, Riley continued her unrestrained exploration of his muscular body. “I don’t know...maybe a beach in Hawaii might be a hard one to pass up.”
“If we were doing this on a beach in Hawaii—maybe,” he groaned. “Otherwise, I’m pretty happy right where I am.”
Clothing tossed hurriedly aside, wanting nothing between them, she pushed him back, aggressively taking control and forcing his willing submission. Rubbing against his engorged staff, Riley tasted his lips, tongue working in unison with her frenzied movements. His large hands grasped her bottom, kneading the full cheeks, guiding her to his heated length. Passion rose in a red hot wave, engulfing her in its wake as she sank slowly down, her silken sheath convulsing along his pulsating member. She ached for him, ached to have him deeper and deeper, until nothing separated their joining.
Wildly she rode, arching back as his hips bucked against her most tender place. With one practiced flip, he threw her to the bottom, assuming the dominant position without losing even one moment of rhythm. Forcing her back, ignoring her protestations, Nathan pounded against her, driving deeper with every thrust. Cupping her full breasts, his tongue laved the valley between, latching onto one sensitive nipple, teeth nipping gently as she moaned in mindless response. Hard and fast they exploded, Riley’s high pitched scream of release echoing in the stillness of the darkened cavern, his growling rejoinder seconds behind. Panting in exertion, Nathan supported himself on his elbows, trailing soft kisses down her face, finishing with a quick kiss on the tip of her nose.
“Yup,” he commented, “a beach in Hawaii has nothing on this.”
“You’re just saying that because there’s no other choice.” Amused, her voice rippled with laughter. Nathan conjured her image, his mind picturing her deep green eyes twinkling with humor, a smile curving her luscious, full lips.
“There’s always a choice. For instance, we could be at the North Pole with no blanket and only snow for a bed and polar bears waiting in the wings, or we could be on a rock wall hanging over some great void and only a rope bed between us and the canyon below.” Lurid images sprang from Nathan’s descriptive recitation.
“Okay, okay!” Riley’s voice halted his commentary. “You’ve made your point. I have to admit, this isn’t too bad, although if I had to pick the perfect spot, I would still have to vote for the beach in Hawaii, or perhaps a cabana on the beach in Hawaii. We wouldn’t want to scare the tourists,” she added reasonably.
“They wouldn’t be scared! They’d be jealous! Heck, I’m jealous just thinking about it.” His shaft moved against her, burgeoning up as his hands roved over her willing form.
“Jealous? Is this your definition of jealous? Does jealousy cause a hard-on?” Grinning in the dark, Riley stretched seductively, permitting him access to every inch of her being. This might be their last night together and she wasn’t going to pass up on one minute of it.
Nathan worked his way down her body, his tongue licking and seeking each delicate spot, his beard scratching an intriguing trail on the softness of her belly, until his mouth found and nuzzled the soft hair covering her feminine mound. Riley squeaked in surprise as he tasted her sensitive bud, his tongue swirling and enticing, overpowering her belated embarrassment, delighting as she rose up against him. Inserting two fingers, he continued his assault on her senses, taking his time and savoring every second. The earlier, heated joining was for him, this slower, more intense joining was for her. Riley’s hips thrashed convulsively, moving in unison with his clever tongue. Cupping her cheeks, he delved deeper into her feminine heat, his mouth unrelenting and lifting her to heights heretofore unknown. Unconsciously, her hands grasped fistfuls of his shaggy, unbound hair, tightening almost painfully as she writhed uncontrollably against him.
“Nathan! Take me now,” she wailed, whimpering with sexual need.
Acute gratification at her unreserved responses wafted through Nathan’s core. Never had a woman responded so fully to his demands. Mounting, he rode the waves of untamed desire, her sheath rippling with the onslaught of orgasm.
CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE
; The nightmare began in earnest at midnight. Screams echoed through the campsite. Confused team members ran wildly in every direction, attempting to locate the source of the attack. Firelight flickered across faces distorted by fear. Only the Black Ops members retained their composure, hurriedly forming a semi-circle near Jonas and bracing for battle. Another scream rent the air!
Frozen for a moment, the team gaped in horror as an unidentified woman staggered into view, blood dripping from a scalp torn halfway off and partially obscuring her ravaged face.
“There! Over there!” Jonas whirled in response, his bowels contracting at the sheer size of the massive bear stalking the mutilated woman, his hate-filled yellow eyes gleaming wickedly in the light of the campfire.
“Jesus H. Christ!” Geena gasped, backpedaling in an effort to gain some maneuverability.
The woman, weak from loss of blood, stumbled and fell as the great beast raked her with a giant claw. Steel jaws seized the woman’s nape, bones cracking audibly as the behemoth ground the neck bones to mush, mercifully ending her suffering. Roaring in rage, the bear began pulling the decimated woman from the campsite, aggressively defending his kill as the team rushed in. Spears shoved deep into the animal’s sides only served to further enrage the beast. Dropping his prize, the bear advanced on his attackers, his elongated canines dripping blood from jaws forged in the fires of hell. Bellowing his defiance, the rotten-flesh stench of his hot breath permeating the pristine air, vicious claws raking and lashing out, he was a creature from some demented fantasy.
Micah wrenched a burning brand from the fire pit, shoving it hard into the monster’s face, singeing fur and charring the fiend’s tender snout. Howling in pain and fury, the bear gave ground, backing off and retreating to the edge of the clearing.
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