Kate Allenton by Guided Loyalty

elevator dinged. The doors slid open as anticipation ate away at Cathy’s gut. A gust of wind met them as they hurried to the helicopter. She didn’t waste any time climbing onboard. She settled into the seat next to the pilot. Ethan unhooked the restraints securing their ride before climbing into the seat next to her. The others settled in the seats behind them. Ethan started the blades and forewent the security check. He flicked the switch, and the blades whirled to life in a fury that matched her heartbeat. In a matter of a few minutes, they lifted into the air, hovering over the building and grounds below. Her stomach lurched as she glanced down at the scene below.
         Edward and several of his men were still at the gazebo. Several of the wolves had axes in their hands, each swinging at or near the section where she’d been leaning against the railing. The alpha cupped his hand above his eyes to block the sun and looked up. His mouth hung open, the farther and faster they climbed, the smaller he appeared. He held up his hand as if he could just pick them out of the sky or as if she would actually grab it. She didn’t trust him…not anymore. She trusted Ethan with her life, after hearing how Black described mated pairs. Unlike Jonah, she trusted him as far as she could throw him, and, well, Tessa was an unknown, but if Cathy’s guess was right, the she- wolf wouldn’t be leaving Jonah’s side. Cathy turned in her seat. Jonah was settled in a seat, leaning

    against the window. Tessa had her hand to his forehead like a mom checking for a temperature. Was it just the doctor in her that prompted her to take care of Jonah or was it more? Cathy would have bet money it was more.
         Cathy turned back around in time to see Ethan motion to the headset he had on and then point to another set hanging next to Cathy. She picked them up and put them on.
         “Hang on tight, princess.” Ethan’s voice was smooth as velvet and clear as crystal.
         “Where are we going?” she asked into the microphone and grasped the handle above her head.
         Ethan banked right, and they flew farther and farther away from the wolves with the vials safely tucked away in her pocket. She’d only mentioned the vials held powers to Edward. She hadn’t
    pointed out or told him the truth about the second serum, the killing serum. They were headed south and farther away from Black and his merry band of goons, away from Edward and his need for the serum, away from Tara and the rest of the Phantoms. Black would still be coming for her. She knew it deep down in her bones. Cathy pulled out her phone to see if she’d missed any calls from Tara.
    Tessa’s voice broke through the silence. “Wherever we’re going, we need to ditch the helo. They can track it.” Cathy glanced back to find the she-wolf had her own headset on.
         Ethan nodded. “I’ve got it covered.”
         Cathy leaned her head against the window and closed her eyes. The feelings in her heart and the thoughts in her head battled against each other. Relying on Ethan was a bitter pill to swallow. She’d hoped and dreamed of the day she’d find the one man that was supposed to be hers. Having been hurt and not trusted with the truth, her head and heart were in a constant state of conflict.
         The helicopter landed thirty minutes later in a small airfield in the middle of a cornfield.
         Ethan hopped out and helped her down. They were met by an old guy who held out his hand. “Well, as I live and breathe. I don’t believe it…the prodigal son has returned.”
    Ethan grinned and shook the old man’s hand. “It’s good to see you too, old man. The years have been kind to you, George.”
         Cathy stepped up to them.
         “I see you’ve brought company. Did you plan on staying for a spell? I’m sure Martha wouldn’t mind setting some extra plates.”
    Ethan’s smile slipped. The creases in his forehead