“Yes,” Alek said longingly, turning to leave. “There’s nothing I would deny him.”
“I think we’ve far over-stayed our welcome, Alpha, but on behalf of myself and my pack, I humbly thank you for your hospitality.” Justice shook Mikel’s hand and pulled him in for a one-armed hug, patting his back affectionately.
“You and your family are welcome anytime, Justice. We mean that.” Mikel stepped back in front of his betas.
Wick gave Mikel a firm shake as well. “It’s been a pleasure.”
“This isn’t goodbye, Alpha-mate. This is only the beginning.” Mikel turned an impish grin at Justice. “This one visits more than in-laws.”
“Next time, I’ll make it an even six months; see how you like that visit.” Justice laughed.
Everyone joined in on the farewell, safe travels, and well wishes. Justice hated to say goodbye whenever he spent time with his shifters, but he couldn’t wait to get his mate back home and in his bed, either.
There was still so much more to do. The work of an alpha and a king was never done.
Wick’s soldiers were set to hit the facility this evening during the graveyard shift. Justice wanted as few human causalities as possible. They were no longer focused on politics and abiding by human law… he was operating by pack law. Justice would defend his shifters by any means. Those scientists were operating independently from any governmental agency and probably illegally. Now, more than ever, Justice was determined to wipe them all out. He and his brother had mates to consider.
The pack waved goodbye, while their two RVs and long trail of SUVs drove off.
“They are probably relieved to go back to some normality.” Wick kept waving as they drove past, like they were the royal couple. “They look sorry to see us go, but thankful, too.”
“Isn’t that with all visitors?” Justice squeezed Wick’s hand.
“I suppose. We don’t call it visiting. When I meet with covens, it’s for business, never pleasure. Visiting is reserved for people you actually care to see.” Wick turned dark eyes on him. “No one likes to see me coming.”
“I certainly do.” Justice turned Wick’s mouth to his and kissed him slowly. “Things are going to change, baby. I promise.”
They rode in silence for a long time. Wick seemed content to ride and enjoy the scenery now, but it hadn’t been pretty explaining to his mate that Justice didn’t fly and yes, they’d be driving the entire twenty-five hundred miles back to the east coast. He thought Wick was going to have a conniption when he told him that his pack didn’t fly anywhere. Justice didn’t own those big RVs for nothing. He’d explained that their animals didn’t do well up in the air, confined inside a tin can.
Wick agreed to allow Bell to fly the rest of the court to Maine while the captain and a majority of Wick’s army stayed behind tonight to finish their job. They’d level the research facility and be on the first jet to join them tomorrow. It was the best compromise. When Wick saw the RV’s accommodations, he didn’t mind settling in the master bed compartment with Justice to help pass the long hours.
Justice laid there with his mate in his arms while one of his three drivers navigated through a terrible storm in South Dakota. By the time they got to New Hampshire on Monday afternoon, all of them were done with traveling and could use a few days apart. There was no better ultimate test of a man’s restraint than being trapped in a vehicle with Mac and his pranks for two straight days and not killing him. Justice would have to remember to pay his drivers a bonus this month for getting them back home in record time.
Wick waited for Justice to come out of the bathroom so he could go in next. The RV was nice, but the shower barely fit one. He wasn’t worried. He couldn’t wait for Wick to see his master bath. The Jacuzzi tub was calling him and his cramping muscles. Justice had a basic salary as the AZ but he wasn’t into materialism, so he saved well. Most of the renovations on his log-home were done by him and his brothers, same for their homes, that all sat on the same piece of land.
The driver eased the RV into the big carport at the north side of his property. It was dark and quiet, having been desolate for so long. Justice had pack that watched the grounds but they didn’t live there. There were quite a few vehicles parked, including Justice’s four-by-four, Mac’s Harley, and Taleb’s smart car. He saw a couple sedans with blacked-out windows parked in front of his house and he assumed it was Bell and his guards. Justice breathed a sigh that Bell didn’t hesitate to come right over. Alek was still beside himself with guilt and shame. He hadn’t shown himself much, choosing to stay closed in his bunk with his laptop or a book. He only came out to eat and stretch at rest stops. When Justice offered him a quick run in Vermont, he’d been shocked when his brother said no. He was worried for Alek’s sanity. He hadn’t let his wolf out since he claimed his mate. That was two-and-a-half days ago.