They expected an attack on the government agents before the night was over. Andros and Vasilisa were the bodyguards for the four men. They knew Sokolov would want to come with them. He’d been told the oil fields were producing and he would want the chance to be able to inspect the fields without appearing to do so. He would also be in the confines of a vehicle with Andros on the ride to the fields. Thatmeant he could ask questions while trying to appear friendly and casual.
They rushed outside to the waiting vehicle. The engine was still running, and the moment everyone was seated, Andros tapped the driver, the signal to go. The narrow, little used trails were barely open, but that didn’t deter their driver from going at breakneck speed. Around them, other vehicles followed. Most of the Lycans had disappeared into the forest already, shifting to make the run fast. They could cut through the forest and get there much quicker than those in cars.
Nikolay glanced uneasily out the window, although he couldn’t see much. Dark clouds blotted out the moon, and the cold seemed to just get colder. “You’re certain your driver can see to drive at this speed through the trees?”
“Good reflexes,” Andros said. He allowed his gaze to slide over the government agent as if really seeing him for the first time. “You’ve come for a visit at a hell of a time.”
“What’s going on, my friend?”
Vasilisa thought Nikolay looked as friendly as a tiger.
Andros frowned and rubbed his temples. “It’s been a nightmare. There’s a belief system here among some people based on old traditions and very strict codes that date back, it feels like, to the beginning of time. I made an enemy out of them because I testified against the son of one of the members. The man had attacked a woman outside the inn. I wasn’t the only one that heard her scream. Four of us testified against him. That was a good two years ago, maybe longer. I guess they’ve been holding a grudge.”
“Why would they take a child?”
“My fiancé wasn’t married when Alyona was conceived. As I said, this particular sect is very old-fashioned and wanted to punish her. He was Sacred Circle. I am not. They ambushed me when I tried to get to Lada. It’s been hell, Nikolay.” He leaned forward to look to the driver. “Do you need help driving, Klim? I can switch places.”
Vasilisa put a gentle hand on his arm. “He’ll get us there. Thesearch has already started. At least you managed to get a tip that might pay off.” Her voice was soothing.
“I probably should have turned down your offer,” Andros continued. “I believe these people are going to try to kill me again. At least when I was interro—” He broke off and changed his wording. “Speaking with several of those involved in the conspiracy, it seemed as though this sect was very determined to kill me and the other three men who testified against one of their own. They also believe in hanging traitors in trees with hooks in them until they die. Anyone who speaks of their beliefs or talks to outsiders about their plans is considered a traitor.”
“Andros,” Vasilisa spoke softly, one hand going to her throat. “When your friend first introduced himself to me, he mentioned that old rumor, the one about our family being royalty and ruling over people.”
Andros groaned and shook his head. “Nikolay would never fall for that. We still can’t afford to fix that old place up. Half of it is modern, the other half needs to be torn down.” He looked directly at his friend. “What brings you up this way?”
“A letter, Andros, and now I’m very disturbed, as well.” There was speculation in Nikolay’s voice. He slid his hand inside his coat and loosened his gun. “The letter said you called yourself king and people here worshiped you. They said you were drilling for oil and selling it privately. I was sent to investigate.”
“And we’re taking them to the oil field to find the child that was tossed down a wellbore,” Vasilisa whispered. She turned on the seat, going up on her knees, pulling a gun from under her coat. “Andros.” There was anxiety in her voice.
Andros swore under his breath. “We’re taking you straight into an ambush. Klim, stop. We have to turn around.”
“No, we’re not turning around,” Nikolay snapped in an authoritative voice. “Let these madmen come for us.”
“You don’t understand,” Andros said. “If they succeed in killing you, my family and those other men who testified will be blamed. Thisis my fight. I’m responsible for the safety of these people and you, whether you like it or not.”
“You will continue to the oil fields,” Nikolay insisted. “I am to inspect them and put it in my report that all is as it was the last time they were inspected.”
Andros swore. “Nikolay, there’s going to be hundreds of people searching for Alyona. The murderers could be anyone.”
“Why would you think you’re responsible for us?” another agent demanded.
Vasilisa didn’t turn to look at her brother. She was certain these men worked well together. This was another question posed to Andros with just the right hint of disbelief in the agent’s voice intending to produce the need in Andros to defend himself. The agents still hoped to trip him up.
Andros didn’t deign to answer. He was too busy staring out the window, tension in every line of his body.
Nikolay lifted an eyebrow. “You didn’t read anything in the report I sent you on Andros? You wouldn’t ask that question if you had, Feliks. He’s a cop with a large territory to cover, and he takes his job seriously. He took his work seriously when we served together.”
Vasilisa had to acknowledge Nikolay was smooth. He defended Andros when her brother didn’t take the bait, making it appear as if his partner had no idea Andros enforced the laws in their territory. Of course he knew. Nikolay was not the kind of man to tolerate any of those working with him not doing their homework. She didn’t blame them for trying to trip Andros up, particularly when it was clear he was upset over the missing child.
As if reading her thoughts, Andros reached out to her.You’re certain Afanasiv and the others are looking for Alyona, too.
You know they are, Andros. All of the Carpathians are looking.She was counting on her lifemate and the other Dragonseekers. She poured confidence into his mind.They will find her. If she’s there, they will find her.
She knew Andros hated not being with those searching. He hadto stop any threat to the agents and convince them everything told to them in the letter was to discredit Andros, as well as set up any government agent sent to investigate to be murdered.
The vehicle bounced hard over several mounds of dirt and snow, and then they were in a tight turn. Andros, Vasilisa and Klim felt the threat instantly. The attackers were Lycan, members of the Sacred Circle, and there was no way to hide their presence from other Lycans. The oil field was just around the curve.
Keep going, Klim,Andros commanded.Fast.