A Partisan's Fight - COMPLETED!

Chapter Eight

Aldrik had been following Mina for quite some time now. He hadn't been able to catch up with the fast moving young lady, but he was sure that he would soon. He wished she would have waited for him. He understood how badly she wanted to be reunited with the people she loved, but this plan was foolish. He didn't like seeing her travel to these dangerous places without the protection of a man. This was not a time for young ladies to walk around alone — especially vulnerable, lonely ones like Mina.

He stepped on the gas pedal a little harder than he knew he should, but he needed to get to Rothenburg ob der Tauber sooner rather than later.

"Mina, why couldn't you have just stayed home like a normal woman would have!" He complained out loud. Rolling his eyes as he thought of the answer to his statement.

"Because you are too damn stubborn!" He sighed at the thought of the little lady. She made him so mad at times, but he couldn't figure out why he could never get her out of his mind. Maybe it was a mistake that he had promised her brother that he'd protect her. It intertwined his mind, reminding him that he couldn't let anything happen to her. She was just like a baby sister to him.

He tried to think of other things — even other women, but nothing could take her out of his head. It frustrated him beyond words, and the fact that he had such a strong need to protect her was beyond all of his reasoning. He didn't know how Lotte put up with it. Why she put up with it. She should be the one that had his every thought.

The sight of a dog in front of him pulled him out of his thoughts. He slammed on the brakes, feeling the back of the truck slide out from behind him. His heart was pounding nearly out of his chest as the truck stopped just shy of the animal. He stared at the dog who's life had just about been lost. He streaked his fingers through his hair, trying to calm his breathing down before putting the vehicle in park.

Shaking his head, he jumped out of the truck. He stared at the dog, some kind of shepherd with daring eyes. "I could have hit you, you know."

The dog stared at him, a low growl breathed its way out of his mouth. The action pushed Aldrik to take a step back. He wasn't in the mood to get bitten today. Crouching down, he held his hand out and waited to see what the shepherd's reaction would be.

"Come here, buddy." He took in the dog's full appearance as he waited for him to make a move. He looked like he hadn't eaten in quite some time, his thick coat hid the bones popping out. His black and reddish brown coloring was faded by dust and covered in burrs. There was no way he belonged to anyone.

Sighing, Aldrik crouched a bit lower to seem less intimidating. He tried to whistle the dog over, clapping his hands calmly to encourage the beast. The dog didn't look the least bit convinced that trusting him was in his best interests. Digging in his pocket, Aldrik pulled out some jerky meat and tossed it over to the dog, allowing himself to sit instead of crouch forward. "At least eat something. You're making me hungry just looking at you."

Quickly, the dog grabbed the dehydrated meat and scurried up into Aldrik's truck. He sat down on the passenger seat, scarfing down the meat and staring at Aldrik.

Chuckling, Aldrik stood up and brushed the dirt off of his pants. "I do not need a dog. Can you please get out?"

The dog let out a slow growl, clearly uninterested in obeying the man. He turned his head and stared out the window, not budging.

"Fine, have it your way." Aldrik worked his way to the truck and climbed in. "If you bite though, I will make you leave."

The dog gave him a sidelong glance. He barked an agreement and got cozy. The idea to pet him briefly went through Aldrik's mind, but he didn't want to jinx the idea of the beast biting him.

Dismissing the thought, Aldrik shook his head and continued to drive. He wasn't sure what he was going to do with the dog, but it was what it was. Perhaps he'd be of some use eventually. Reaching in his pocket he gave the dog another piece of jerky.

He figured he only had a few miles left until he'd reach the town. Not knowing what to expect. Not even knowing where to start looking for Mina. Rubbing his forehead, he sighed. He had a lot of work ahead of him.