Cruel Kiss (On Hold)

Chapter 18- Shaky Flights

The drive back to Bloodmoon pack lands was uncomfortable, to say the least. We were all nervous about the days to come, and everyone seemed to be stuck in their own heads, myself included. Every mile back to the house was like the pounding of a judge's hammer. I couldn't shake the feeling that something terrible would happen. Perhaps it made me paranoid, but I was definitely going to be on the alert from now on.

The sun was just dipping behind the trees when we crossed the barrier. Cole's shoulder's seemed to relax the moment we did. Apparently, he's the one in charge of the pack when we leave, since he's the Beta. Maddie, luckily, will be coming to Russia with us.

The sky is lit up with oranges and pinks and the clouds are wispy by the time we make it to the house. Cole's car rolls to a stop in front of the entrance. He pops the trunk so I can get to my suitcases.

I huff out a sigh, allowing myself a moment to breathe before I get out of the car. I open the door and step out, walking around the the back of the car. The temperature is dropping as night quickly approaches. Chill bumps raise on my arms, and I sling my bag onto my shoulders and grab my suitcase.

Emir greets us at the door, his eyes filled with worry. He's wearing a muscle tank that hugs his delicious body and a loose pair of jeans. His arms wrap around me as I step up to the door. I lean my head against his chest and breath in his spicy scent.

"How'd it go?" He breathes against my hair, causing a lump to form in my throat.

"It went alright. I just hate lying to them." I mumble, my breath puffing against his chest.

His hands come up on each of my cheeks, holding my head in his palms. His eyes hold sympathy and guilt as he brings his lips down to mine.

It's just a brush of a kiss, barely even a whisper, but it sends a surge of heat shooting through me. I gasp against his lips and one of his hands fall away to snake around my waist. I raise up on my toes and nip his bottom lip, earning me growl. When he pulls me into him, I can feel his excitement against my stomach, and an answering heat goes through my body.

"Hey now, don't start that shit. You'll miss your flight and I don't wanna see that." Cole whines, coming up behind us.

My cheeks heat and I bury my face into Emir's chest. He chuckles, his breathing evening out once more.

"Cole's right. I've arranged for a plane. Luckily, there wasn't one too far off, and it's waiting for us now. It arrived an hour ago." He tells us, his voice steady.

"Arrived? Arrived where?" I question, confusion dripping into my tone.

"We have an air strip not too far from here. We don't go overseas a lot, so it doesn't warrant us owning our own plane, but we've found it useful to have our own place to take off. I'm not a fan of airports, personally." He explains.

"Oh." I reply, feeling a little stupid for not knowing that.

I probably should have paid better attention to my surroundings these past few days, since I clearly missed something rather large. My reconnaissance skills must be impeccable. I don't know why I haven't been recruited by the FBI by now.

I roll my eyes at my sarcastic inner dialogue as Emir and Maddie go to gather their bags. Cole stands to my side, waiting with me as he prepares to say goodbye to his friends. The silence is thick and uncomfortable.

"Soooo..." I begin, trying to rack my brain for something to say.

"Don't do anything stupid in Russia." He interrupts, his words abrupt and to the point.

Oh, well fuck you too. I think to myself.

"I'm not going to." I mutter, immediately frustrated with myself that I even gave him a response.