Braxton pulled the car over to the edge of the road, onto a small graveled area with just enough room for our SUV. Actually, we were still half on the road, but it was the best we had right now.

“What’s going on, Jess?” He captured my gaze, and I knew without any doubt that he was going to fight me on this.

I brought my face very close to his. I could see every facet of his stunning blue eyes, a color which had haunted my dreams of late, for more than one reason. “I need you to trust me. I’m going to have to do something you won’t like.”

His reply was instant. “No fucking way!” The dragon in him rose to the forefront and I could see the unmovable beast that was such a part of his personality. “You step one foot out of this car and we're going to have an issue.”

My own dragon and wolf responded in kind. We did not like being dictated to, even if I knew it was because he loved me and didn't want danger slithering its slimy ass anywhere in my vicinity. I think, if he could, Braxton would have wrapped me in cotton wool and secured me in a remote location.

I caught Maximus’ eye, and with a sigh he gave me an almost imperceptible nod. While my vamp’s features had tightened, I knew he would back me on this. Mainly because he was not exactly aware of my full plan. I leaned forward, and before Braxton could reach for me I kissed him a solid smack on the cheek, flung my door open, and dived off of Jacob’s lap.

Braxton’s curses rang free. I didn’t look back. Maximus would be using his bulk to detain his brother. I wouldn’t have long, no one could hold Braxton down, but hopefully it was enough time. I didn’t want to do this, running into the unknown without my pack, but Louis’ note made it clear: it had to be me. And I didn’t feel like sitting through the six hours of arguing it would take before the Compasses grudgingly agreed to let me go. Action was better.

Okay, and maybe my wolf was feeling a little reckless after the many hours of being cooped up.

The cold was icy enough to take my breath away, but my metabolism kicked in and heat followed the rush of blood through my body. The car had stopped about ten yards from the small opening into the mountain. The golden glow gave me a moment’s pause, but I trusted that Louis wouldn’t have sent me into anything too crazy.

Right?