"I'm not telling you where we're going, so you can stop badgering me about it," Bones said, exasperation and amusement coloring his voice.
"It's somewhere cold, I saw you'd packed a coat and mittens for Katie."
"Kitten, for the last blooming time. Why are you trying to spoil your surprise?" He stuffed the last few bags into the back of their sport utility vehicle and pressed the button to close the door. "I saw a lovely box in one of your bags with a certain logo for a nice men's clothing company on it. Shall I press you to tell me what it is?"
Cat's eyes widened and her jaw snapped shut. The glint in her eye at his chuckle told him he'd pay for that later, though.
The chartered plane waited for them on the small air strip. A flash from Bones eyes ensured they didn't notice Katie, and soon they were boarded and in the air.
Bones held Cat's hand a bit too tightly as they took off but she didn't comment. Once they were in the air he cracked his book and everyone settled in.
Justina sat with Katie, a movie on a tablet with two sets of ear phones plugged into it. Tate had ear phones as well and the slight rhythmic dip of his head revealed that he was listening to music. Cat had a book as well.
XXXXXXXX
The first fuel stop went off without a hitch, a bit of green-eye ensuring their anonymity. On the second, however, Bones' phone rang.
"What's wrong?" Cat asked, watching him listen to the caller. Whomever it was spoke too softly for her to overhear.
"Nothing major, luv. Need to go talk to a bloke. I'll be right back." And he disappeared into the Dubai airport.
Bones was gone just long enough for Cat to start to well and truly worry when she felt the thrum of his power approach. She was about to go to him when she felt the two other auras with him. "Bones?" She said warily as the plane's door opened.
"Hello, Poppet!" A posh British accent said as a tall, auburn haired man entered the plane behind Bones. A small blonde woman followed him. They both carried luggage, as did Bones.
"Surprise, Kitten," Bones said, stowing the bags.
Cat looked at them in confusion. "Ian and Veritas as going on vacation with us?" She asked slowly.
"In a manner of speaking."
"We were in the neighborhood," Ian said dryly.
"It is nice to see you," Cat said, hugging him belatedly. "Veritas," she greeted the woman.
Justina and Tate nodded in greeting when Ian and Veritas spoke to them.
"I'm hurt, Cat. You sound as though you're disappointed to see me." Ian said.
"No, no. It was just unexpected, and when I felt two unexpected auras with Bones it freaked me out a little."
Bones grimaced. "I'm sorry about that, Kitten." He pulled her into a brief hug.
"And here's the wee lass," Ian said, smiling at Katie.
Katie looked at Bones and Cat, the question plain on her face. Is he safe?
"Katie, do you remember Ian? You met him when we first found you." Cat said, putting a hand on her thin shoulder.
Katie looked thoughtful, searching her memory as she eyed Ian carefully. "Yes. I fought you."
Ian barked laughter. "Right well, too. Vicious as your mother, you are." He chuckled again, then turned to Veritas. "Pet?"
Veritas looked to Cat and Bones for permission, then approached Katie. "Hello, Katie. I'm Veritas. I'm Ian's wife."
"Hello," Katie replied, tone guarded, body held loose and ready to defend herself. Bones smoothed his hand over her soft hair and down her back, asking, Cat knew, if he could pick her up. Katie turned to him and then she was propped on his hip. The sight sent a rush of love through Cat.
"We are fueled and ready to take off," the pilot said over the intercom. "Please take your seats and fasten your seat belts."
"So where are we off to?" Ian said teasingly once they were back in the air.
"That is for me to know and Cat to find out," Bones said archly.
