Love Struck Delusion
Chapter 162 – Unlucky.
Raptor's POV, Two hours later.
We sat on the plane for now. Hoping Pepper would contact us any moment. She had to be nearby. I could sense hundreds of people in just the airport alone. God knows which one is her, but by now she should be coming. With Blitz taking it easy I had to contest with Zeta who was starting to want to go out there and find her. With her gear all on; I urged her as she was waiting in the cockpit with my phone at the ready.
"Drop the gear. We're not trying to cause issues if we go out there."
Looking up to me she questioned.
"What if something happens?"
"We'll handle it then. For now I need you to remain calm and here. Just in case something does."
"Why am I staying here if you have to go out and find her?" She then asked as I quickly replied from my seat with Blitz just listening.
"Cause the last thing we need is one of those mercs seeing who you are. Everyone after you right now thinks your with Ying PMC in China getting killed slowly Zeta. What happens when someone reports that your not really captured? You think you're contract won't come back? Even worse then before?" Zeta lowered her gaze back to the phone as I ordered.
"Give her some time. She's coming."
Zeta just remained stationary as I let out a sigh to look back at Blitz who asked.
"You good?"
Nodding I replied.
"Just got a lot on my mind right now. I want to get this girl and get gone. Figure out the bullshit when we're somewhere safe."
Blitz seemed to understand that much as Zeta then asked.
"Where is that Raptor?"
Slowly I replied.
Ether back to the middle east or somewhere completely off the charts where we can hide for a little. Things still need to happen before I get the rebellion involved again."
"So you are going back then." Stated Blitz as I carefully replied.
"At some point yes. And when that time comes the world will know."
"What's the plan then?" He then asked as I looked back to Zeta who just stared at me softly. Keeping calm I replied.
"Get Pepper. Step one." I replied as I saw a thin smile pass her lips.
Pepper's POV.
Thank god this place was full of all types of people. No one was really giving me looks thanks to that fact. With my two hour mark crossing I knew I was getting on the verge of being late with my call back to my sister and her stupid friend. Regardless of how I felt about him she was my main concern and as I finally found the airport I had to question if I was even going to be able to get in. This is an international airport. There are armed guards and many metal detectors, and if that was enough there were hundreds of people with eyes inside. I'm sure bringing my gun inside would trip some alarms very fast. God knows what the security is like here. With myself nearing the airport, I decided now was the time. Pulling out my laptop I set up the link and made sure we were secure before hitting call. But after that I soon was answered. By no one else other then my sister who asked.
"Where are you?"
"Outside the main gate. Doubt they will let me through."
"Are you armed?" My sister then asked as I gave her a chuckle and replied while feeling my AK which I had on my back under my duster.
"Is that a serious question? Of course I am."
"Shit." She replied as I asked.
"Is the plane ready? Cause if it is I can just run through this and get on before anyone has to die."
"We aren't killing anyone Pep." She replied as I again chuckled.
"I'm serious." She stated as I then asked.
"Where is the plane anyway?"
"Terminal seven and judging by the dials here the plane is fueled and good to go. So just help me think for a second."
"I don't have the time Zeta. If anyone else is on my tail thanks to your dumb ass buddy they will be coming."
"They won't shoot up an airport for you Pepper relax. We can...?!" I was listening up till she got cut off by a sudden change of hands which I assumed to be on the phone she was holding. After a second I heard her friend come through the other end to ask.
"Where are you Pepper?"
"Main gate dip shit." I replied with a smile as he then urged.
"Stay there. I'm coming to get you. Don't move."
I heard my sister put up a fight to get him to rethink that order. But in the end I heard the phone drop and her shout.
"Be careful!"
"Is he actually coming?" I wondered as she quickly replied.
"Guess so. Just do what he says and stay where you are Pep. Don't give him a hard time. Just get your skinny ass to the plane so I can hug you."
"Hug? You'll be lucky if I let you touch me again after this."
"Don't be that way Pep." She begged as I hung up the call to let out a huff and a puff.
Raptor's POV.
Walking into the main terminal I began to head to security. There wasn't a way by this. This was an international airport and we were very close to the middle east. War is a war. These guards will not chance a thing. But I had to try. One way or the other I was getting this done. As I neared; one of the guards who was this big bear stopped to smile at me. As I approached he asked.
"How you doing sir? Good flight in?"
Stepping out to the side where he was, I replied while looking him right in the eyes.
"It was pretty good actually. Thanks for asking. But listen this isn't a public terminal right?"
"Yes sir. This is for private aircraft such as yours. Tighter but it assures your safety upon arrival and departure."
"Listen ahhh...?"
"Jim." He replied as I shook his hand to say.
"Listen Jim I'm just here to pick up a friend. Then we're heading right back out."
"Must be a good friend." He stated as I chuckled to reply back.
"You can say that. But on a real note my man. She isn't a part of the common folk. She's different. Special. You following?" I asked as he seemed to catch on quick. Pulling him aside I whispered.
"I need her and her belongings to get through here. What can I do to make that happen without a big fuss?"
The bear took a look around. There wasn't a lot here. Private like he said. Apart from myself their were on a handful of guards much like him. I counted twelve, but each of them was armed to the teeth. Myself with nothing. I sensed his reaction to my question and without a worry in my mind at this point, he replied while leaning in to my body.
"You got cash?"
Nodding while reaching for my wallet, I replied while grabbing onto three hundred dollar bills. Passing it over I whispered.
"I'll give you another three to come and guarantee are safe travels. Make sure we don't get stopped by some other more...unwise officers."
Smiling while pocketing the money, he replied while looking to his men.
"We got a deal then. I'll be back Carlos! Man the fort!"
With a smile I began to follow the bear. This guy was massive and he was an officer himself. No one was going to bother us with him here. As we went through and out into the main terminal he asked.
"Where is she?"
"Main gate. I'll point her out when we get there Jim."
It took time but maybe after a good half mile we reached the main reception. I'm not lying when I tell you there had to be easily a few hundred people in my general area alone. So finding her was going to be a task. But thankfully it didn't really matter cause I could feel her just ahead. Something about her aura was different from everyone else. Guess I shouldn't be surprised. According to Zeta Pepper is better then her in every single way. Even her looks. Guess I'll see soon. Cause as we stopped to look around I caught a glimpse of a wolf maybe a few dozen feet out. Just standing alongside the main door with her back against the glass window beside it. With Jim at my side I pointed and said.
"That's her." The bear quickly nodded and began to lead the way forward. As we closed the gape I never took my eyes off her. All I could see was the side of her head as we neared. Taking a step in front of Jim; I shouted while still keeping my pace at her.
"Pep!"
It was instant. Her ears went up and her head flicked right at me. I kept a small smile on as she instantly took notice to Jim. With a smile on my face, I went right up to her to give her a hug. Oh I could feel her growl as I said with a happy voice.
"It's so good to see you. You ready? Got your things?"
This girl was steaming at what I just did. But keeping her cool she replied.
"Yeah I'm ready. Who's this?"
Keeping my eyes on her I replied.
"Our escort. He's going to make sure we get to the plane without a hassle. Come on. We got to be going soon."
The wolf and I took a moment to stare at one another. And I would be lying if I said Pepper wasn't as beautiful as her counterpart. They were twins if I've ever seen a pair before in my life. They looked that much alike to me. Only difference was Pepper didn't have any scars like Zeta and the front of her hair had an orange patch going across her left eye. Only to be held in place by a gray snap back hat she had on. She also looked ten times more serious then her sister ever did. Her eyes were solid gold and she had on this ankle high brown duster. Looked much like my own back on the plane, but hers was filled with holes. Enough that I could see she was wearing a pair of blue skinny jeans underneath. I could see she also had on a pair of tan combat boots and as we walked side by side I picked up on the fact that she really was armed. I could hear a rifle bouncing on her back as she had a backpack on and a duffel in her left hand. Still giving me a death glare, she replied after another look over my body.
"Fine. Let's get going then."
"Jim?" I said as he smiled and replied.
"This way you two. Stay close."
"Thank you." I said back as we began our walk back to the private terminal.
All I could feel was tension with this wolf. Due in part I knew she was thinking about killing me right now. This chick had a hard on and I knew for a fact it was because of Watts. That fuck had to have done that. But why? I wondered as I heard from the wolf who matched my height. Her voice a whisper.
"You ever touch me again and I'll make sure to cut off your hands. Are we clear?"
"Crystal." I replied as she growled again. Something told me she really didn't trust me right now. Not a single bit of faith and I could see why. Things were far worse for her then it had been for Zeta up till this point I'm sure. Thank god she wasn't dead though. That's what mattered. And once I get us airborne we can focus on apologies.
Nearing the checkpoint, Jim got ahead and I smiled as he flicked off the metal detector. Pepper went through first and once she was through he turned it back on and waited till I was through to say.
"Pleasure meeting you sir." Handing him the other three hundred dollars, I replied while turning to face Pepper who had stopped to wait for me.
"Pleasure as well Jim. Enjoy the rest of your day."
With none of his men giving us a second glance, I soon reached Pepper's side once more. The wolf for sure was an exact clone of Zeta. I seriously couldn't tell them apart other then from Pepper looking like shit. She wasn't hiding much. That duster had blood on it and even her hat did. Worse then that to me however was that she smelled of blood. As I gave her my full attention, I soon was asked in a bossy tone.
"You going to move sometime today dumb fuck?"
I just gave her a heavy glare as she smiled and urged.
"It's easy. One two step. One two step. You were doing it moments ago like a big boy. What happened dip shit? Was I really right about you being slow? Cause if I was I should play the lottery when this is all over."
I wanted to say something back but I was afraid to see what else she would say. This woman was strong willed and she had more confidence then Zeta could ever dream of having. And she was pretty fucking confident when I met her. Breaking her character would be damn near impossible. And considering how much she hated me right now was more then enough for me to question starting shit. I've known her five minutes and I was already threatened twice by her. My hands getting cut off? Her beating my ass on the plane? To be honest that second one I was still worried about happening. God knows what will happen when I get her away from the public eye. All I knew for sure was she hated me and that she wasn't going to fuck around for even a second. She was the controlling type and I had a feeling she was very vocal in expression. So I knew to expect some things to soon come.
Once back at the plane door, I approached it and knocked twice. In seconds Zeta flung it open to widen her eyes completely. Looking back, I saw Pepper doing nothing but staring back at her. But the look on Zeta's face was utter shock she was really there right now. Right in front of her. Pepper's was anger. It was clear as shit to me; and stuck between the two twins I had no idea what to say to help this progress further. I was ninety nine percent sure I shouldn't try to say shit. This needed to happen. One of them would start at some point. But with a near minute passing, Zeta soon muttered through a shaky voice.
"Pepper?"
Pepper was no where near as stunned as her sister, who replied back in an almost mad voice.
"Yeah it's me. Why you looking at me like that?"
Zeta on the other hand grew defensive as she stumbled her words.
"Cause your...cause I haven't seen you since...?"
Nodding her head Pepper wondered.
"Since you left me in Russia with a blown off arm? Yeah it's been a while and I have questions that need answers. Starting with what the fuck happened that day Zeta. So cut the emotions and start talking. Cause I've been waiting for almost a year now to hear it."
"Pepper I...?"
"Start! Talking!" She ordered as I knew this was personal. Zeta was stuck and she knew it. I knew only a little up till this point and despite my curiosity for the whole story, I urged carefully.
"Let's do this inside please. Zeta go." I ordered her as she took a step back into the plane. Looking back to Pepper I urged.
"Come on. Talk in the sky. Not here."
"Shut up." She ordered me back as I sensed she was on the verge of killing something right now.
With Zeta back near the cockpit, I slowly got on myself and waited till Pepper decided enough was enough of just standing there. Once on board she looked towards the seats to see Blitz just sitting there. I let out a sigh as he waved at the fellow wolf to greet.
"Welcome to the pack."
"Who the fuck is this?" She quickly questioned while looking to me for an answer. Following up as fast as I could I replied.
"A friend of mine. Came along in case there was trouble."
Nodding to my answer Pepper then looked back to Blitz to state.
"So he's dumb and just here to get killed. Makes sense. Anyone who is friends with you must be just as stupid. Including you." She directed to Zeta who was in no place to go back to flying. But sensing her sister's tone she begged.
"Don't be like that Pep. You don't know what happened."
Snapping the girl turned around to question.
"Don't know!? I know enough! And thanks to the shit storm I've been fighting through these last few days I know a lot about what you've been doing since you left me Zeta! I know you gave up after a few months and went rouge! Went off to that shit city in Syria to become a gun for hire!"
Zeta just stared at her sister as if she was shocked she knew that much. But I sensed something more as Pepper went on to ask.
"What are you going to do with all that money you got stashed away!? Huh sis!? You planning on buying back your freedom!?"
"Money?" I questioned as Zeta quickly flicked her gaze back to me to urge.
"It's nothing. Just some money I got for my work over there."
"It's nothing?!" Questioned Pepper as Zeta looked back to her.
"You made eleven point five million on one fucking guy! What the fuck are you doing with all that money!? It's nothing!? You ditched me for mercenary work you bitch!"
"Wait what? How much?" Questioned Blitz from the back as I had to ask.
"What the fuck is she talking about Zeta?" Both the wolves went silent. Zeta with her eyes on me in loss for what to say or how to even start. Pepper with all her focus on the answer to come. With nowhere to go Zeta replied.
"When I was working in Syria I went and applied for every contract I could get my hands on. Made quite a reputation as a person that could get just about anything done. For the right price of course."
With Zeta holding a somewhat guilty looking expression, she looked back to her sister to state.
"What else could I do? No one was around to help me and everyone I asked for help declined to assist. Even the people back home we trained with and grew up with wouldn't help me Pepper. I spent months looking for you I swear. But after months and countless nights finding dead ends; I just figured you were dead. Figured you died and no one wanted me to know. So I just went and tried to rebuild what little of a life I had. You know how I am Pep. I needed to stick to my guns. It worked out really good for a change to do that."
"All you did was break my heart Zeta. I had your back and I would have kept looking. Even if shit looked like you were dead. I wouldn't stop till I saw a body." Pepper replied as Zeta shouted.
"I fucked up! Okay!? What do you want from me!? I'm here now god damn it! What else can I do Pepper to make this shit right!?"
"You can start by telling me what I want to know. What are you doing with all that money?"
Zeta shot her eyes to me as if to check to see what my reaction to all this was. I was honestly just waiting with her sister now as she gathered her answer.
"I have it set aside. I was going to use it to restart my life Pepper. Up till recently I planned to use the money to go after my contract and get it closed. Bribe the right people and just move on. But like I said that was up till recently. I want to use it now to make some things better. Starting by helping the only fucking person I have left to call my family. You." She stated as Pepper just stared at her calmly. Now changed in her presence, Zeta went on to say.
"You god damn it. Thanks to this dumb fuck you keep abusing I'm finally in a position to do that. Ying and all those stupid motherfuckers think I'm on my way back to China. I'm free. My contract closed. All I need to worry about is keeping my nose clean and staying off the grid. And I know you don't trust him, but he can do the same for you Pepper and we will. So just trust me. Please." She begged as Pepper just bluntly stated back while shifting her gaze to me.
"I trust you Zeta. But this guy? I don't care if he's helped you out and he's the reason your safe right now. Why? Cause every fucking person I decided to trust that wasn't family always turned out to not have my back!"
With her eyes on me directly, Pepper came a step closer to push me with the tips to her right hand's fingers.
"Tell me any lie you want. You're a problem and I solve problems. So no matter what you say or do just know this. I'm going to kill you if you fuck with me or my sister. We clear?"
"I'm going to help you." I replied as she again pushed me to shout.
"Help me!? Who the fuck am I to you!? What fucking place are you standing in right now!? Cause you must really feel safe if you think for even a second a dumb fuck like you could ever help me!"
"Pepper stop!" Ordered Zeta as she kept the pressure on by shouting.
"The last person I trusted put a gun to my head! You think I'm going to trust you after that!?"
"No." I replied as she then asked with her sister getting more worried by the second from the argument.
"Then why do you think I'll ever let you help me?!"
"Cause you don't have a choice." I stated bluntly as she went absolutely silent to my answer. Zeta widened her eyes as Pepper actually went stiff. Almost as if I surprised her by even saying that in the first place. Pressing my chance, I stated directly to the angry wolf.
"You're the most wanted person in the middle east. Your sister is my friend and you're finally together after being so far apart for the last year. You have nowhere to go. Russia won't take you back with all your heat. Nowhere peaceful will. I know it. She knows it. And you know it. Up till now you've been running. Where? Slowly into a wall like she was." I stated as I pointed at Zeta with my right hand. Pepper followed my eyes as I said.
"You're in no position to leave now. Whether you trust me or not isn't my concern. What is will be keeping a promise to her I made before getting involved in all this shit you have going on. For that reason I don't care how you feel. I don't care how much you hate me or don't trust me. Or how you might just simply want me dead out of your foolish instinct to turn down help. All I care about is keeping my word. Cause that's all I got left in this world. Now I recommend before you start flying off your fucking handle again; that you take some advice." I said with a darker voice as I leaned in to get direct with the girl. Using my hand to point back at Zeta I whispered.
"Focus on what you got left. Cause right now that's just her."
Pepper began to growl as it was clear I was standing up for myself. Keeping my distance close, I finished with a direct order.
"Step. Off."
Zeta was so stiff it was unreal. The tension was high and Pepper continued to growl as I kept staring right into her eyes. After a moment however she took a step back. Her eyes going to her sister's as she replied with a pissed off tone.
"You want to make this personal kid? Keep talking down to me and see what happens."
With that she just continued to back up. Zeta who was now concerned with keeping her sister away from me begged.
"Pepper go over there for now. We can talk in a minute. Please."
The girl just turned away as Zeta slid in front of me to ask.
"What are you doing?"
I wasn't in the mood for an answer, so ignoring her question I replied.
"Nothing. You just deal with that shit."
"Are you sure?" She then asked as I nodded and replied.
"Yeah I'm sure. I know how to fly. Don't worry about the plane. Just go."
With a smile coming to her face, she replied while grabbing my hand.
"Thank you. I'll get her to ease up. Just trust me. And the money is still safe. We can talk more about it later if you want okay?"
"Yeah." I replied as I turned to head for the cockpit. Once in the seat I contemplated where to go now. Getting Pepper like this was beyond easier then I expected. Here I was thinking this would take days to do. But now it was only hours and with her secured in the back of the plane, I wondered what the move was from here. With my options a many, I gave one more thought then others.
mT Shadow.