Love Struck Delusion
Chapter 171 – Loose ends.
Raptor's POV, 2 hours later, Alaska.
The night had come and we just landed. Cody who sat in the pilot's seat was just getting things together and settled with the plane as myself and Blitz were getting our things from above our head in the overhead. Zeta and her sister both still sitting as it was clear they were going to wait till I was ready. Being my security and all now. Which reminds me. Was I probably the luckiest guy to have them by my side right now. I expected far less from Pepper, but if one thing was clear to me by now it was that Zeta could talk her into pretty much anything. And that they knew how not to escalate their own fights. Which basically left them with a method to figure shit out pretty quickly. Even if they were both crazy in their own ways. But Pepper I still yet to fully understand. Maybe in time I can try to talk to her. But I planned to stay away. At least till she had a reason to trust me for more then two minutes.
"Vrrrrrrrrr!"
Looking down to my pockets, I reached in and pulled out my cell. Turning on the screen I read.
"Watts is done. We got the data to Pierce and we're moving Gorgon and Tusk the next chance we get. So far it's going much like you said it would. Also you should know Watts was going to sell you out the second you got Pepper. Your two for two. Remind me to get you that ten bucks when you get back boss."
Letting off a small smile, I put my phone back in my pocket and refocused on grabbing my bag. By now Pepper had her eyes on me and asked as I turned around.
"We good now?"
Nodding I replied.
"Yeah. Watts isn't an issue anymore. We're good."
The wolf just let out a heavy breathe as her sister stood up to grab her gear. While looking to my left Cody had gotten out of his seat and up next to the door leading into the cabin. Fixing his hat he asked.
"Here we are. Middle of nowhere and already being buried by the snow. Security will be here in two and from there we will be heading right to the estate."
"Then what?" Wondered Zeta as the all smiles fox replied while nodding his head towards her sister.
"Then we relax for a while proper. Warm fires and good food and even nicer beds. Free internet by the way."
My eyes shot over to Pepper who in my surprise let out a laugh for once. With attention on her, she said with an equally happy tone.
"Can't tell you the last time I paid for internet."
Zeta just began to laugh with her as I smiled slightly to urged in a more serious voice.
"Regardless of how nice it is here I want everyone to be on the watch for anything out of the ordinary. No matter how nice the beds are and no matter how good the food is. We can't get distracted. Pepper is still a wanted woman and Zeta here needs to stay inside as much as possible in case someone tries to get inside our boundaries. One wrong call and Zeta is back up on that site for another round of wolf hunting and I'm not having that. You guys try to relax, but just keep me updated if anything happens. Am I clear?"
"Can I say something Voltz?" Cody asked as I glanced over to the fox to reply.
"Yeah."
Giving me a smile, the fox stepped out from his spot to state.
"No one is laying a hand on you. Where we are is the one place no one is going to look and Hecan has more then enough men guarding the borders to this location night and day. Not to mention a healthy supply of soldiers at the lodge. All fully armed and fully trained personal protection security guards. You don't even need us it's that secure. I'm convinced with the briefing I've been given. But since you do have us then let me be the first to say this. So long as I'm around I promise your safety. It's in my contract after all."
Cody was confident. Very confident. I knew what he was saying wasn't made up. The kid hasn't lied or stretched the truth yet. Looking him directly in the eyes I replied.
"Thank you Cody."
With his bag already on his back, Cody then looked back to Zeta and Pepper to urge.
"How about you girls? Any words of wisdom?"
Zeta who was just happy to get off the plane and into some cold air for once replied.
"When we get there I want a full look around. I want to know everything. Even with you Cody take no offense to this, but Raptor's safety is my job."
Just smiling the kid quickly said back while extending his hand to Pepper. The wolf widened her eyes as she was just picking up her back that was on the floor under her seat. So when she saw the hand she just muttered to the fox.
"You won't catch me being caught dead taking your help Irish. But thank you. I have working legs."
Cody just lowered his hand as fast as he lifted it to reply.
"Why of course not. Can't have the tough Russian being caught getting help from anyone other then yours truly." With that going in Zeta's direction Pepper urged.
"Not even her. I do things my way. So watch that hand."
With the fox just laughing at the response I asked.
"Are we ready to get going? Everyone has everything they need?"
I got all positive responses as Cody went to his watch to reply.
"Their waiting sir."
Nodding I then ordered while looking towards the door.
"Then let's get going. I want to get out of this fucking plane."
With Molly at my feet I reached down and grabbed her by the waist. Everyone watched with small smiles, even Pepper, as I got her in the hood of my cloak. Once inside Cody got the ramp down and I looked out to widen my eyes at what I saw. It wasn't the truck of G.U.N soldiers all wearing winter cloths and heavy jackets, but it was the snow. Zeta and Pepper who were behind me as I stood at the top of the ramp. Just watched as I looked out at the sights at which I was seeing. Somewhat lowering my jaw in awe. After maybe a second or two Zeta said with a gentle voice.
"First time for everything huh?"
Refocusing I just stood there in silence as Pepper badgered.
"Get down the ramp already. You'll have plenty of time to stand outside looking like an idiot when we get settled in."
Zeta swatted her side as I knew she was right. Doing what I was told, I began to head down the ramp. Once there I was greeted by this new face. A pretty tall male cat with a fully blue coat and white speckled spots all across his fur. Dressed in G.U.N attire and a full winter jacket. He had an MP5 at his lap as he offered his hand to say.
"Nice to meet you commander. President Moore told us you would be staying for the next few weeks. I'm Captain Roman Jinques. I'm the lead officer in charge of the security and I run the day to day operations here at the estate. You excited to get somewhere a little more warm?"
With the snow slowly covering my quills I replied.
"I'm excited to get a drink."
Instantly I heard from Zeta who was behind me.
"I second that. Pep?"
Her sister kept quiet as the officer just looked right back to me.
This cat was older. Had to be around twenty eight. Not young like Cody, but a few years over at least judging by his attitude alone. With his smile turning into a laugh he urged back.
"That can be arranged. If you'd like to get in the truck we can get going. The lodge isn't more then five minutes from here. How about we get you all settled in and then I show you the bar?
Nodding my head I replied while heading for the truck behind him.
"Sounds like a plan Captain."
As I walked by he quickly reacted and got the door.
"Thank you." I said with a calm voice as he nodded and got me in. Soon followed Zeta and her sister. Blitz and Cody got in the front with the Captain himself as this truck was far from normal. It was a humvee but fully tricked out to get through this snow. Looked more like a tank as the ride was going to be a tight fit with us all in here. But with another truck behind us the Captain who got in the driver's seat asked.
"Who are the rest of you? I wasn't informed. I only knew the number."
Taking Molly out of my hood, I got a crazy look from the guy. He was shocked I was hiding a puppy in my hood and questioned before anyone could give him an answer.
"Where the hell did you find that commander?"
"Her name is Molly Captain. And I found her back in Pakistan. Lost her mother and I couldn't bring myself to leave her."
Roman was just wide eyed and staring at Molly as she was busy climbing on Pepper for a good view out the window at the snow. The wolf was startled and asked her as she was soon sitting right on her lap.
"Hey who said you could climb on me?"
Molly turned her head to stare right at her. The two didn't say a word next as Zeta just let out a cute laugh at the scene. With Roman now waiting for his question to be answered from before, I replied as Molly and Pepper were still having their showdown.
"Personal security."
With Roman nodding his head, he looked to Zeta who stated her name. Then one after another as his eyes went from person to person.
"Zeta."
"Cody my man."
"Blitz."
The only not to answer was Pepper as she was still staring at my dog. Roman let out a laugh as I grew concerned for who would win.
With the greetings finished the Captain soon replied while refocusing on the steering wheel.
"Well alright then. Nice to meet you all. When we have time I'd like to show you the security we run here. And if you have any questions on anything feel more then free to ask. This is my ship but I'm no asshole. This is all about the safety of the commander here. You need anything and I'll make it happen. But as a side note commander this is one of the most protected places in the states. You have a one hundred percent guarantee here that no one is going to cause trouble. No matter what or who it is that tries. I want you to know that."
"Thank you Captain." I replied as he nodded and got us moving.
Once starting our trek through the snow, I began to focus on the outside world. This snow was crazy. I've heard of it before but never seen it with my own eyes up till now. It was beautiful but cold as all hell. I was going to start shivering soon but the more I looked at Zeta the more I would feel bad cause she wasn't even shaking from this. Guess Russia is a pretty cold place.
With silence among the truck Roman soon wondered.
"I heard about what happened in the middle east commander. If you don't mind me asking, how do you feel about president Moore?"
Looking up to the man I replied.
"He's a smart guy. And for once I think I'd met a man who knew just what he was doing as a leader. Aside from Shadow Robotnik of course."
Giving a smile Roman replied.
"There is a reason he's been in office for three terms. It's about time someone gives him a run for his money if you catch the meaning."
Smiling back I stated.
"I'd like to worry about my own country first Captain. But thank you for saying."
"Of course sir."
With that I looked out the window as we soon arrived at a huge wood lodge. And by lodge, this place was more of a small mansion. Two floors by the looks of it from the outside and more square footage then the capital back home. God what does he use all the space for? I wondered as Roman said with a smile.
"Welcome to my humble abode commander."
Zeta had her eyes wide open in awe as her sister just was looking around the general area. Pulling in to the main yard, I took notice to the small amount of men walking around the perimeter. All armed and wearing uniforms apart from G.U.N. Curious as we came to a stop to start getting out, I asked Roman who was getting our door.
"Who are the men guarding the interior Captain?"
Looking to one of the soldiers he replied.
"GenSec forces. They are G.U.N's official contracting company here in the states. You probably seen some of them overseas before the war started. Guarded important figures like General Monroe and Drake Linnen for the most part of their time stationed there. It's financially easier to employ them rather then send our own overseas before a war even decides to make itself known."
"They guard this place as well?"
Nodding the Captain replied.
"Yes sir. They man the interiors and exteriors to the building."
"Is there any G.U.N soldiers on site?" Pepper asked in a serious voice as Roman nodded as we soon all gathered around.
"All my men are stationed around the airfield and around all the possible entrances to the mountain. We maintain order while GenSec maintains your safety. I'm on site as requested by GenSec forces. They like to have someone who knows the routine around. Helps remind them who's where at all times."
"Do they have a commander on site as well?" I then asked as Roman shook his head.
"The men here are nothing more then heavy muscle. And with me present; we do not require another commander to be stationed here sir."
Looking around after his response, I soon heard from Roman who noticed my hesitation.
"They can be trusted commander. GenSec is contracted by G.U.N. The men here have been here for the last year and not one problem has ever arisen. If GenSec disobeyed or did anything beyond ensure security. The contract we hold with them would be terminated. Losing G.U.N is not a thing they can afford to lose being a mainly stateside PMC."
Looking back to the cat, I asked without giving a response.
"You want to show us inside then Captain?"
Losing his smile he replied.
"Of course sir. Follow me."
With all my friends following behind as I kept up with the Captain. We soon found ourselves inside a wooden masterpiece. Everything was nothing but wood and my god was it alone beautiful. Everything from the bear skin carpets and the roaring hot fires; made this interior both the perfect feeling of cozy and absolutely breathtaking. Zeta was just as taken as I was. Her sister however was already starting to lose pace. Nudging Zeta in her arm. The wolf spun her body around the second she noticed Pepper branching off. Grabbing her by the arm and back to our little group, Pepper got thrown alongside me with a soft growl. Staying behind Roman, I whispered to the girl.
"Stay with us."
"I was just looking around." She replied as I quickly said back while keeping calm.
"You can look around when we get settled in for the night. Till then you stay by my side. Is that clear?" I asked her as she quickly snapped back but still whisper tight.
"Don't think for even a second you can order me around like some good puppy."
"I think that even for a woman like yourself, you have to be told some things to your face Pepper." I assured her as she then questioned.
"Is that so? You think that's how I work knowing me for only a few hours dumb fuck? Cause if that's so, do you have something you want to say?"
Coming to the end of the hall we've been traveling down for the last part of this conversation. I halted my pace and grabbed the wolf by the side of her left shoulder. Zeta widened her eyes as I slammed her sister back into the nearby wall just before the door frame we were about to pass. With her sister a few feet back and blitz and Cody just holding up behind my back. The small group listened as even Roman had taken notice and brought himself to a complete stop. With my face very close to the growling dog, I replied finally to her face with the most direct tone I had left in me.
"Up til now I've seen the looks you've been giving me Pepper and despite what your sister has said to me, I've more then dealt with your shit up till this point. And up till now I considered you a pretty smart girl, but right now your testing that theory. So how about we get this out in the open real quick?" I asked her as she just stared at me back with absolute silence to her growl.
With Zeta reaching for my side, I stated to the wolf one more direct time and with all the feeling I had.
"I don't like you. I don't think I ever will. Why? Cause your the same person I expected to run into at the airport. A disrespectful and outright ungrateful brat. If it wasn't for Zeta and my promise to help, I'd have left your ass for the contractors and never have looked back. Wana ask me why again? The answer is really simple. Because I don't make a habit of saving dead weight. And when I do I make damn well sure they understand their place. So long as you are staying here you will not be free to do as you please. At least not till you change your fucking attitude towards the one person you need to be worrying about. You getting all this?" I asked her as her sister by this point had her arm on my shoulder ordering in my ear.
"Let her go Raptor."
Pushing her hand away, I asked Pepper.
"How long will you live out there on your own? Even if you convince her to tag along for the ride? Come on and answer me. How long?"
Pepper lost her growl as I stated.
"You know it and that's what pisses me off most. Your looking at your one shot at life after this mess and all your doing is testing how far my strings will stay attached till the snap. I might not have wanted you in my life Pepper but unfortunately for the both of us we are stuck with one another. So do me a favor and make this choice now. You want to leave? Go! You don't trust me!? Go! You want to see how long you can go before getting killed!? Then go! You want to take her with you?!" I asked as I pointed directly at Zeta who bit her tongue to my voice. Leaning in close I whispered to her face.
"Then fucking take her. And when you go you make sure you damn well never come back. Cause I'm done with your shit. You don't have to like me or trust me. But you damn well better respect me so long as your following behind like the good puppy you are. Am I clear? Cause if I'm not then grab your shit and get out." I urged her as I pushed her once more into the wall while pulling back a step. Everyone was stunned silent. Even Zeta who I expected to hear something from by now for being so rough. But I got not even a movement out of her as I kept my eyes locked on Pepper's who were going red. I knew her answer to come and her look turned into rage as I snapped my left hand down to her waist and between her cloak. Grabbing her handgun out from her belt line, Pepper's eyes lost it's color as I had it brought out and turned on her head. The red went to gold in nothing shorter then a confused blink at the shear speed at which it all happened. Pining the barrel of her small handgun between her eyes, I got an instant scream from Zeta.
"Raptor don't...?!" Reaching out with my right hand, I caught the distressed relative in my grip and stopped her in place. Without ever leaving her eyes I kept locked on Pepper as she for the first time had a look of fear in her eyes from my presence. With Zeta wrapping her hands around my arm, I kept her still and just waited for anything to come. With seconds starting to pass without a word, I soon said to her with a very calm and very serious voice.
"Don't fucking test me from this point on unless you want a fight. Cause I will be more then glad to give you one to remember."
Pushing Zeta a foot back as I lowered the gun, the wolf in front of me watched carefully; never leaving my eyes as I stepped a foot away to unload the clip and loaded round from her weapon. Once out, I tossed it at her and turned my focus back to Roman who at this point was just wide eyed and lost for words at what just happened. Stepping in front of him I said.
"I'm sorry about that Captain. Where were we?"
With Roman and Cody slowly restarting their motors and beginning to follow. I listened as Roman slowly began his tour of this castle.
Pepper's POV.
Tossing me back my Crossguard after unloading the ammo from the chamber. I caught it in my hands and watched with breath held as he turned to start walking away.
"I'm sorry about that Captain. Where were we?"
Cody began to follow them as they were soon continuing off into the next room, leaving my sister and that other guy Blitz to my attention. Zeta who was reaching for her neck asked with a worried tone.
"Are you okay?"
Looking to her directly, I let go of my breath and began to breathe. Nodding my head once I replied with a shaky voice.
"Yeah...I...yeah I'm okay."
Coming to my side Zeta said with a caring voice.
"He's trying to help you."
"Fucker almost killed me Zeta." I replied as I was still shaking from the ordeal. Never once had I been that scared. He disarmed me so fast it was unreal. One second he was this stupid asshole pinning me to a wall and the next he was faster then me under venom. How the hell did he do that? How did he know where my gun even was under this cloak? I wondered as my sister replied to my last response. Clearly she knew I was scared just then.
"He wanted to make a point. But I can't believe he just went that far."
Getting down to grab my ammo and loose round, I ordered.
"Go."
Zeta widened her eyes and reached down for me as I was getting up saying.
"Pep don't be like that. I'm trying to...?!"
Snapping my teeth I shouted.
"Get away from me!"
Zeta took a step back as it was clear I was pissed now. Just slowly nodding her head, she soon replied with Blitz at her back.
"Okay. Just make sure you keep up this time."
Growling as they began to walk away and after the group. I slowly reloaded my weapon and tucked it back under my cloak. Then I turned to watch them. Staying right where I was I asked myself.
"How is anyone that fast?"
My whole body began to shake again as I questioned my own thoughts previous towards the old man. A guy like that wouldn't be that concerned with getting a point across unless he really was trying to make it clear he cared about me in some form of the word. Not saying I trust him yet, but if he was going to kill me; then that was the perfect time to do it. He even had Zeta stuck in place with one hand around her neck. I know my sister and she could manhandle the best of the rough ones. But to get her to stop like that was scary. Just what the hell happened? I questioned again and again as I soon realized I had to get moving. Starting to recollect myself, I soon came into a large living room. A huge fire towards the very back of the room and nothing but more fancy furniture and animal carpets. With a feeling of warmth washing over me, I soon caught eyes with Raptor who was facing my direction with Cody at his side only a foot away. With Roman trying to explain everything around us, I just stared at him. His eyes were purple and right now I was scared of them. I don't pick fights I know I can't win. But this guy shouldn't be one of them.
mT Shadow.