Page 10

Chapter Ten

Kane

K ane stood near the edge of the dig site; his eyes fixed on the horizon where the sun had made its final descent. The full moon and the stars lit up the sky and provided a soft, ambient light. The desert stretched out endlessly before him, a vast, empty expanse that held as much danger as it did beauty. The wind picked up, whipping sand across the dig site and into the air, but Kane barely noticed. His mind was elsewhere, focused on the plan he had been carefully constructing with Sara.

Things had changed drastically since they had unearthed the artifact. The air at the dig site was thick with tension, an almost palpable sense of unease. Rupert Langley’s attempted theft of the artifact and Hassan’s injury had shaken the team, leaving everyone on edge. Someone had slipped in and taken Langley from the tent where Kane had left him. Kane didn’t like it. He knew they couldn’t stay here much longer—the danger was escalating, and it was only a matter of time before something, or someone, pushed things too far.

He glanced over his shoulder, catching sight of Sara as she approached, her expression as serious as his own. She was one of the few people he could trust in this situation, and together they had been working on a covert extraction plan to get Maggie and the artifact out of the dig site before anyone else could make a move. Sara had connections in the nearby town, and they had managed to secure a vehicle that would take them to a safe location where they could regroup and figure out their next steps.

“Everything’s in place,” Sara said quietly as she came to stand beside him. “We’ll move tomorrow night, under cover of darkness. The route’s clear, and I’ve spoken to our contact. We’ll have a safe house ready.”

Kane nodded, his gaze still sweeping the perimeter of the dig site. “Good. We need to be quick and quiet. The last thing we want is to draw any more attention.”

Sara glanced at him; her eyes filled with concern. “And Maggie? How is she holding up?”

Kane’s jaw tightened at the mention of her name. Maggie had been through so much—more than anyone not trained as an operative should have to endure—and yet she had remained strong, determined to see this through. But he could see the toll it was taking on her, the weight of the responsibility she carried.

“She’s holding up,” Kane replied, his voice gruff with emotion he tried to suppress. “But this has been hard on her. She knows what’s at stake, but that doesn’t make it any easier.”

Sara studied him for a moment, her expression softening. “You care about her.”

It wasn’t a question, but a statement, and it hit Kane harder than he expected. He had spent so long trying to keep his feelings in check, to focus on the mission, but it was getting harder every day. Maggie wasn’t just a responsibility to him anymore—she was someone he cared about deeply, someone he couldn’t imagine losing.

“I do,” he admitted, his voice low. “More than I should.”

Sara nodded as if she had expected that answer. “Then make sure she gets out of here safely. We all need to get out of here safely.”

Kane looked at her, appreciating the calm resolve in her eyes. She had been a steady presence through all of this, and he knew that he could rely on her to see the plan through. “We will. Tomorrow night.”

Sara gave a small nod of agreement before turning to leave, heading back to her preparations. Kane remained where he was, the weight of everything pressing down on him. The plan was solid, but the risks were enormous. One wrong move, and they could all end up dead—or worse, with the artifact in the wrong hands.

He turned and made his way toward Maggie’s tent, feeling the tension in his shoulders ease slightly as he neared her. He needed to see her, to talk to her before everything was set into motion. She was the anchor that kept him grounded, even when the world around them was falling apart.

Maggie was sitting just inside her tent when Kane arrived, her hands carefully packing away the last of her research materials. The soft, silvery light of the full moon and stars filtered in through the open doorway, bathing her in a warm glow, and for a moment, Kane simply watched her, marveling at her strength and resilience.

She looked up as he approached, a small smile touching her lips. “Hey,” she said softly, her voice filled with an exhaustion that went beyond physical fatigue. “How are things looking?”

Kane sat down beside her, his gaze steady on hers. “We’re ready. Sara’s made all the arrangements. We’ll leave tomorrow night, as soon as it’s dark.”

Maggie nodded, her hands pausing in their work. “And the artifact?”

“It’s secured. We’ll take it with us. We can’t leave it here—it’s too dangerous.”

Maggie sighed; the weight of their situation heavy on her shoulders. “This is all so much bigger than I ever imagined, Kane. I thought I was just digging up history, but now... now it feels like we’re caught in something we can’t control.”

Kane reached out and took her hand, his thumb brushing lightly over her knuckles. “We’ll get through this, Maggie. I promise you that. We’ll get out of here, and we’ll figure out what to do next.”

Maggie looked at him, her eyes searching his for reassurance. “What if we’re too late? What if the damage is already done?”

Kane tightened his grip on her hand, his gaze firm. “We’re not too late. We have a chance to make things right, to protect what we’ve found. But we have to stay focused, stay strong. We’ll be out of here soon,” Kane said quietly, his thumb brushing lightly over the back of her hand. “Sara and I have everything planned. You just need to trust me.”

“I do trust you,” Maggie replied, her eyes meeting his with a sincerity that took him by surprise. “I don’t know what I would have done without you, Kane. You’ve been... more than I ever expected.”

Kane felt his heart skip a beat at her words, a warmth spreading through him that had nothing to do with the desert air. He had been in situations like this before—missions where he was the protector, the one who got everyone out alive. But this was different. Maggie was different. And that terrified him more than he was willing to admit.

“You would have found a way,” Kane said, trying to deflect the praise. “You’re stronger than you think, Maggie.”

She smiled, a small, wistful smile that tugged at something deep inside him. “I don’t feel strong,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. “I feel... scared. Not just for myself, but for everyone. For what we’ve uncovered. I’m afraid of what it could mean, of what might happen if we can’t control it. I’m afraid that somehow, I’ve unleashed something that was meant to be buried away.”

Kane’s hand tightened around hers, his resolve hardening. “You’re not alone in this,” he said firmly. “We’ll figure it out together. Whatever happens, I’m not going to let anything happen to you.”

Maggie looked at him, her eyes searching his as if trying to find something in the depths of his gaze. Kane could see the vulnerability there, the uncertainty that she kept hidden behind her strength. It was the same vulnerability he felt every time he looked at her, the same fear of what might happen if they allowed themselves to get too close.

But in that moment, with the night closing in around them and the weight of the world pressing down on their shoulders, it didn’t matter. Kane leaned in, closing the distance between them, and gently pressed his lips to hers.

Maggie responded immediately, her hand coming up to rest on his cheek as she kissed him back. The touch was soft, tentative at first, but it quickly deepened as they both surrendered to the emotions that had been building between them for so long.

Kane’s arms wrapped around her, pulling her closer as the kiss intensified. The warmth of her body against his, the taste of her lips, the way she fit so perfectly in his arms—it all sent a surge of desire through him that he couldn’t ignore.

“Maggie,” he murmured against her lips, his voice husky with need.

She pulled back just enough to look at him, her eyes dark with longing. “Kane,” she whispered, her breath warm against his skin. “I... I need this. I need you.”

Kane didn’t need to be told twice. He stood, pulling her up with him, and led her into the tent. The darkness inside was comforting, the outside world fading away as they focused on each other. Kane’s hands moved to the buttons of her shirt; his touch gentle but insistent as he began to undress her.

Maggie’s fingers fumbled with his belt, her urgency matching his own as they worked to shed their clothes. There was no hesitation, no second guessing—just the raw need to be together, to find solace in each other’s arms.

When they were finally skin to skin, Kane pulled her down onto the bed, his hands roaming over her body with a tenderness that surprised even him. Maggie gasped softly as he kissed her neck, his lips trailing down to her collarbone, her skin warm and soft beneath his touch.

“Kane,” she breathed, her hands tangling in his hair as he continued his descent, kissing a path down her chest. “Please... I need you.”

Kane’s heart pounded in his chest; the intensity of his desire almost overwhelming. He looked up at her, seeing the trust, the vulnerability, the need in her eyes, and he knew that this was more than just a moment of passion. This was something real, something that had been building between them since the moment they met.

He positioned himself above her, his eyes locked on hers as he entered her in one smooth, gentle motion. Maggie gasped, her back arching as she clung to him, her nails digging into his shoulders. The sensation of being inside her, of their bodies moving together in perfect harmony, sent a jolt of pleasure through Kane that made him groan against her neck.

They moved together, slowly at first, savoring the connection, the closeness. But the pace quickly escalated, their need for each other driving them to the brink. Maggie’s breathy moans filled the tent, mingling with Kane’s low groans as they lost themselves in each other.

It wasn’t just about the physical pleasure, though that was undeniable. It was about the bond that had formed between them, the unspoken understanding that they were in this together, no matter what. Kane felt it in every touch, every kiss, every whispered word.

Afterwards, they lay together in silence, the weight of their situation pressing down on them both. Then, slowly, Maggie leaned into him, resting her head on his shoulder. Kane wrapped his arm around her, pulling her close, feeling the warmth of her body against his. It was a quiet moment of comfort, a brief respite from the chaos that surrounded them.

“You know,” Maggie said softly, her voice almost a whisper, “I never told you much about my family. About why I became an archaeologist.”

Kane glanced down at her, surprised by the sudden shift in the conversation. “No, you haven’t. But I’d like to hear it.”

Maggie smiled faintly; her eyes distant as she spoke. “My family... they’re ranchers, law enforcement, people who live by a certain code. But I always felt different. I loved history, the stories of the past, the idea that there was so much more to the world than what we could see. My parents were supportive, but I think they never really understood my fascination. They wanted me to stay close, to be safe.”

She paused, taking a deep breath. “But then they died. It was a freak accident on the ranch. I was away when it happened, and I never got the chance to say goodbye. After that, I threw myself into my work. I thought that if I could just make a difference, if I could uncover something important, it would all be worth it. But now... now I’m not so sure.”

Kane felt a pang of sympathy as he listened to her story, understanding all too well the pain of loss and the drive to make something of it. He had his own ghosts, his own reasons for the choices he had made, and hearing Maggie open up like this made him feel even closer to her.

“I’m sorry, Maggie, but you have the rest of your family,” he said quietly, his voice filled with genuine regret. “I know what it’s like to lose people you care about. It changes you, makes you see the world differently.”

Maggie looked up at him, her eyes shining with unshed tears. “How do you keep going, Kane? How do you stay strong when everything feels like it’s falling apart?”

Kane met her gaze, feeling a lump form in his throat. “I don’t know if it’s about staying strong. It’s about surviving, about doing what you have to do to get through it. And sometimes, it’s about finding something—or someone—to hold on to.”

Maggie’s expression softened, and she reached up to cup his cheek, her touch gentle and reassuring. “I’m glad you’re here, Kane. I don’t know what I would have done without you.”

Kane leaned into her touch, closing his eyes for a moment as he savored the connection between them. “I’m glad I’m here, too, Maggie. And I’m not going anywhere.”

They sat together in the fading light, holding on to each other as the world outside continued to turn. Kane knew that this moment of peace was fleeting, that the storm was still coming, but for now, he let himself be in the present, with Maggie.

The next morning, Kane awoke to the soft light of dawn filtering through the canvas of the tent. Maggie was still asleep beside him, her head resting on his chest, her breathing slow and steady. He lay still, not wanting to disturb her, his mind replaying the events of the night before.

They had shared more than just their stories. The connection between them had deepened, and as the night wore on, they had found comfort in each other’s arms, their fears and doubts melting away in the heat of their passion. It had been more than just physical—it had been a release, an affirmation that they were still alive, still capable of feeling something beyond the constant fear and tension.

Kane brushed a strand of hair away from Maggie’s face, his heart aching with a tenderness he hadn’t felt in years. He knew that whatever happened next, this moment would stay with him, a bright spot in the darkness.

But the peace was short-lived.

There was a rustling outside the tent, followed by the sound of voices—too many voices, and one in particular that made Kane’s blood run cold.

Colonel Carter. Not what they needed. Like Langley, Carter and his men had a bad habit of moving in and out of the dig site. When questioned, the Colonel had explained that this dig was not the only thing they were keeping an eye on.

Kane’s body tensed as he gently slid out from under Maggie, careful not to wake her. He quickly dressed, his mind racing as he prepared himself for whatever was coming. The Colonel had been keeping a low profile since the incident with Langley, but Kane had always suspected that there was more to Carter than met the eye.

He stepped outside, his eyes narrowing as he spotted Carter approaching with two armed soldiers at his side. The Colonel’s face was set in a grim mask, his eyes cold and calculating.

“Kane,” Carter said, his voice clipped and authoritative. “We need to talk.”

Kane didn’t respond immediately, his gaze flicking to the soldiers before returning to Carter. He could sense the tension in the air, the way the men held their rifles just a little too tightly, their stances a little too rigid.

“What’s going on, Carter?” Kane asked, his tone neutral but wary.

Carter didn’t waste time with pleasantries. “I’ve received new orders,” he said bluntly. “The artifact is to be secured immediately and transported to a secure location. This dig is over, Chaplin. We’re taking control.”

Kane’s heart sank as the full implication of Carter’s words hit him. “Seizing control? What are you talking about? We’ve worked to secure this artifact, to protect it from falling into the wrong hands.”

Carter’s eyes narrowed, a dangerous glint in his gaze. “And that’s exactly what we’re doing. My orders come from above, from people who understand the significance of this find. We can’t afford to let it stay here, unprotected. Syria is too unstable.”

Kane’s mind raced as he processed Carter’s words. He had suspected that there was more to this mission, that Carter was playing a different game, but this was worse than he had imagined. If Carter was working for the CIA or worse, for some shadowy organization, the artifact could be used for purposes far more dangerous than they had ever anticipated.

“And what about Maggie?” Kane asked, his voice low and controlled, though his anger was simmering just beneath the surface. “What happens to her?”

Carter’s expression didn’t change. “Dr. Dillon will be debriefed, of course. She’ll be taken care of. You need to follow my orders, Chaplin.”

Taken care of. The words sent a chill down Kane’s spine. He knew what that meant—Maggie would be silenced, her work co-opted, her life reduced to nothing more than a footnote in someone else’s agenda.

Kane’s hand instinctively moved to the sidearm at his belt, his fingers brushing against the cool metal. He had to make a choice, and he had to make it now. He was no longer a member of the military. The only orders he followed now were those issued by Fitzwallace, who had assigned him the task of protecting Maggie. If he needed, Cerberus would move in and extract the whole lot of them despite the cost and regardless of the consequences. His decision was made in an instant.

“No, Carter. I don’t take orders from you or whoever it is you really work for,” Kane said firmly, his hand resting on the grip of his gun. “You’re not taking Maggie or the artifact.”

Carter’s eyes widened slightly, his soldiers immediately raising their rifles. “Chaplin, think very carefully about what you’re doing. This isn’t a game.”

Kane’s gaze hardened. “You’re right. It’s not. This is about protecting something important, something that doesn’t belong in the hands of people like you.”

Without waiting for Carter’s response, Kane drew his weapon, his movements quick and practiced. He aimed directly at Carter, his finger hovering just above the trigger. “Get out of here, Colonel. Tell your superiors that this dig site is off-limits.”

The soldiers hesitated, glancing at each other, unsure of what to do. Carter’s face twisted in anger, but he knew better than to push Kane in this moment. The tension was thick, the air charged with the threat of violence.

“Chaplin,” Carter hissed, his voice dripping with venom. “You’re making a huge mistake.”

“Maybe,” Kane replied coldly. “But it’s my mistake to make. Now get out.”

Carter glared at him for a long moment, the tension between them crackling like electricity. Then, with a sharp nod, he gestured to the soldiers. “Stand down. We’re leaving… for now.”

The soldiers lowered their rifles, though their eyes remained on Kane, their expressions wary. Carter turned on his heel, stalking away with his men in tow, leaving Kane standing alone in the early morning light, his heart pounding in his chest.

As the dust settled, Kane let out a slow breath, his grip on his gun relaxing. He knew that this wasn’t the end—that Carter would be back, or someone worse—but for now, he had bought them some time.

He turned back to the tent, his thoughts on Maggie, still inside, unaware of the confrontation that had just taken place. He had made his choice, and now there was no turning back. The mission had changed, the timetable moved up, and his priority was clear.

Protect Maggie. Protect the artifact. No matter the cost.