Page 27 of Protection for Asher (Safeguarded By The SEAL #4)

The pain in Squat’s arm increased over the last few hours.

He didn’t want to say anything, but he needed another shot.

He fucking hated this. Getting hurt wasn’t cool.

It could totally derail everything for him.

He didn’t want to stop being a SEAL. The injury wasn’t terrible, but he’d known guys who had to leave for less.

Jay moved to sit beside him. “You’re looking raw.”

“I’m feeling some pain. I hate asking for another shot, but I need it.”

Jay stood. “Let me grab you some meds. We need you operational even if you’re not at your best.”

He sat back, relieved that he wouldn’t have to deal with the pain for too much longer. It only took Jay a few minutes to get the medicine for him. Relief only took a moment to hit after the shot had been given.

He let go a heavy sigh as the pain slid away. “Thanks, man. That feels better.”

“I think Sharp said exfil would be here in a few hours. We’re up next for watch.”

“I’m ready.”

Jay’s eyebrows rose. “You sure? If the pain is distracting you, one of the other guys can watch.”

Squat shook his head. “I'm good.” He stood and stretched, being careful with the injury. With the pain gone, he wasn't so distracted. Watching for the enemy to attack wouldn't be too hard. It was doubtful they would get into hand-to-hand combat.

When it was time to switch out the watch, he took up a position looking to the north and east, relieving Griz. He settled in a position that would allow him to see without moving around too much.

Keeping watch was one of the more boring tasks they did. He had a mantra that helped him stay aware as he watched for anyone headed their way. The area was quiet, which he was thankful for. The last thing he wanted was to engage in combat again.

Squat felt like he was about to start making mistakes right when Sharp came around and told him it was time to go. He was happy to be leaving this area. Once they got to safety, they could start investigating who had betrayed them.

“I’m ready,” Squat said as he walked over.

Sharp gave him a chin lift. “Let’s head out.”

The exfil location was a click away, and they ran into no opposition. They were in the helicopter and headed to a ship offshore. He closed his eyes and let down his guard, knowing it could be much worse. He'd almost lost it all.

He felt a tap on his arm and opened his eyes to see Apple pointing to his headset. Squat flipped his on and nodded.

“You good?”

Squat gave him a thumbs up. “Yeah, I’m good. Not too much pain.”

“I’m fucking grateful we didn’t lose you.”

“Same.”

Griz snorted. “Yeah, that would have sucked.”

Sharp's lips thinned, and he shook his head. “We have to fucking find the bastard who betrayed us.”

Shine grunted. “And once we do, we make them pay.”

Squat felt this one personally. Once he found out who was responsible for this sabotage, he would make them pay.