Page 26 of Raven’s Claw (Raven’s Cliff #2)

Chapter Thirteen

Call Atticus.

Two words Kash knew would change the entire scope of the mission.

Either band them together or isolate Jordan even more than she’d attempted on her own.

What she obviously assumed would happen based on how ashen she looked.

How she’d fallen against the counter when she’d gotten stuck in her own memories — shifted through all the faces she associated with that seat. The fact it was Mac’s father…

To her credit, Mackenzie didn’t panic. Didn’t rip her jacket in an effort to remove her cell. She simply dug into her pocket, palmed her phone, then hit her dad’s number. His phone rang over her cell’s speakers, going to voicemail after several tries. “He always answers.”

She took a step forward, the corners of her mouth twitching, the hand holding her cell shaking slightly. “Did Rook take my father?” She pointed at the counter. “Is that his blood? Jesus, did I get him?—”

Nyx growled, cutting off Mac and snapping Kash’s attention toward the door. A couple stood just inside the entrance, feet braced apart, backs straight. Obviously law enforcement. Kash just wasn’t sure which branch.

The massive guy looked at Mackenzie. “Your father’s not dead. At least, not yet. But he’s definitely Rook’s bargaining chip.”

Mac inhaled. “How do you know that? Do you work for him? Who the hell are you?”

Kash darted in front of Jordan as she pulled her piece — managed to stop her from simply firing. “Sweetheart, we don’t know if they’re friends or enemies, yet.”

She didn’t let up. “Anyone I don’t know is an enemy until proven otherwise.”

“Seriously, Cannon? This is why you don’t just barge into the middle of a situation.

” Bodie turned to Jordan, looking as if he’d tackle her if she made a break for it.

“Jordan, for the love of God, put the gun down. And don’t vault over the counter and start chucking knives or plates or whatever’s handy at them, either. They’re here to help.”

“Help? You told them about me? About Rook? Are you nuts?” Jordan holstered her weapon then took a step, stopping when Kash matched her movement — kept himself between her and everyone else. “You said I could trust you.”

“Easy, sweetheart.” Kash grabbed her shoulders — squeezed them. “Let’s hear him out.”

“You can, it’s just… Can everyone take a breath?” Bodie glanced back at the guy — Cannon. “I told you to meet me at my office.”

Cannon didn’t seem fazed. Hadn’t gone for the gun hiding beneath his jacket. He just stood there, his arms crossed over his expansive chest. Looking as if he could have stopped the bullet simply by flexing. “Why, when all the action’s over here?”

“Because I hadn’t gotten around to telling everyone about you and Jericho, yet?

As you saw, Jordan’s in more of a shoot first, kind of mood, than waiting to see if you might be trustworthy.

” Bodie scrubbed a hand down his face, still looking ready to dive at whoever broke ranks, first. “We’ll go over proper introductions later, but…

This is Rick Sloan, aka Cannon. He’s ex-military.

Spent a decade leading a Delta team. He has a high-tech security company in Seattle called Wayward Souls.

His partner, in all aspects, is Jericho Nash. U.S. Deputy Marshal, to be exact.”

“You called the Marshal Service?” Kash turned and closed the distance — got up in Bodie’s personal space. “You’d better start talking, brother, because we vouched for you, and I’m a breath away from being the one you need to worry about.”

“Easy folks.” Cannon cleared his throat.

“Bodie only called because he knew you’d need some reliable help dealing with this situation without ending up in Leavenworth.

We’ve been in similar circumstances, and our official contacts know, firsthand, not every scenario can go through the proper channels.

So, everyone take a breath, like Bodie said.

We’ll explain everything in detail back at his office, because we have far more intel on this issue than anyone knows, even you…

It’s Jordan, right?” He didn’t wait for a confirmation.

“Kash, can you please ask your dog to stop growling at me? I take that personally.”

Kash sized up Cannon, considering his options before whistling. “Nyx. Guard.” She backed up two steps but kept her focus on the newcomers. Not quite growling, but she wasn’t backing down. Was ready to launch at them if Kash gave her the command.

He glanced at Jordan and damn, she wasn’t masking her feelings, now. Eyes narrowed, mouth pinched tight with red along her neck and cheeks, she looked like she had when she’d still been riding the adrenaline high after taking Tucker down.

She took a calculated step forward. The kind Kash’s gut told him preceded a precision strike. “Give me one reason why I should even consider trusting you.”

“Me. I’m the reason, love.”

Kash cursed under his breath when another guy strolled in as if this was a freaking party.

Tall. Leaner than Cannon, who Kash swore could take on a tank and win.

This new guy was suave, almost pretty despite the vibe he gave off.

Nothing like the death one rolling off Cannon.

Similar to what Mac accused Kash and his teammates of projecting.

This was honed. The same kind of tightly wound energy Jordan emanated, only a thousand times more lethal.

Add to that the British accent, and Kash swore the guy had double O written all over him.

Kash instinctively stepped between the Brit and Jordan before he realized he’d moved. Not that he didn’t think Jordan could handle herself, but he’d promised her he’d have her back, and he wasn’t failing her, now.

Jordan closed the distance, staying somewhat behind him. A fact he’d have to thank her for later. She tilted her head, staring at the guy before she grunted. “Miller?”

The guy — Miller — grinned. “Awe, I told Cannon you’d remember me.

Though, I am a hard bloke to forget.” He nodded at everyone else.

“The name’s Gibson Miller.” He glanced at the phone, then at Kash, before focusing on her.

“I see you finally broke both of Rook’s rules, and in brilliant fashion, as always.

The dog handler’s a bit of a surprise. I always pictured you as more of a cat person. ”

“Jordan?” Kash gave her a quick glance. “We good?” Or are we throwing down? He didn’t say that part out loud, but she got the message. Shifted closer and gave his arm a squeeze.

“Miller’s good. Not convinced about the other two.” She stabbed Bodie with a death glare. “Or Bodie, right now.”

“Cannon and Jericho are mates, love. And Cannon seems to think Bodie’s an okay bloke, as do most of your friends so…” Miller waved at her. “Let’s go back to whatever secure flat you’ve got and chat, yeah?”

Kash held his ground. He didn’t care if Miller knew Jordan because she was still primed for a fight. Still on that razor’s edge between control and execution. No one moved, and Kash suspected his teammates felt it, too. An electricity in the air that only needed a single spark to get it all firing.

Greer held up her hands. “All right, boys, everyone zip up. We’ve got more pressing issues than who’s the real alpha dog. Like what you think’s going on with Atticus.”

Jordan sighed. “Cannon’s right. This is all part of a larger plan that requires Atticus to stay breathing. At least, for now.”

Greer nodded. “What level of fucked are we talking?”

“Well past holy, but not quite royally, yet.”

“And you’re sure this cell isn’t going to blow up in my hands?”

Jordan shuffled over and grabbed it. “It’ll be for me, anyways.”

Kash glanced at Chase. “Chase? Buddy do me a solid and let me borrow your truck. Jordan and I need a few minutes. We’ll meet you all at Bodie’s in five.”

Chase dug into his pocket and tossed Kash the keys. “Don’t take too long, brother.”

Kash nodded, waiting for everyone else to leave before turning and pinning Jordan with his gaze. “All right. Out with it.”

She frowned. “Out with what?”

“All the stuff whirling around inside your head. I can practically hear it. We both know you’re not going to tell the team everything, so… Talk to me.”

She pinched the bridge of her nose then leaned against the counter. Eyes closed. Everything clenched.

Kash moved over to her — brushed back some of that silky brown hair. “Jordan. Sweetheart, I know you think this is your fault?—”

“It is.”

“No, it’s Rook’s, but I understand where you’re coming from. So, answer me this. Do you really think Atticus is still alive?”

“Rook won’t kill him until he has what he wants.”

“Are we talking you or the intel?”

“Honestly? Both. I made it personal. He’s not going to just let me walk away.”

Kash nodded, appreciating her honesty as he worked out how to bring Rook down and keep her breathing. “Who’s Miller? Is he someone I need to be jealous of?”

She snorted. “You’re jealous of Miller?”

“Not yet, but the fact you seem to trust him…”

“It’s not like that. He got outed on a mission. I was working the same cartel, and I broke ranks to get him to safety.” She shook her head. “I got hit a few times in the process, and he made sure I didn’t die in return. No reason for you to feel anything, other than maybe gratitude.”

“Sounds like one hell of a beginning.”

“And ending. Besides, I didn’t say I trusted him, I said he’s good. That I don’t think he’s going to try to kill me. But there’s only one person I truly trust, with your team being a close second.”

He smiled, that warm fluttery feeling in his gut bubbling to life as he reached up and ran his thumb along her cheek.

“Then, trust me to help you find a way out of this without you dying. I know you’re going to have to face Rook.

I’ve made peace with that. But it doesn’t have to end with your sacrifice. ”

She sucked in her bottom lip, and he knew she was trying not to lie to him. To tell him what he needed to hear. “I can’t lose you to him.”

“Good, because I don’t plan on losing. That includes you.”

He leaned in, kissed her. Lost himself in the smooth press of her skin, the glide of her tongue as she tangled it with his. Her fingers landed in his hair, holding him close until Nyx growled as someone coughed behind them.

“Enough snogging, love. We’ve got work to do.”

“No reason, huh?” Kash gritted his teeth, glancing back at Miller as the guy leaned against the door frame, looking way too cocky for his own good. “You sure it wasn’t like that?”

“Let me put it this way. Out of everyone, I’d say Zain’s his type. Only, there’s something different about him, and I get the feeling Miller might already have his sights set on someone.”

Miller chuckled. “I heard that.”

Jordan raised a brow. “Am I wrong?”

“Are you two ready? I need a lift.”

“So, I’m right. What’s his name?”

“You always think you’re right, love.”

Kash turned. “Why didn’t you go with everyone else?”

“Because I know Ember…” He sighed. “Sorry, Jordan, and she looked ready to bolt. Since she obviously fancies you, and you’re gobsmacked over her, I thought you two might make a break for it. Figured someone should knock you both up the side of the head if needed.”

“You MI6?”

Miller grinned. “When needed.”

Kash nodded. “We should go before Chase comes looking for his truck.”

They headed out, Nyx squishing in beside Jordan as they made the short trip back. His buddies stood outside Bodie’s office. Waiting.

Miller slipped past them, chuckling to himself before disappearing inside. Leaving Kash and Jordan to face the rest of his crew.

Kash stopped in front of his teammates. “Call me crazy, but you all look as if you didn’t think we’d come back.”

Foster crossed his arms. “Between Rook snatching Atticus, Bodie calling in reinforcements he neglected to tell us about, and some fellow operative showing up, we figured there was a good forty percent chance you’d simply head to wherever Jordan thinks Rook is holed up and leave us hanging.”

“You had forty percent, Foster, because you tend to give people the benefit of the doubt.” Kash motioned toward Zain. “No way Zain picked anything under seventy-five.”

Zain shrugged. “Closer to ninety, actually, because it’s what I would have done if I were in Jordan’s shoes.” He clapped Kash on the back. “I’m glad you both proved me wrong because I’m seriously done with this Rook asshole. He’s crossed a line, and there’s no way I’m not getting some payback.”

Foster huffed. “You’ll have to take a number, Zain, because I have first dibs.”

“Actually, boys, I have first dibs.” Jordan matched Foster by crossing her arms over her chest. “And last, really. I might let you take out some of his disciples. Which is crazy because you should all be standing there, insisting I fix this on my own.”

Foster scrunched up his face, looking at her as if she’d lost her mind.

“What kind of men would we be if we did that? Besides, we both know this is going to be an epic shitshow. The kind with wet squads and impossible terrain. No way you can handle all the men Rook’s going to have waiting and hand him his ass without backup. ”

Jordan just shook her head. “Like I said… Crazy.” She pushed past them, stopping a foot inside. “Thanks. I’m gonna need all the crazy I can get if we’re going to finally put Rook in his place.”

Kash stood there after she’d disappeared inside, glancing at his buddies. “We good?”

Chase huffed. “Just don’t get any bright ideas about ditching us for real.”

“And miss you and Greer giving each other awkward longing glances?”

“You’re an ass.”

“I love it when you talk dirty to me.”

Chase rolled his eyes and headed inside, Zain trailing behind.

Foster lingered, toeing the cement as he blew out a rough breath. “If this goes poorly…”

“Jordan’s confident Rook won’t hurt Atticus until he has her and the intel. Honestly, the bastard’s too smart, and far too cocky, to risk eliminating his only bargaining chip.”

“I meant, Jordan, too. We’ve all seen how you look at her. How this has been months in the making. Just… Don’t fucking die on me.”

Foster turned and marched off, his words hanging in the air. It wasn’t as if Kash wanted to die, either, but if he had to choose between his life and Jordan’s…

Nyx nudged his leg, tail wagging. Eyes bright. She’d help him see this through. And once they’d taken care of Rook and Scythe, he’d do whatever it took to show Jordan she had a future in Raven’s Cliff.