Page 29 of Shadowed Hearts: Frost (Nightfall Syndicate #2)

Kade folds his arms across his chest, eyes assessing the tension between Asher and Jax. "I think that's enough for today. Vanessa, your intel is valuable—we'll incorporate it into tomorrow's operation."

The meeting ends, and I gather my color-coded notebooks, trying to process the undercurrent between Asher and Jax.

"How about a tour before you head out?" Jax slides closer, ignoring the arctic chill emanating from Asher. "I could show you where the real action happens."

"The training facility?" I say, recalling mentions of it in my research.

"B3 has all the fun toys," Jax continues, eyes sparkling with mischief. "Three stories underground, completely soundproof. Where the magic happens."

The analytical part of my brain lights up. Secret underground training facility? The technical specifications alone would be fascinating.

"I'd love to see it," I say before I can stop myself.

The elevator ride down is a study in contrasts—Jax's animated chatter, Asher's controlled silence, and me bouncing slightly, unable to contain my excitement. Alina joins us, her quiet observation making me wonder if she's there as peacekeeper.

The doors slide open to reveal a space that makes my jaw drop. It's like walking into a movie set—shooting ranges with digital targeting systems, combat simulation areas with pressure-sensitive mats, and walls lined with tactical gear.

"Holy shit," I breathe, taking it all in. "This is incredible."

Jax guides me toward the shooting range, standing unnecessarily close. His hand brushes my arm as he points out features. "These targets use thermal mapping to track your shot placement. Frost here has the best shot on the team, but I could teach you a few tricks he doesn't know."

His hand settles casually on the small of my back as he leans in. "Like how to adjust your stance for better—"

Suddenly, Asher is there, moving with such fluid precision it's startling. One moment Jax is beside me; the next, Asher has physically inserted himself between us, his body a wall of muscle and barely contained aggression.

"Easy, Frost," Jax says, his smile knowing as he takes a deliberate step back. "Just being friendly."

The look Asher gives him could freeze hell over. Without breaking eye contact with Jax, Asher's hand settles possessively on the small of my back, exactly where Jax's had been seconds before.

My body responds instantly—nipples tightening even as irritation flares in my chest. I'm not territory to be marked.

Through the glass walls, Kade draws Asher and Jax away from the group, his broad shoulders squared and stance commanding respect without saying a word.

Whatever he says makes both men straighten slightly, professionals despite their personal friction. The brief nod they exchange speaks volumes—they may clash personally, but when it counts, they function as parts of the same machine.

I slip away from the testosterone battlefield and follow Alina toward what appears to be a professional kitchen at the far end of the training floor.

"Is there actual coffee in this place, or just protein shakes and tactical MREs?" I ask, trying to sound casual while my nerves still hum from watching Asher transform into an ice-cold wall of possession.

Alina's laugh is warm and knowing. "The kitchen is fully stocked. These guys take their fuel seriously."

The kitchen looks like something out of a high-end cooking show—all gleaming surfaces and professional-grade equipment. I spot the espresso machine immediately, instinctively moving toward it.

"I need caffeine after that little display," I mutter, locating cups and examining the coffee selection. "Mind if I make us something?"

"Please," Alina says, leaning against the counter. "Kade will be debriefing the boys for a while."

I find sweetened condensed milk in the refrigerator and grin. "Perfect. Let me make you a Filipino-style coffee. My mom's recipe."

We're quiet for a few minutes while I work at the machine, and prepare our drinks.

Alina accepts the cup I offer her. "Asher never struck me as the type to lose his cool over anything... until you."

She gives me a thoughtful look over her cup. "You know what's funny? You and Jax are actually cut from similar cloth—both high-energy, both constantly moving. No wonder Asher reacts so strongly."

I nearly choke on my coffee. "Me and Jax? Similar?"

"Consider it from an outside perspective." She gives me an analytical gaze, clearly acting like the journalist she's trained to be. "You both represent unpredictable elements in his carefully ordered world. For a man who calculates every variable, you're the factors that can't be fully controlled."

"Is that good or terrifying?" I attempt a joke, but my voice betrays genuine concern.

Alina takes a thoughtful sip, her eyes assessing me over the rim. "Both. Men like ours, they do nothing halfway. Love, protection, or obsession, the lines blur."

She touches my arm gently. "Just know what you're walking into. These men don't just love. They consume."

The reality of what this team means settles over me. Another layer of secrets to keep from my family. Mom and Dad already think I'm just a barista who dabbles in tech support. My work with Maya remains carefully hidden behind vague explanations and missed family dinners.

Now this—working with a mercenary team investigating human traffickers—would push me even further from the daughter they believe me to be. The distance aches in a familiar way, but some secrets protect the people you love, even as they separate you from them.

"I think," I say slowly, processing her words, "I might be okay with being consumed... if it's by him."

Through the glass, Asher looks up suddenly, as if sensing my gaze, his eyes locking with mine across the distance. The fire blazing in his eyes races through my body like lightning.

Alina whispers, "See what I mean? He can't even look at you without staking his claim."