Page 27 of Shadowed Vows: Ghost (Nightfall Syndicate #1)

twenty-two

Kade

T he drive to CPG headquarters is tense. I take a circuitous route, watching for tails while Alina fidgets with a file folder, practically vibrating with questions she's dying to ask.

She's not used to being managed , I think. Too fucking bad.

The team is waiting in the command center. I step in front of Alina as we enter, my body blocking hers until I've scanned the room. She bumps into my back with a soft grunt of irritation.

"What did you find?" Asher asks.

I move to the central console, pulling up our documents. "Pattern of suspicious maritime incidents." I outline our discoveries while Alina edges closer to the screen.

Without thinking, I shift to block her path .

"Move," she hisses, eyes flashing. "I can explain the shipping company connections myself."

I give her a measured look before stepping aside—not far, just enough to let her pass while staying close enough to feel the heat of her body. She shoots me a glare that would wither a lesser man.

As she speaks, her intelligence shines. I'm torn between my respect for her skills and this raw instinct to protect her from the shitstorm heading our way.

"Good work," Jax says when we finish. "But this Steele character sounds like bad news."

"Agreed. We need his military records."

Cole's fingers fly across his keyboard while Asher monitors communications. Alina hunches over documents, scribbling furiously before reaching for her laptop.

"Hold up," I say, moving swiftly to intercept her. "We need to be careful about our digital trail."

"I know how to cover my tracks," she snaps. "I'm not some amateur."

"I know exactly what you are," my voice drops to a dangerous register that makes her pupils dilate. "Let Cole handle the deep dives."

The friction between us is electric. I hate restraining her, but her safety matters more than her satisfaction—a principle that extends beyond just this investigation.

Suddenly, Asher sits up straight. "Boss, we've got a problem."

I'm at his side instantly. "What is it?"

He hands me a printout. "They've ID'd Alina. They're mobilizing to neutralize her."

My blood runs cold as I glance at Alina, still fuming at the table, unaware of the target on her back.

"Implement Protocol Echo," I order. "Round-the-clock surveillance on her. No one goes anywhere alone."

"What's going on?" Alina demands from directly behind me, startling me with her proximity.

I turn slowly. "You've been identified as a threat. We're increasing security."

The color drains from her cheeks, but her chin lifts with that familiar stubbornness I'm starting to expect from her. "All the more reason to keep digging."

"Absolutely not," I growl, stepping closer until I'm towering over her. "You're staying put."

"You can't just lock me away!" she challenges, tilting her chin up defiantly. "I'm part of this team."

"Goddammit, Alina!" I snarl, gripping her upper arms. "I'll do whatever the fuck I have to keep you alive. You don't get a vote." I release her as quickly as I grabbed her, my fingers tingling from the contact.

She storms off, fury radiating from her in waves that feels like a physical blow.

The quiet tension is shattered by Alina's sharp gasp. She's looking at a terminal and her voice shakes as she reads aloud. "Breaking news: SFPD Detective James Wilson critically injured in apparent hit-and-run. Currently in intensive care."

The room falls silent.

"Cole, verify," I bark.

Cole's hands move swiftly. "It checks out," he confirms gravely.

I turn to Alina, watching shock transform into guilt across her face.

"This is my fault," she whispers. "I put him in danger. "

I close the distance between us in two strides, tilting her chin up with my finger. "Listen carefully, little hellcat. We don't know that for certain."

"If they've gone after Wilson, they're actively tying up loose ends," Cole interjects. "Our investigation is compromised."

I nod, mind racing. "Full sweep of our digital footprint. Jax, prep go-bags and escape routes in case we need to move quickly."

Alina's hands tremble. I grip her shoulders, leaning down until our faces are inches apart. "This isn't your fault," I say, voice low enough that only she can hear. "But I need you focused. Can you do that for me?"

Something transforms in her expression—that defiance remains, but now it's blended with resolve. She nods once, sharply.

"Pull together everything you and Wilson dug up," I order. "Every fucking scrap."

"Yes, sir." A hint of sarcasm in her tone that makes the corner of my mouth twitch despite the situation.

I turn back to the team, pleased when she doesn't immediately try to run off half-cocked. Maybe she's finally learning who's in charge.

"Alright, people. We're officially in the danger zone. Threat assessment in one hour. Assume they know everything we do."

I stand at the head of the conference table, sweeping my gaze over the team. "Wilson's attack isn't a coincidence. "

Cole leans forward. "Agreed. Clear message—we know they're on to Alina. Possibly more."

"Our priority is keeping Alina safe while uncovering what happened with Wilson."

Alina's eyes flash with that familiar fire. "I'm not hiding while Wilson's in the hospital."

My jaw tightens. Her courage is admirable, but na?ve. "This isn't about hiding. It's about staying alive long enough to expose the truth."

"Kade is right," Jax adds, fingers already tapping calculations on his tablet. "We need to increase security protocols across the board. Wilson. Alina's family. Whoever else has been in Alina's circle."

I see the protest forming on Alina's lips and cut her off with a single look. She meets my stare, refusing to back down.

"You're not ready for this level of threat." I let the words hang heavy in the air.

Her chin lifts. "Then train me."

The room falls silent. I study her—the challenging tilt of her head, the unwavering conviction in her stance. She's been testing boundaries since our first encounter, but this is different. This is calculated.

"Fine," I concede, watching surprise flash across her face before triumph replaces it. "But you train with all of us. Each member teaches you their specialty."

Jax whistles low. "Damn, Kade. Been a while since you trained anyone personally. I was the last one, wasn't I?"

My warning glare does nothing to diminish his grin.

"Here's the plan," I continue, my tone leaving no room for discussion. "Cole, digital security—lock down everything connected to Alina and Wilson's families. Jenny's father too. Jax, transportation—multiple escape routes, vehicles prepped."

They nod, already moving to execute.

"Asher, surveillance on the hospital. Remy, coordinate with medical staff—ensure Wilson gets premium care and no unauthorized access.

" I turn to face Alina directly, stepping into her space just enough to establish dominance without seeming intentional.

"You'll document everything you know about Jenny's case, Roman, and possible links to Steele. Your knowledge is our best lead."

She looks ready to argue but thinks better of it. "Fine. I'll start now."

"Xander," I catch his eye as the team disperses, "review security protocols for this building. If they know about Alina, they might know about us."

Alone with the map on the screen, I trace the connections we've uncovered. Something significant enough to get Roman killed and put targets on Alina and Wilson. The familiar weight of command settles heavier on my shoulders. I won't lose anyone else.

"Kade?"

I swivel around to see Alina standing at the doorway, her face showing a blend of rebellion and resolve that crashes into me with surprising intensity.

"I want to start training now." She steps closer, invading my carefully maintained space without hesitation. "We can't afford to waste time."

"It's late," I say, not moving back. "You'll perform better rested."

She closes the distance between us further, close enough that I can smell the faint scent of her shampoo. " I've rested enough. Every minute we wait is another minute Wilson's attacker gets away."

I resist the urge to brush back the strand of hair that's fallen across her face. This woman doesn't bend easily—a quality that both irritates and intrigues me.

"Alright," I concede, my voice dropping lower as I look down at her. "We'll start with the basics."