Page 23 of Coming Up Aces

Grinning, Rayna shook her head. “How about we call it even? Your land for my time?”

“Sounds good.” Ace pointed to the containers. “You want some more?”

“I’m full. It’s all yours.”

As Ace dished out another helping, Rayna placed her chopsticks on the side of her plate and leaned back. “I called Gran earlier, and we had a good chat. After I told her what was going on, she encouraged me to retire and find something different to do, but I have no idea what that would look like. I don’t need money, but I’m not good with sitting around. She said for now to do something productive, and that led to making a garden. So, I made a list of things I needed, and I went to the garden center, but on my way back, I had a feeling I needed to talk to Seth. I drove over to Harristown before I called him. If someone can trace the burner, they won’t find me here,” she assured Ace.

“He said Deputy Director Grissom showed up at the office looking for Hanson, and things went downhill from there. He also asked if I was still undercover, and Seth told him I was. If things are as chaotic at Haven as you said, no one will be aware I left other than Seth and the women who also left. I couldn’t tell you a single one of their names, so I doubt they know mine either. Well, my alias. I didn’t tell him I’m considering retiring, but I did ask how Vanessa and the kids are. He said they’re good, but I wanted to hear her voice, so I called her. She was at her shop, so we could only talk a few minutes.”

“Does she know you were undercover?”

Rayna took a sip of water. “Yes. We talk at least once a week, and we get together often, so if I went radio silent, she would have worried. I told her that I’m undercover, and if anyone asked, she hadn’t heard from me.”

“Did she ask where you are?”

“No. Being married to Seth, she knows not to ask questions.”

“I’m glad you have someone like Vanessa in your life. Ripley is that for me. He and—” Ace’s phone rang. “Excuse me.” He lowered himself off the stool and walked over to the counter to where his phone was charging. “Hey, Sutton.”

“What a fucking day.” Sutton explained what was happening with Sultan and the mob. No wonder he was stressed. “Please tell me you have good news.”

“I think it is. I followed Abraham to Oasis. He was pissed about how things were being handled at Haven and insisted one of the men go there to take over. Not that it’ll do any good.”

“No, it won’t. I’ll call Viper and have him voice Abraham before he has a chance to go into hiding again. I’d appreciate it if you would head that way in the morning in case he needs backup.”

“It’d be my pleasure. Once that’s done, we’ll only have Spencer to worry about.”

“I spoke with Ryot earlier. We have several Hounds guarding him and his family. I’ve also called Lucy and told her we need her on this. Henry and Bishop are helping Sultan, so their focus is going to be there. Jonas Montague can follow up on any further trials with the serum.” Ace was one of the few Hounds outside the Lazlos who knew what Lucy was doing in New Atlanta. Her adopted father left behind a journal that worked with shifter DNA to prolong human life. Lucy and Jonas had tweaked the formula and were successful. It was in the testing phase. Ace had no idea where they found test subjects, but it would be a life changer for the human mates of the Hounds.

“Lucy needs to be careful. She’s good, but we both know she isn’t on Spencer’s level.”

Sutton heaved a sigh. “I know, but this shit with the mafia is a definite, where Spencer is an unknown. Lucy will be home tomorrow or Wednesday at the latest.”

“I’ll reach out to her, and I’ll call you when Abraham’s taken care of.”

“Thanks, Ace. I’m going to snuggle my mate. I will talk to you later.” Sutton disconnected, and Ace felt a pang of jealousy. He wanted someone to snuggle with. He glanced at Rayna who was studying him. “What?”

“I wish I could go with you to Oasis.” When he opened his mouth to argue, she raised a hand. “I know I can’t, but I’d like to have your back.” Rayna slipped off her stool and took her plate to the dishwasher.

“I appreciate that,” he said earnestly. Ace’s heart warmed at the sentiment, and he wished it as well. But there was no way…Actually, there was a way, but he didn’t know whether he could make it happen. He tapped out a text to Lucy. She responded almost instantly.

Lucy:I’m on it.

Ace wondered what it would be like to have someone like Rayna for a mate. She was a warrior and a shifter who could hold her own. Would she be fierce and protective, the way Natalia was with Mayhem? Ace had no doubt, especially since his Gryphon had been chatting in his head all day, encouraging Ace to give her a chance. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to. He wanted it more than anything, having felt the spark when they first shook hands, which had never happened. Her being in his home was different. Maybe that’s where he screwed up before. With her in his space, spending more time together than he had with previous prospects, he would get to know her quicker. He already liked coming home and finding her smiling at him. The fact that she had started a garden for him was a plus. Sure, it was to give hersomething to do, but she could have found a hobby that didn’t benefit Ace.

“What types of vegetables can you plant late in the season?” he asked.

Rayna returned to the island with a notepad in hand. She pushed it over to him, and Ace was impressed with all the notes and diagrams. Rayna had put a lot of thought into the garden, including where to place it in the yard for maximum sun.

“This is a list of veggies, but I didn’t know what you actually use in cooking.”

“Everything but kale.” Ace shuddered. “I know it has health benefits, but I find it’s too bitter.”

“Perfect. I won’t be able to grow everything in the small area, but—”

“We can make it larger if you’d like. I’m happy to do the digging or whatever you need.”

Rayna beamed. “I’d love for this to be a joint project, but I don’t want you to neglect your duties to the Hounds. I honestly enjoy digging. What I do need is to either rent a truck or have the compost delivered. There was no way I was putting it in your trunk.”

---