Page 1 of Jack Raider

1

Eloise

A sharp crypierced the night—a dog’s cry. My heart sank. Scanning the empty street, I searched for the source. Another anguished yelp echoed from the alley, where the full moon cast long shadows. Without thinking, I took off running, adrenaline fueling my steps.

As I got closer, I saw him—a man kicking a helpless dog. Fury surged through me.

“Hey! Stop that!” I screamed, shoving him hard. He stumbled back, caught off guard. Seizing the moment, I bent down and scooped up the dog, who was much heavier than expected. My arms strained, but before I could get far, a rough hand yanked my hair, jerking me backward. Pain exploded down my spine, and I let out a startled yelp—one that almost matched the dog’s.

The dog let out a guttural growl and turned on his abuser, but before I could appreciate the poetic justice of the moment, a fist slammed into my back. I shrieked, my knees buckling—until another voice sliced through the chaos.

“Let. Her. Go.”

The deep, commanding tone froze the man in place. I turned, blinking through the dim alley light, and there he was—broad, imposing, and furious. He seemed familiar somehow. A hand shot out, clamping around the man’s throat with effortless precision.

“Run,” my rescuer barked at me.

Not needing to be told twice, I clutched the dog and bolted, my breath ragged as I raced down the sidewalk. Footsteps thundered behind me. Whipping around, I prepared to fight, but it wasn’t the attacker.

It washim.

My stomach did an Olympic-level somersault.

“Is that your boyfriend?” he asked, voice laced with dry amusement.

“What? No! I don’t even know him,” I stammered. “He was hurting the dog, and I just…” My voice trailed off as realization struck.Oh, hell.I knew this man. He was one of my brother’s friends. A former Navy SEAL. I knew there was something familiar about him. A member of their elite security team. And not just any friend—the one I’d had a hopeless, embarrassing,undyingcrush on since I was sixteen.

“I gotta go,” I blurted, avoiding his gaze.

His eyebrow lifted. “What about the dog?”

I glanced down at the scruffy, trembling thing in my arms. “I…” I cleared my throat. “I’ll take care of him.”

Ignoring his skeptical look, I bent to hoist the dog again. My arms burned, but I powered through, determined to escape with at least a shred of dignity.

Naturally, he followed.

“Let me carry him,” he offered, voice low and firm. “And what the hell are you doing out here this early? It’s still dark. Don’t you know how dangerous it is?”

I ignored him, focusing on moving forward. Except… the dog wassoheavy. My legs wobbled, and before I could even pretend I had this under control, I had to stop.

“Rover,” I murmured, stroking the dog’s matted fur.

He gave me another look. “You already named him?”

“I always name them,” I muttered. “He’s coming home with me until I find him a real home.”

When I straightened, I met his sharp gaze.

“Ellie, what the hell are you doing running in the middle of the night? Does Nate know you do this?”

I bristled. “I’m fine. Andno, you don’t have to tell Nate. He’s my brother, not my keeper. I always wake up early, so I run before it gets light.” I crossed my arms. “What areyoudoing out here? Or do I even want to know? Were you just leaving yourgirlfriend’shouse? I thought all of you lived up on Fraiser mountain.”

His lips twitched. “No, I wasn’t at my girlfriend’s, and yes I do live on Fraiser mountain.”

Something about his tone made me suspicious. “You’re lying.”

“I’m on a job.”

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