Page 125 of Shadowed Vows: Ghost
"Good," Kade murmurs. "What else?"
I narrow my eyes, picking up on subtle details. "The one on the phone keeps checking his watch. He's nervous. The other one has his hand inside his jacket—definitely concealing a weapon."
Jax's voice chimes in, excited energy evident even through comms. "Not bad, rookie. You're picking this up faster than I expected."
I allow myself a small smile, even as I keep my gaze locked on our targets. "Thanks. I had good teachers."
"Don't get cocky," Asher growls, but I detect a hint of approval in his tone. Typical Frost—grudging respect wrapped in perpetual caution.
"I'll get cocky if I want to," I mutter under my breath, adjusting my position. "I've earned it."
Kade's low chuckle tells me he heard. "Focus, Alina."
Suddenly, a black SUV pulls up to the curb. I tense, my hand instinctively moving to the hidden camera at my belt. "Vehicle approaching. Tinted windows, no plates visible."
"I see it," Kade confirms. "Stay put and keepobserving. Do not engage."
A man in a crisp suit exits the SUV, greeting our original targets. They exchange a brief conversation before all three climb into the vehicle.
"They're on the move," I report, my heart racing with adrenaline and frustration. "I'm going to follow—"
"Negative," Kade cuts me off. "Maintain position."
I bite back a sharp retort. After two more days of intensive training, I'm sick of being treated like a glass figurine. Before I can argue, Kade's voice softens. "Good work, Alina."
As I process Kade's words of approval, a flicker of movement catches my eye. My instincts kick in before I can fully register what's happening.
"Down!" I yell into my comm, dropping to the ground as a bullet whizzes past where my head had been moments ago.
Gunshots shatter the silence. Our peaceful side street explodes into violent mayhem. Bullets whiz past as I spot bright flashes coming from all around us.
Kade materializes beside me and takes out two attackers with lightning-fast shots before I can even blink. His face transforms into something primal, cold, lethal focus with a possessive fury lurking beneath.
My heart pounds in my chest, but I force myself to not get distracted.
Use your training, I remind myself.
I spot a figure moving behind a nearby dumpster and shout, "Nine o'clock, Ghost!"
He pivots instantly, neutralizing the threat with brutal efficiency. The assailant crumples, his body folding in on itself and hitting the ground.
My stomach twists, a sickening blend of horror and exhilaration coursing through me. I can't tear my eyes away.
A flash of movement to my right catches my attention. I react on instinct, using a defensive maneuver Damian drilled into me for hours. My elbow connects with my attacker's stomach, driving the air from him. As he stumbles back, I follow up with a palm strike to his nose, feeling cartilage crunch beneath my hand.
The man falls, and I spring forward, grabbing his weapon. Instead of retreating to Kade's position, I use the fallen attacker as cover, scanning for more threats.
"Get back here," Kade growls, his voice deadly calm despite the chaos.
"I've got a better angle from here," I snap back, adrenaline making me bold.
Kade's eyes flash with something dark and dangerous, but there's no time for arguments.
"How many more?" he demands, his gaze never stopping its constant scan of our surroundings.
I force myself to breathe, to think clearly despite the blood rushing in my ears. "I count at least three more. Two by the street entrance, one on the roof across from us."
Kade nods, a hint of a smile touching his lips. "Good eye. Stay low and cover me."
