Page 137 of Shadowed Vows: Ghost
My hand trails down Alina's arm as we return to the command center, a silent reminder of our connection.
"Pull up everything you can on that warehouse. Layout, security systems, recent deliveries. I want to know every detail before we move in."
As the team gathers around the holographic display, studying the warehouse schematics, I feel a surge of anticipation. We're close—I can feel it in my bones. Steele thinks he's untouchable, but he's about to learn just how wrong he is.
I catch Alina's eye across the table, and a silent understanding passes between us. Whatever happens next, we're in this together.
My hand unconsciously touches the tactical watch on my wrist—the one matching the one I gave her. My claim on her, visible for anyone to see.
"Alright, team," I say, my voice steady. "Let's gear up. We've got children to save and a monster to take down."
As the others disperse to prepare, I catch Alina's wrist, pulling her back to me. In full view of anyone who might be watching, I claim her mouth in a brief, possessive kiss.
"When this is over," I murmur against her lips, "I'm not letting you out of my sight for at least three days."
Her breath hitches. "Promise?"
I brush my thumb across her bottom lip. "That's a guarantee, little hellcat. Now let's go hunt a monster."
forty
Kade
"Alright, people. This is it. We've got one shot at nailing Steele and his operation. Let's run through it one more time."
As I outline the plan, I catch Alina's gaze. She's come so far in such a short time. The urge to pull her against me, to breathe in her scent and whisper that she doesn't have to do this, rises in my chest. I push it down. She's earned her place here.
"Asher, you'll be our eyes in the sky. I want constant updates on any movement around that airstrip."
He nods, his face a mask of concentration. "Got it. I'll have the drone up and running in five."
"Cole, you're on comms and surveillance. Any chatter, any anomalies in their security systems, I want to know about it."
"Already tapped in," Cole responds, his fingers flying over his keyboard. "Their encryption's good, but I'm better."
I allow myself a small smile.Damn right he is.
As the team disperses for final equipment checks, I make my way over to Alina. She's double-checking her tactical vest, her movements precise but slightly rushed. My fingers itch to help her, to feel the warmth of her skin beneath the heavy fabric.
"Hey," I say softly, voice dropping to a register only she can hear. "You good?"
She looks up, flashing me a quick smile that hits me straight in the chest. "Yeah, I'm good. Just... ready to get this done."
I nod, understanding the emotions behind her words. My hand finds the small of her back, a brief touch of possession that grounds us both. "Remember, stick to the plan. We're here for intel, not a firefight."
"I know, I know. Recon only." She rolls her eyes, but there's no real annoyance behind it. Her lips curve into that smile that's always a little defiant, a little challenging. My little hellcat. "You worry too much."
Maybe I do. But as I watch my team gear up, I can't shake the feeling that we're walking into something bigger. The thought of Alina in the line of fire makes my pulse quicken, not with fear but with a base need to protect what's mine.
"Alright, let's move out," I announce, pushing my doubts aside. "Comms check on my mark."
One by one, the team checks in. As we pile into our rides, Jax pipes up with his usual bullshit.
"Hey Ghost, what do you call a sniper with bad aim?" He pauses, but no one answers. "A storm trooper!"
I hear Asher groan from the back seat. "For fuck's sake, Nitro. That was weak, even for you."
Cole just shakes his head, but I catch the hint of a smile. "Perhaps we should institute a 'no dad jokes' policy before missions."
