Page 78 of Shadowed Vows: Ghost
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 naïve. "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'sfather 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."
twenty-three
Alina
