Only Mine (Honey Mountain #5)(81)

Sabine’s eyes were all puffy and red as she lunged into my arms. “Please tell us you know where he is.”

Sebastian stepped inside and closed the door behind him. “He sent a text to all of us saying he had to go away but couldn’t say where or why. Our parents are an absolute mess. My mom is losing it. Please tell us he told you where he was going.”

And even though I hated him at the moment, all that worry was still there.

I couldn’t break his trust.

“I’m sorry. I can’t tell you where he went, but just know it’s to help someone in need. Because that’s the kind of man he is. He protects the ones he loves.”

And apparently, so do I.





thirty-two





Wolf





Four days.

Four fucking days we’d been camped out, waiting for the right moment to go in.

Six fucking days since I’d left Dylan.

Life was all about choices, and loving her meant protecting her. When she’d threatened to come after me, I saw the look in her eyes. She’d meant it.

She’d be crazy enough to fly to Pakistan alone and try to find my ass.

I was on edge over Bullet being missing, but I couldn’t fucking fathom the thought of anyone hurting her.

I’d burn down the whole fucking city.

No. I’d done the right thing.

I’d get Bullet out safely, threaten his ass to retire and be with his family, and I’d go home to my girl.

Thinking about her was not wise. This is why I’d never allowed myself to have attachments. They were dangerous in war.

I’d tried hard to get my head on straight, but I couldn’t get the thought of her with tears streaming down her face out of my head.

I love you.

The words played over and over in my mind.

I’d said them to her just days before, but she hadn’t heard me. It was probably for the best. The more she hated me right now, the less risk I had of her doing something crazy, like getting on a plane and heading into a fucking war zone.

I’d called my PI and had him follow her, with strict instructions to stop her from getting on a plane. I’d sent a cryptic text to Hawk, asking for his help. I couldn’t say much, but I’d said I needed him to make sure he kept her safe, which meant her staying in the US, and that was all I could share.

The man hadn’t asked one question. He’d understood and responded with a message letting me know that he’d make sure she didn’t leave the country and he’d keep her safe. He’d told me to be careful and get home safely.

Why couldn’t she have made things easy?

Why couldn’t she have trusted me enough to just say goodbye and remain calm?

That wasn’t who she was, and I couldn’t fault her for it because that was what I fucking loved about her.

She was passionate and strong and stoic.

“Wolf. Today’s the day. They’re down two guys. This is our chance to strike. As soon as it’s dark, we’re going. Are you ready?” Birddog asked. He’d been my captain for the last five years that I’d been a SEAL. I trusted him with my life.

“Fuck yeah. It’s about time.”

This was somewhat of a covert operation with just our team. Bullet had been taken because he had special missile training, and al-Qaeda thought he was more valuable to the US than he actually was. They wanted money for him, and the US wasn’t about to shell out that kind of money to terrorists, not even for one of their own.

We’d received proof of life three days ago and were fairly certain he was being held in a cave on the border of Pakistan and Afghanistan. We’d hiked in and set up camp a few miles away, where we’d taken turns going in and watching their patterns.

“First, we get him out. Then we figure out how to get the fuck out of here. I’ve got Scotty One nearby, and if all goes smoothly, they will be here for us when we’re ready. I’ll make the call when you go in, and I’ll have them here when you come out.” He clapped me on the shoulder. Scotty One was what he called the team in the air. The helicopter would come in, and we’d be ready.

If all went well.

Which didn’t always happen.

We didn’t know what condition Bullet was in or if he was still alive, as we hadn’t heard anything in forty-eight hours.

But I knew in my gut that he was alive.

He’d been there for me when I thought I’d seen my last day on this earth.

He’d saved my life.

And it was time for me to return the favor.

I huddled the guys around me. Three I’d worked with before, and two that were new on the team. Birddog assured me they were the best, and I knew they wouldn’t be here if that wasn’t true. But they were still green. They were young. And going into battle the first few times could fuck with your head, no matter how much training you’d had.

“Dagger and Bear, you’re going to go out first. Take out the two dudes guarding the cave. Clark, Stealth, and Limbs, you move forward and guard the cave. There should only be two men inside with Bullet, so if you don’t hear from me, I’ve either got them or I’m dead.” I paused, and Dagger’s eyes were wide.

“How will we know?” he asked.

“Oh, you’ll fucking know,” Stealth said with a chuckle. “Wolf wouldn’t go down quietly. If you hear a fight, we’re moving in. We’ll give you three minutes to either get in and get it done or give us word you’re okay, or we’re coming in.”