Primal Law (Alpha Pack #1)(64)

Nick welcomed the news with caution. "What makes you think he'll be willing to place himself at risk? He could lose his job over this, or worse, if anyone suspects him."

"I wasn't the only one who thought something weird was going on at NewLife. A.J. believed it, too, and we talked about it in private more than once. That night, though, I didn't tell him what I was doing. He'd called in sick, which was just as well. I didn't want to get him in trouble."

A pang of guilt went through her. A.J. was probably worried and thought something bad had happened to her. If it hadn't been for Jax, something terrible would have.

"Can you-all of us-trust him?" Nick asked.

She didn't even hesitate. "Absolutely. He has a good soul. It shines from him like a beacon."

Jax winked at her. "And you thought your talent wasn't useful."

"I'm not convinced it's anything but plain old intuition," she said, flushing. "But I believe in A.J. If you want, I can give him a call and explain what's up, and then let Nick talk to him so they can discuss the details of getting you all in and out."

"That sounds fine." Their boss let out a deep breath. "I just know that whatever we do, we have to take action fast. There's something a lot more important than lab samples waiting for us in that hellhole, and time is running out."

The guys were grim now, none of them participating in the usual joking around. To see them so serious, knowing Nick's visions were nothing to take lightly, formed a ball of ice in her stomach.

"Are we taking the jet?" Jax asked.

Nick shook his head. "Not enough room, and we'll need plenty of space on our way home. We'll take two Hueys and a doc to ride in each. Once we get to Vegas, we'll land at our usual hangar and take a van and the SUV. Any questions?"

Jax had one. "What about Kira and Kalen?"

"They'll ride along, but they won't participate. Maybe next time for Kalen."

The Sorcerer nodded his agreement.

"I think Kira should stay here," her lover protested with a scowl.

"We need her there, just in case. Anything else?" Subject closed. Nobody spoke. "Then we'll go wheels up in forty-eight. Get your rest; you're all going to need the energy."

As the meeting broke up, Kira playfully punched Jax in the arm. "Come on, don't get pissy. Nick wouldn't have let me come if it wasn't safe."

"He can't interfere in free will-you know that," he said in a low, unhappy voice. "If something bad was going to go down, he couldn't change the fact. Besides, I just don't want you anywhere near that building."

"I'll be fine. I promise to stay out of the way, like he ordered."

"You'd better or I'll put you over my knee." He made the threat sound like fun, and followed it with a half smile.

"Haven't I told you not to threaten me with a good time if you don't intend to follow through?"

"Hey, it's not a threat-it's a sure thing."

"We'll see about that, big guy."

"Oh, yes. We will."

His grin sent a sizzle to her ni**les, fingers, and toes. And everywhere in between.

She couldn't wait.

Chapter Twelve

Jaxon went in search of his wayward woman, though he had little doubt where to find her.

When they weren't testing the durability of his mattress and bed frame, she could be found in Block R working with Chup-Chup, as she'd named the mischievous little gremlin critter for the sound it made, socializing it and teaching it all kinds of stuff. First and foremost, to go outside to do his business and not to bite the hand that fed him. He had to admit, she'd already begun to make good progress.

With the aid of a sturdy pair of gloves to protect her from nips and scratches.

"You're in an awful big hurry. Guess I don't have to ask why."

He looked up to see Nick in his path, stopped and gave his boss a sheepish grin. "Guess not."

"How're things going with you two?"

"Fine. As long as we avoid the subject of mating," he said with a grimace. "I was always the one who was downright against creating a forever kind of bond with any woman-even Beryl-and now that I've found my Bondmate she won't even discuss it with me. She shies from the subject when I bring it up. Ironic, huh?"

"Give her time. She'll come around."

"Nicky, in spite of what I told Kira, I don't have much time," he confessed, then wished he'd kept his mouth shut.

"You hurting bad?"

He nearly lied. It was on the tip of his tongue to say he was A-okay, no problems. But holding the man's gaze, he couldn't do it. Besides, he knew he looked terrible and couldn't fool his boss. "Yeah. Pretty f**king bad. You don't know how much this sucks."

"I have some idea." Nick sighed. "Listen, you're not going to want to hear this, but-"

"Then don't say it. I'm not staying here tonight, especially when Kira's going to be with you guys. In danger."

"You're in no shape to travel, much less fight if the need arises. I want you to stay here."

"Is that an order?"

"Would you follow it?"

"Not if Kira's going. Surely you can understand where I'm coming from."