Primal Law (Alpha Pack #1)(89)

"It's not that I'm not allowed, it's that I won't. Every decision we make affects those around us in ways we can't possibly foresee," he insisted, his voice full of regret. "I learned that the hard way and it's a lesson I won't ever forget."

"We're going to fail tonight." A ball formed in his gut.

"Define failure."

"Meaning we're not going to accomplish every task we set out to do."

"Does anyone?"

"Damn it, Nick!"

"What do you want me to say?" He was getting angry, probably because he hated carrying his burden and was torn by the knowledge.

"Tell me if we're going to lose anyone," Jax hissed, grabbing the front of the man's shirt in his fist.

Nick's silence, the anguish on his normally hard features, told him all he needed to know. Slowly, Jax released his grip and sagged against the counter.

"Who? Is it me?"

His boss met his gaze, jaw clenching, obviously waging war with himself. Finally he pushed from the counter. "I'm sorry. Just watch your back tonight, okay?"

Cold numbed him to his toes. "You'll look after Kira if something happens to me. Promise."

"You know I'll take care of anyone in my fold. You have my word." For a few seconds, he debated saying more, then walked out of the kitchen.

Oh, God. It's me. I'm going to die.

What would Kira do after he was gone?

She'll grieve, but she'll be okay, in time. Nick and the others will take care of her. I know it.

Heart heavy, he went to the bedroom where his mate napped so peacefully. So pretty and innocent in sleep. His angel.

If they were alone, he'd make love to her until they had to leave. As it was, he contented himself with holding her in his arms, settling her head on his chest. Cuddling was loving, too, just as much as sex.

He kissed the top of her blond head. "I love you, baby. Always."

Mumbling, she snuggled closer. He counted himself a lucky man.

For a few more hours, he'd have everything he'd never known he wanted, until it was too late.

It would have to last an eternity.

Nick and Jax were acting weird.

As the team got ready to move just before midnight, Kira watched the two men speaking only when necessary, avoiding looking at each other directly. A couple of times, though, she caught the boss staring at her or Jax when he thought they weren't aware. Several times she tried to get one of them alone to learn the source of the tension, but with all the activity around them, it was impossible.

The most she and her sexy mate managed was a quick kiss as they left the suites behind and headed for the vans. In the parking garage, they divided into the same two groups riding together as before, and were off in a matter of minutes.

Jax clutched her hand for the short ride. No one spoke. The nicer, chic area north of Dallas soon gave way to the sparse, depressing run-down south side, with its haphazard mix of old apartment units, single frame homes, and businesses. Kira could see why Chappell and his goons would move at least part of their operation to this location-nobody in their right mind would want to hang out in this place. Even the police.

Hammer pulled onto a side street, parked right behind the first van, and said a quick prayer. "Lord, please watch over our tires and rims. Amen."

Jax and his friends snorted with laughter, and Kira smiled at the grim humor. Hammer never had too much to say, but when he did, it was either really funny, or really important. In this case, it was both.

She climbed out after Jax and he swept her into a prolonged hug, holding her against him as though he never wanted to let her go. A barrage of his emotions hit her at once-fear, regret, anger, and most of all, love. Pulling back, she searched his face, but his expression revealed nothing of the turmoil below the surface. She opened her mouth to ask him what was wrong, but he cut her off.

"Stay here and stay safe with Melina and Mac," he said. "I'll be back before you know I'm gone."

His kiss eliminated any further protest. She told herself she was worrying for no reason. His powers had returned and this wasn't his first rodeo. The whole team was there to watch one another's backs. Her mate would be fine.

He would.

"I'll be waiting," she said softly. "I love you."

"I love you more." His mouth quirked into a grin and then he turned to join his team.

As the hottest group of men she'd ever laid eyes on started out for their destination, the one who owned her heart gave her a wink over his shoulder.

Then he vanished into the night.

"Hey, he'll be okay," Mac said, putting an arm around her shoulder.

"Something's wrong." The words were wrenched from her soul. She'd never been so certain of anything.

"Trust him. You'll be snuggled together by dawn, after this is all over."

"Mac, I feel cold," she said quietly. "I just watched the love of my life walk away and I didn't do anything to stop him."

"But, honey, you couldn't have. Those guys are closer than brothers and where one goes, they all go. You might as well get used to it."

"I know. I'm sure I will, eventually." She gave Mac a brave smile, but wasn't feeling it. This op was big trouble. She could feel it in her bones.