Whispers in the Dark (KGI #4)(29)

Donovan would have gotten disgusted with Sam’s and Garrett’s bickering and told them what morons they were right before coming over to do the dirty work himself.

“No time line. There’s just something I have to do before I can commit,” Nathan finally said.

Donovan’s brow went up. “Like what?”

Nathan lifted one shoulder. “Just something I need to take care of.”

“Anything I should know about?”

Code word for can I help.

“No. It’s personal. Something I have to put to rest before I can give a hundred percent of myself to KGI.”

“Fair enough. But don’t take too long, Nathan. We worry about you. I’m only going to be able to keep Sam and Garrett off your ass for so long.”

Nathan grinned. “I figured as much. You’re so self-sacrificing, man. You hit me right here.” He put his fist to his chest in a dramatic gesture.

Donovan flipped him off and then snatched the beer can out of Nathan’s hand. “If you’re going to be so goddamn rude, you can get your own beer.”

Nathan lunged for Donovan’s hand, but Donovan raised the beer over his head. Nathan laughed and reached up to grab Donovan’s wrist.

“You’re not tall enough to pull off that move, big brother.”

“Fuck you,” Donovan said rudely. “I may not be as tall as the rest of you Neanderthals but I can still take you down.”

With a challenge laid down like that, there was no way Nathan could let it go. The two brothers went down, laughing and cursing as each wrestled for advantage over the other.

While such activity might ordinarily get them into trouble with Mama Kelly, she looked relieved to see her sons conducting business as usual. Frank grinned from his position at the grill, and Rusty let out a whoop that could be heard across the yard.

Their brothers gathered around, grinning like fools, while Nathan and Donovan rolled in the grass like two ten-year-

olds.

Nathan flipped Donovan over his head and then rolled to his knees about the time Donovan caught him in a scissor lock. Nathan broke the hold and dove on top of Donovan, determined to pin him.

Donovan was smaller, but he was also a damn good fighter. Nathan didn’t really expect to get the better of him, but it sure felt good to let off some steam.

One of Donovan’s muscled arms snaked around Nathan’s neck, and Donovan twisted so he was atop Nathan, holding the head lock while Nathan wheezed for breath.

Suddenly Nathan was disoriented. His surroundings blurred and spun, but not as bad as they had several nights earlier. There was a vague sense of mugginess, heaviness dragging at his limbs, but his mind was sharper this time.

Nathan.

He went completely still, his brother atop him, holding his arm around his neck.

Nathan, are you there? Please, be there. I need you.

Nathan started struggling, and when Donovan resisted, Nathan started throwing punches, kicking, pulling, anything to get loose of Donovan’s hold.

He was dizzy, and fear and panic overwhelmed him. Her panic and fear.

I’m here, Shea! Don’t go. I’m here. Talk to me. Don’t leave.

“What the f**k is wrong with you?” Donovan burst out when Nathan almost connected with a right hook.

Ignoring his brother’s bewildered demand, Nathan slung off the concerned touch of another of his brothers and broke away, his only thought to get as far away from everyone as he could.

When Sam stepped in front of him, Nathan curled his fingers into Sam’s shirt and shoved him out of the way. Sam’s eyes widened at the sheer strength it took for Nathan to toss him aside like he was a child.

“Leave him alone,” Garrett barked when Ethan would have made a grab for Nathan. “Just back off.”

Nathan took only enough time to shoot Garrett a grateful look before he all but ran to his truck. Quiet. He needed quiet. He needed a place he could concentrate. It would take everything he had, but this was important. Shea needed him. She was frightened, and now he realized it was her disorientation he felt. Her dizziness. Something was horribly wrong.

Hang on, Shea. Just hang on.

As he spun out of the driveway, his gaze briefly connected with his family, all standing and staring, their faces drawn in deep concern. And hopelessness.

CHAPTER 13

SHEA. I’m here. Talk to me, baby.

Shea nearly sobbed her relief but she had to focus. She didn’t have much time, and telepathy took so much out of her. Energy she couldn’t spare.

She had to keep running. They would be after her. And she was weak. So very weak.

Nathan.

Yes, baby, I’m here. Talk to me now. Tell me what’s wrong.

His gentle words were infused with strength. But more than strength, confidence. His voice told her that he’d protect her. She’d be safe with him. She hadn’t been wrong to reach out to him, to trust him.

I need your help.

You have to know I’d do anything at all for you. Tell me how and I’ll come for you.

She splashed across a bubbling creek, her bare feet slipping on the muddy bank when she reached the other side. She put one hand down to break her fall but then pushed herself upright again and plunged deeper into the forest.

I escaped. They found me. Drugged me. They want Grace. Had to pretend to be weaker and more drugged than I was. When they moved me, I escaped, but oh God, they’re coming after me. They won’t rest until they get me back. I need your help, Nathan. Please.