Liam nodded. His heart hurt at what she’d gone through. And what if they had listened to the agent and headed home? Their Raven—his Raven—would have been lost forever. “Once we get back to civilization, I want a full investigation into our mission. It still doesn’t sit right with me.” His comm came to life.
“Charlie One, Charlie Three.”
He held up a hand and pointed to his ear. His team sat up straight, listening. “Go ahead, Charlie Three.”
“I’ve got two tangos playing in the jungle.”
“Lima Charlie.” Liam had copied that messageloud and clear. “Boone. Xander. Get out there and help Dax. Rafe, you’re with me. Cover the camp.”
“Copy that.” The men said in unison and moved with purpose and confidence to their assignments.
Liam turned to Raven. “Dax has spotted a couple of men out there. We’re going to up our intensity and make sure they don’t get to you.”
Raven hugged her middle. “It’s weird not to have you in my ear.”
“Don’t worry. Once this is over, you’ll have to put up with us on comms again.”
She smiled. “I can’t wait.”
“Go ahead and get comfortable. Well, as much as possible. I’ll close the curtain, but feel free to open it if you need to.”
Raven snorted. “Like that’s going to happen until morning.”
“Then I’ll see you at first light.”
“Thank you, Liam.” She waved her hand at the tent. “This helps more than you know.”
He nodded and slid the tarp closed. Time to get to work. Liam strode to Rafe at the edge of camp.
Rafe shifted to face him. “She’s one strong woman.”
“That she is. Even if she doesn’t think so.” Liam gripped his weapon, determined to protect Raven. “You take this half. I’ll take the other.”
Rafe nodded. “On it.”
Liam stepped soundlessly to his position on the opposite side of camp. Gun at the ready, he stared into the night. Listening. Watching. Ready to defend.
CHAPTER 4
Sierra Oscura, Mexico
Thursday – 1000 Hours
Code Name: Raven
The humidity pressed down on Jade like a weighted blanket as she trudged through the jungle toward her resort. Her bruised and battered body screamed at her, but she’d take alive over being at the mercy of those men who’d held her prisoner. She’d doubted the guys when they’d constructed the tarp tent for her, but it had worked. Perfect? No. But the night hadn’t choked her in fear, and having four walls, even flimsy ones, had chased away the panic. She’d used the calming techniques that Breana had taught her. Between those methods and Liam and Rafe standing guard, Jade hadn’t succumbed to her fears in the middle of the jungle. The guys had protected her instead of mocking her. But that shouldn’t have surprised her. And now, they circled her like a prized treasure. She snorted at the notion.
“What’s so funny?” Liam asked.
“Nothing. Just my imagination running wild.” Jade followed Rafe in the lead position, which seemed odd. Charlie One always led. At least on the missions she helped with. She glanced at Liam on her right. Had he changed things up to be next to her?
Stop.You’re imagining things.
“Must have been an entertaining thought,” Dax teased to the left.
Boone and Xander added their fun jabs from their positions in the rear.
Something about these men calmed her nerves. She appreciated the sense of inclusion. Jade studied the group as they moved as one. Each anticipated the subtle movements of the others. It was fascinating to watch. Dots on a screen didn’t reveal the honed precision acquired over the years.
