Total pages in book: 66
Estimated words: 63082 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 315(@200wpm)___ 252(@250wpm)___ 210(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 63082 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 315(@200wpm)___ 252(@250wpm)___ 210(@300wpm)
“Or they’re so confident in their security that they don’t care who knows.” Nash memorized the coordinates.
“There’s something else you need to see.”
He clicked another link. A document filled the screen—some sort of intake form. Nash scanned it, his vision blurring with fury as he reached the bottom.
“Subject displays optimal breeding characteristics.”
Were these animals not merely planning to sell Haisley, but force her to carry her rapist’s child?
Holy shit.
The irony wasn’t lost on him. Years ago, he’d told her flat-out that he never wanted children. She’d never said a word, but he’d sworn he saw something—sadness?—flicker in her eyes before she’d changed the subject. Now she might have the fundamental right to control her own body stripped and be forced to conceive by a stranger who bought her.
It was all Nash could do not to tear apart his brother’s office. Only his respect for Trees and the fact it would do nothing but waste time stopped him.
“I can prep you backup identities,” his brother said quietly. “Untraceable. Hunter’s already given me latitude to do whatever I have to. Whatever you need, little brother.”
Nash stared at Haisley’s photo, at the fierce light in her eyes that not even fear could dim. “I’m going to need money. Millions and millions of dollars. Where the fuck are we going to get that?”
“The bosses are already solving that issue.” Trees shared a look with Laila, who nodded and slipped away. “We’ve got your back. All of us. But, Nash?” He waited until their eyes met. “You have to keep it together. For her.”
Nash drew in a ragged breath, forcing down the tide of rage and terror threatening to swamp him. Trees was right. He couldn’t storm in, guns blazing. Not with Haisley’s life at stake.
He had to be smarter. Colder. More calculating than he’d ever been.
“Tell me everything you found. Don’t leave out a single detail.”
CHAPTER THREE
Trees killed the engine, but neither he nor Nash moved to exit the truck. Through the wall of bulletproof glass at the back of EM Security Management’s office, Nash saw light spilling into the foyer from the conference room. The motley collection of trucks, jeeps, and motorcycles told him the whole team had come. His family by choice, united to help him save the woman he loved.
His brother squeezed his shoulder. “We’re going to find her.”
Nash nodded tightly, unable to speak past the knot in his throat. He had to believe that or go fucking insane…but after twelve brutal hours of searching, everything felt grim. At least they had something—a lead of sorts. But showing the team what Trees had discovered on that website… Nash’s hands curled into fists.
Wordlessly, he and his brother entered, locking the door behind them. Logan Edgington stuck his head out of the conference room, then motioned them across the shadowy office, past the hodgepodge of desks, and into the chilly room dominated by a big conference table and a bunch of Alpha warriors he called friends. The usually boisterous crew sat in grim silence.
Matt Montgomery sat in his usual seat, but Nash’s step faltered when he spotted the man’s wife, Madison. She shouldn’t be here—spouses weren’t typically involved in operational briefings. But then, this wasn’t typical. This was Haisley. And Madison being Haisley’s best friend had apparently earned her an exception.
The woman looked gutted, and her tear-streaked face told Nash she’d been crying since she’d heard about her best friend’s abduction. The sight twisted his gut. If he was barely holding it together, how must Madison feel? Especially now, when her early pregnancy had her emotions running high.
Hunter and Logan Edgington, along with their stepbrother and business partner, Joaquin Muñoz, stood at the head of the table, their faces carved from stone. One-Mile Walker, their resident sniper, cleaned his rifle with methodical precision while demolitions expert Zy Garrett and fellow operative Preston Kane studied a map. Ethan’s laptop was open, but he wasn’t typing—just staring at the screen with laser focus.
“Tell us everything you found,” Hunter demanded the moment Nash and Trees entered.
As Nash slid into his seat, Trees connected his laptop to the wall monitor.
Logan cut in. “I’ve been working the phones for hours. We have resources lined up. Xander and Javier Santiago are in with some serious hardware—not just cash and their private jet, but military-grade tactical gear and satellite access. Their defense contracts give them toys most people don’t know exist. We’re working with our sister organization, Oracle, too. Their tech expert, Stone Sutter—”
“The ex-con?” Zy frowned.
“Yeah. Did time for hacking, with a side of identity theft and digital fraud before going straight. Now he’s the best in the business at creating untraceable covers because he knows exactly what other criminals look for. He’s working with Trees. They’re drafting you a cover based out of DC, using the Jasper King name you requested. High-dollar contracts, import licenses, the works. Enough of a paper trail to withstand scrutiny. Since Callie Thorpe-Mackenzie inherited something north of a hundred million dollars, she’s agreed to pony up more cash as we need it.”