by Fields, MJ
“Looks like I owe you a beer.” Shadows laughs as he pats my shoulder.
“And our preflight cocktail,” I joke, knowing damn well he’s got his eyes set on Francesca’s roommate, Mary Ward. That is all the excuse he needs to finally “slaughter the lamb,” as he would say.
Normally, this would bother me—our rituals being disregarded—but everything is different now. Will’s gone, Irons is married to Will’s sister Francesca, and Shadows nearly salivates whenever he’s in the same room with Mary. So, what do you do when times change? You roll with it. No matter how annoying it is.
As Commander Smith stands in front of us in the briefing room, I know my hunch—that the grueling training schedule we’ve been keeping that was classified and above our pay grade—is no longer a secret.
“Gentlemen, two weeks ago, we lost twenty SEALs in Jblah. Their unit has done its due diligence but has not been able to complete the mission. Our men are still alive. Today, we received word that we will be taking over as the extraction unit.” He looks at Shadows and me. “I am aware you’ve not flown a combat mission since the training incident where we almost lost Lieutenant Irons, but I have no doubt in your ability to get the job done.”
“Yes, sir,” Shadows and I say in unison.
“We have our intelligence team working on it, and as I am one hundred percent sure they’re still in the same location, we fly out. Could be as early as tomorrow, so have your go-bags ready.”
* * *
We are no more than a couple of feet out of the security gate of Norfolk Naval Base when we get the call. We leave at zero eight hundred hours.
As soon as I’m off the phone, it rings again. I hit the button on my steering wheel to accept the call. “Lt. Titan.”
“Dinner at Irons’ place tonight, eighteen hundred hours.”
“Yep, see you there.” I disconnect the call and hit the gas, wanting time to get home to shower before heading to dinner.
Tonight, we will be breaking bread at Irons’ home before heading off to extract the good guys. The modification: he and Francesca are hosting the send-off dinner at their Norfolk beach house before Shadows and I leave in the morning without him.
As messed up as it all feels for Shadows and me to fly into combat without Irons, I know it’s killing him, too.
I need to keep my feelings in check. He needs to know I’m proud of who he is, who he has become, and who he is destined to be.
Irons’ late father was a senator, and he’s been groomed since birth to someday become President.
* * *
When the taxi drops me off at Irons’ house, I see Will’s parents’ vehicle in the driveway. This will be a reminder that their son isn’t here, flying out with us tomorrow, as if they need one.
After Will’s death, we had one hell of a time coping. Irons took the hit the hardest of the remaining three of our brotherhood of four. They were best friends, and Irons had spent several years with his family for holidays while his own parents campaigned for Irons’ father’s, Senator Irons, political career.
Irons was born and bred to someday become President of the United States, a position he never wanted until the four of us came up with a plan of how we could make a difference in the country we love.
As fate would have it, Irons and Will’s younger sister fell in love. Francesca, or Frankie as we call her, and Irons got married in spite of Irons’ mother’s insistence and warning against a marriage that wouldn’t benefit him politically. Then, days after their secret nuptials, his helicopter went down during training, and we thought we might lose him, as he had Will.
After that, so many things came to light due to the suspicious accident. Among them was that the doctor who treated Irons knew of Frankie and the rest of us because she had dated Will for six months prior to his death. She became an ally.
We also found out that Devereaux’s daughter had been pregnant eight years ago, and that it was Irons’ child. He didn’t remember having sex with her at a party, but he woke up in bed with her.
When the little girl was born, she was put up for adoption, and adopted by a Canadian family. When we sent some men to look into her life, we found out she wasn’t being raised by the couple who adopted her. Instead, she was being raised by nanny after nanny, living through move after move, doing poorly in school and struggling in general. Irons decided he wanted his child. Plans were in motion.
When Irons confronted his mother, she told him it was a choice made for his benefit. That she and the young woman’s father hid it from him for his future.
After convincing the adoptive parents to relinquish custody or face consequences of prosecution for an illegal adoption, Deveraux decided to cause issues and tried to gain custody himself. Dr. O’Neil was asked to do a DNA test and confirmed Lily was not Jaxson Irons’ daughter but had reason to believe she may be Will’s. She then divulged she had a secret of her own—a three-year-old named Calee. Will never got to meet her. He died before Dr. O’Neil even knew she was pregnant. And now she was raising their daughter on her own.
When Jaxson and Francesca Irons were awarded custody, it was revealed that Deveraux had lied to Mrs. Irons for years for his own career gains by forging a friendship based on lies. We also suspect but can’t prove he is behind William’s crash, and possibly Irons’, too.
Rosa and William Sr. were happy to have two little girls to love and hold who were part of their son who is no longer with us but will never be forgotten.
They, too, have sacrificed for our country, yet they still push forward. They really have no choice. Now that Frankie and Jax are together and raising one of William’s two daughters, Lily, as their own, it’s something they have to face, and they do it with dignity and honor for our country and for their family.
During dinner, I watch them fuss over the seven-year-old beauty. It’s still unbelievable to me that Will never met her. Even more incredible is that he has a three-year-old as well.
Unbeknownst to us, Will had been dating Dr. Laurie O’Neil for six months. We only met her while waiting for Irons to wake from surgery after his accident.
I remember the first time I saw her—blonde hair, green eyes, curves in all the places a man likes curves, and the confidence that is as alluring as her perfect smile.
Never had a woman affected me like that.
But that was before I knew her and Will had not only been together, but he had planned on introducing her to us. Little did she know, she was carrying his child when he died.
After I met their daughter, Calee, I decided right then and there to ignore my draw to her and repeatedly told myself that she was Will’s and always would be. End of. It wasn’t like I wanted anything more than to take her to bed anyway.
After dinner, Will’s parents, Shadows, Mary, another one of Frankie’s friends, Renee, and I walk out onto the back deck to wait for Jax and Frankie to put Lily, or little Firefly as they call her, to bed.
When Jax and Frankie finally join us on the deck, Shadows starts in on them. “What was going on in there? It took so long!”
Frankie rolls her eyes. “Just getting Lily to sleep.”
Shadows looks at me and nods to Jaxson. I see what he sees, but the difference is that I won’t rib him about it, especially in front of Will’s parents. However, Shadows doesn’t hold back.
“And Jaxson changed his clothes?”
“We need to talk,” Irons says, ignoring him while rubbing Frankie’s back. “Frankie and I originally invited you all here for a send-off dinner, but a couple of things happened today. First, Commander Smith, Francesca, and I had a chat about the governor’s race. We all knew it would happen someday, just not this soon. We have planned and plotted since we were plebes to make sure all of us took these steps toward the White House together—my brothers, my cabinet, the men I trust the most—but this little change in our plan could shake things up. It’s risky. If I lose, we all lose.”
Things have changed since we were plebes. We all know how corru
pt politics is. Irons’ father was a decent man, but his mother, the woman behind the man, she was another story. We have no doubt the accident that killed him was related to some of the shit we’ve gone through over the past few years. Will’s accident, Jaxson’s, and his father—none of us believe any were accidents, but we can’t prove otherwise. But one man is surely behind it all.
Shadows spits out his thoughts. “Then don’t run. Let Smith run. You can be lieutenant governor. Then you run on your own or shoot for the presidency. Deveraux is a snake. He may not be behind all the shit, but he damn sure—”
“I’m not sure he’s anything more than a man who got caught up in a game, just like my grandfather and father.” Jax shrugs.
I agree with him, and I also believe together, we can change the corruption more efficiently from the inside than we can as military personnel.
“If you are hell-bent on taking him out of the game—and you should be—I say let’s do this.”
“Aren’t you leaving tomorrow?” Mary questions.
I look over and see she’s directing her question to Shadows.
“Little lamb, you sound concerned. Are you?”
Jax clears his throat to get his attention, and I look at Shadows.
“I promised you I would behave, so I’ll leave the … shearing for another day. I’m simply asking a question that arose from the concern in the little lamb’s voice.”
He’s full of shit. He plans on taking action tonight. Irons and I both know it. The only reason Irons is even going to put up a fight is because Frankie is here.
“Shadows,” Frankie gasps.
“It’s okay, Francesca, I can handle this,” Mary stops the lecture that’s about to ensue. “Of course I’m concerned. You all fight to keep us safe, to help others stay safe, and risk your lives doing so. It’s admirable.”
“Mmhmm.” He’s like a goddamn twelve-year-old trying to figure out what to do with his first hard-on. It’s almost embarrassing.
“My parents,” Frankie hisses.
“Right.” Shadows nods, still looking at her.
“I’m sure we can discuss this further in the morning. If he isn’t interested in the presidency and you think it’s the safest bet, do it, son.” Frankie’s dad yawns then looks at his wife. “You ready for bed?”
The Cruz’s hug Shadows and me, wishing us luck and making plans for our return—eating dinner and enjoying the company of a family their son was a big part in creating.
Once they walk back inside, Jax looks at Mary and Renee. “You’ve proven you are good friends to my wife, and I hope, if we move forward, you two can be a big part of the future plans for this family. If you want in, say the word when you’re ready. Renee, you have a year left of college. Have you secured an internship yet?”
“No.” Renee smiles warily.
“If you want one, you’ve got it. Mary, have you decided on your concentration?” he asks.
“She is double majoring in History and Political Science,” Renee answers for her.
“Interesting.” Shadows chuckles, knowing damn well she was undecided last semester when we did intel on Frankie’s roommates. “Now, what may I ask brought that on, little lamb?”
As her face grows red, Renee chimes in to answer for her. “She has a roommate in the program—a built-in study partner—and history isn’t that far removed from politics. Don’t flatter yourself, buddy. She has a boyfriend.”
“Well, thank fuck for that.” He leans toward Mary. “A boy can’t be all that fun to play with, little lamb. But a man, especially one in uniform, can rock your fucking world.”
I laugh at the shit he’s spewing. He’s in new territory for sure and needs a reminder, so I give him one. “And two is better than one.”
He gives me a look, and I can’t help laughing before taking a drink.
“That’s sick,” Renee gasps, eyes wide in shock.
“Don’t knock it till you try it.” I wink at her just to mess with her.
“Anytime you ladies want that to stop, let me know.” Irons looks at us then back at the girls. “Mary, if you want an internship, you have it, too.” He points to me and Shadows, telling her, “They won’t be in the governor’s mansion.”
“No, little lamb.” Shadows eyes are fixed on her again. “We’ll be in uniform, protecting your sweet little asses from the shit you can’t see around you. As a thank you, I would gladly show you what’s underneath the uniform when I come back to shore.”
When she retorts with, “You come back safe, and we’ll discuss,” I nearly spit out my beer. I’m pretty sure he’s choking on his, but he recovers quickly.
“We can start that tour right now, little lamb. Let you see what you’re in for when I get home.”
She totally ignores him and asks Jax, “Will Frankie be returning to school?”
“We haven’t had time to discuss—”
“Yes. I am going to look at online classes. I will finish.” She walks over and sits on Jax’s lap.
“Love you, angel,” he says.
“Say it again.”
He laughs and winks. “I’ll say it forever.”
She hugs him as she looks at her friends. “Renee, do you still know people who run the college newspaper and radio station?”
“Yes.”
“Good. We need to start a push to get people to register to vote using social media. Are you any good at that?” Frankie asks.
“That’s Mary’s forte,” Renee says, smiling.
“Well, I’m learning,” Mary says quietly.
“Better than nothing. Jax, we need them,” Frankie tells him, not knowing the discussion is already on the table.
“I already offered internships.”
“That was nice, but we need them for more than that. We can reach a different demographic. Commander Smith and the three of you will have the military connections. I hope to have national and local media, as well as the minority voters eating out of my hand by election day. You and Smith will also have the good ol’ white boys and—”
“Good ol’ white boys?” Jax spurts out, shaking with laughter.
“Republicans,” Frankie whispers, making a hideous face.
“You’ll need to become one of us, you know,” he teases.
“Is that true for us, too?” Mary seems shocked.
“There is only one thing you need to prepare yourself for, little lamb.” I want to shake him. Christ, this is embarrassing. “The slaughter.”
“The what?” she asks, looking at Frankie.
“Shadows has a crush on you, M—”
“The only thing I’ll be crushing is your need for a boy ever again. You’ll crave a man once you’ve been under me. My cock is pure adrenaline. You feel that rush, Mary, and you’ll be addicted to my—”
I can’t even look at him right now. He’s lost his shit.
“Mary, he’s gotta get himself pumped up. Just ignore it. He’ll be the one addicted and running around in circles behind you like an Australian Shepherd, trying to keep every other big bad wolf away.” Frankie looks at him, and they both laugh.
“Your friend has lost her damn mind,” he tells Mary.
“It’s happened to bigger men,” Frankie says, hugging Irons.
“You’re talking about me, right?” I ask. “You said bigger, and I know for a fact—”
“Watch it,” Jax warns.
“If you weren’t so fucking conceited, you’d be hot. But all that arrogance, along with that big truck you drive …” Renee holds up her pinky. “We all know you are overcompensating for something.”
“Do you want to taste the goods, Renee, so you can let her know what to prepare herself for?” Shadows stands and starts unbuttoning his pants. “Come on over.”
Frankie laughs, hiding her eyes. “Put that shit away.”
I see the way Mary looks at him, and then at Renee. She’s hurt.
Well, now he’s done it. Idiot. Hell, maybe he will be in for that cocktail tonight after al
l.
“I have to use the bathroom.” Mary stands and starts for the house.
Jax scowls at Shadows, whispering to Frankie, “You may want to go, too.”
She gives him an odd look.
“Trust me, angel. That shit just affected her. Check if she’s okay.”
Both Renee and Frankie walk inside.
“Dumbass,” I mumble under my breath.
“What?” Shadows holds up his palms in defense.
Irons interrupts before I can tell Shadows what he did.
“As fucked up as everything is, I wish I were going with you two. I hate being left behind.”
“Not left behind, Irons.” I lift my beer to take a sip. “Preparing for what’s next.”
“I’ll drink to that.” Shadows raises his drink.
“So, Commander Smith, is it?”
“Yes. I think Shadows has the right idea. I just have to make sure he’s on board. I have a lot of work to do and very little time to do it, but it has to happen.”
“Nothing has to happen. We have other things we can do, Irons. If you wanna chill, you go ahead. None of us will blame you.” Shadows nods.
“Chill and sit back? I’m no good at that, and you both know it just as well as you know that would never fly with you. We try. If it doesn’t work, then on to other things. But I’m not a quitter, and I am not gonna sit back in the dark with my tail between my legs. I’m gonna fight those motherfuckers.”
The girls come back out, looking excited.
“Renee had a good idea. Do the two of you have social media?” Frankie asks.
“Yeah. Why?”
“They should run your pages, build them up, get more interaction so that you are both visible when November hits. You’re Jaxson’s closest friends, and he needs you to be visible. It doesn’t hurt that you’re military men,” Frankie says.
“Cockblocks? No thank you.” I laugh.
Frankie shrugs. “It was just a suggestion. They’re gonna head out.”
“Going home? The night is young,” I tell them.
“I’m going out, and Mary’s going home,” Renee says.
