Delta Force: Crow (Wayward Souls)

by Kris Norris

  He’d been staying with her since Brady had sent them home with strict instructions to keep their asses in bed until he said otherwise, and she had to admit, it felt right having Ryker in her life full time.

  Better than right because now, he wasn’t holding back. Keeping her at arm’s length because they were undecided where their relationship was headed. In fact, he’d thrown himself into it as if it were a mission. Two hundred percent. Success, the only option.

  She loved that about him. How dedicated he was. Even if it did occasionally blow up in her face. Like now. He’d insisted on accompanying her inside as a safety measure. In case there was some new threat hiding in the shadows. She’d started to argue until she’d recognized the look on his face. The hint of love, and dare she say fear, that chipped away at his stoic facade. The one she’d labeled as his Delta persona.

  So, she’d caved.

  Compromised.

  Whichever, she couldn’t deny that a part of her had sighed in relief knowing he’d be there to back her up. Even if her head knew she wouldn’t need it. That Smithers had likely turned the lower levels into the equivalent of a militarized zone. That he’d have higher levels of security than the pentagon if given the chance.

  Ryker must have felt her staring, glancing over at her, all sexy smile and those killer blue eyes. He watched for several heartbeats before chuckling. “Something tells me you aren’t focused on Smithers.”

  She moved in close, one hand on his chest, the other brushing his hair out of his eyes. “Actually, I was thinking about that kiss. What I have planned, next.”

  All that neon blue darkened as his nostrils flared with his next labored breath. “Then, let’s get this meeting with Smithers over, because I have a few ideas, too. And they all involve us getting naked as quickly as possible.”

  “Christ, can you two please get a room?” Becca moved in beside them, rolling her eyes. “Or, at least, stay in the one you have?”

  Devlyn laughed, turning to lean against Ryker as he palmed her waist. Kept her close. “I only planned on dropping off the report, but now Smithers wants to yell at me. Guess he’s missed telling me all the ways I’m a liability to the NSA, and how I’m going to send him to an early grave.”

  She shrugged. “To be fair, you probably will send the man to an early grave.”

  “Thanks. Glad I have such supportive friends.”

  “That’s best friend, and someone has to be the voice of reason with you. Tell it to you straight, or you might do something crazy like get back together with Crow.”

  Becca batted her eyelashes. “Oops. Guess I’m a bit late.”

  Ryker stiffened behind her, but Devlyn smiled.

  “As I recall, you were the one who told me—repeatedly—that I should listen to his side of the story. That he had to have had a good reason, and that he was the best thing that ever happened to me.”

  “I said he made you happy.”

  “Same thing.”

  “Fine, he’s the best thing that ever happened to you. And I’m glad you two worked it out. You’re pretty damn nauseating together for all us single people.” Becca took a step closer, focusing over Devlyn’s shoulder. “Just know this, Crow. Now that I have some equally skilled friends—courtesy of your new boss—you’d better not hurt her, again. Or I’ll be sending one of your buddies after you. Funny, how they all kinda feel the same way. Though, they did say they’d miss you enough to raise a toast at your funeral.”

  Ryker’s chest relaxed, a deep chuckle rumbling through it and into her. “That sounds about right. And you have my word.”

  “Make sure you keep it. Now, you’d better go see Smithers before he’s worked himself into a lather.”

  Ryker leaned in close, his mouth caressing Devlyn’s ear. “I think she might be warming up to me. She only threatened to have me killed, once.”

  “Oh, sweetie. That’s how she is when she likes you.” Devlyn tilted her head to the side, watching Becca disappear down another hallway. “She needs to find someone who understands her. Appreciates her…unique personality.”

  “You sure that’s possible—” He grunted when she elbowed him in the ribs. Hard. “Just kidding. And I might know the right guy.”

  She spun. “Oh, no. Not one of your buddies.”

  “Sweetheart, they might be the only breed of man capable of surviving an evening with her.”

  She laughed. Couldn’t help it because, damn, he was irresistible when he smiled at her. All roguish charm. “Fine, just make sure they have some Kevlar on hand. Just in case.”

  “Adams! I’m aging in here.” Smithers. Voice a full octave lower than before and about twice as loud.

  Devlyn cringed then turned, smoothing out her shirt as she headed for his office, Ryker in tow. She paused long enough to take a deep breath, elbowing Ryker, again, when he whispered not to show any fear, then walked through the doorway.

  Smithers’ office wasn’t quite back to normal, several bullet holes still marring the far wall. A bloody dried handprint on the carpet. He motioned to the chairs he’d angled in front of a new desk, waiting until they’d both taken a seat.

  His mouth pinched tight as he lowered himself into his chair, his injuries obviously not quite healed. “Nice of you to finally show up.”

  She arched a brow, crossing her arms over her chest. “As I recall, you sent me packing last week when I tried to come in and file my report. Yelled at me to, and I quote, ‘Get my ass out of here until I could walk without falling over’.”

  A hint of a smile. “The way you were leaning on Ward suggests you’re as good at following orders as you ever were.” He held out his hand. “But I’ll take that report.”

  She glared at him, reaching into her jacket pocket then handing him a thumb drive. “I’m sure you’ll find it lacking.”

  “Probably. Reports have never been your forte. There’s always something major you leave out that you seem to deem as unimportant.” He glanced between her and Ryker. “Like the part where you neglected to tell me your JSOG unit included one of Ward’s Delta Force members—Sergeant Ethan Vale. Ring any bells?”

  She spared Ryker a quick glance, unsure how to answer, when he leaned forward.

  “Vale was undercover. Has been since we suspected Slader was behind the helicopter accident that decimated Vale’s team a few months ago. That Slader was using him to try and get information on Bains’ list. And, knowing there was at least one mole in the system…” He eased back. “It was my call to keep Vale’s involvement off the record until it became necessary to directly involve him.”

  Smithers stared at both of them, unmoving until he shook his head. Laughed. “Christ. Do your superiors actually fall for that crap?” He waved off Ryker’s attempted interruption. “I don’t care about Vale. From what I understand, he’s the reason you’re both still breathing. And, if you can save your friend’s ass—keep him from facing an AWOL charge among other things—with this bullshit cover story, so be it. I just need the details so I can collaborate your report. Make sure the CIA locks up Ian Slader for the rest of his, hopefully, short life. Not botch the whole deal like they did with McCormick.”

  “Without knowing how many leaks there are—who this Smyth guy really is—there’s no guarantee Slader won’t find some hole to slip through. Though, if he’s smart, he’ll steer clear of us. Our team.”

  “Especially when they have a penchant for showing up in highly classified operations.” Smithers looked pointedly at both of them. “Which means, I’m going to have my work cut out for me if I’m going to keep both of your asses out of jail, too. You don’t want to go to jail, do you?”

  “No. Sir. Thank you. For showing up, too. That was quite the save.”

  Smithers arched a brow.

  Ryker sighed. “Which translates into me sending you all the details as soon as we get home.”

  “Perfect. Which is where I expect you both to stay until you’re not seeing double. As I recall, Crow, I told you I wanted Agent
Adams back in better condition than last time.” Smithers stood, waving at the door. “See she doesn’t show her face in here, again, until that’s true.”

  Ryker stood, nodding. “I think I can manage that.”

  Devlyn hitched out a hip. “Don’t I get a say in any of this?”

  “No.” Smithers pointed at the door, this time. “Not a mark on you, Adams. Or I’ll have you riding a desk for the next two months.”

  She huffed, turned, then started walking, hating that he was right. That she wasn’t close to being at par, yet.

  “Oh, and Ward?”

  She stopped, glancing at Ryker when he turned back to face Smithers.

  “What happened to Anna Carmichael? Or, should I say, Olivia Blake? From what I understand, she’s no longer in custody. Has basically vanished, again, only without the fake death report, this time.”

  A sideways slide of his eyes toward her before he focused on her boss. “I’m afraid I’m not at liberty to discuss Ms. Blake’s involvement. Or her identity.”

  “So, she is MI6. You’d think those bastards in London would give us a head’s up, just once. So we aren’t all tripping over each other.”

  “I never said—”

  “Please. I’m not just a figurehead here, Crow. And I have far more connections than you think. But, by all means, maintain that ruse if it makes you feel better.”

  Crow sighed. Raked a hand through his hair. “I see why you and Devlyn butt heads. You’re a lot alike. And, to be honest, no one officially told me she’s MI6. I only have a hunch, and an unconfirmed tip from a buddy. That and the fact I was told to forget I ever met her.”

  “How very CIA. Which brings me to my last point. I heard you’ve put your notice in, again. For good, they say. I realize you have other options, but…if you decide civilian life isn’t for you, I’m pretty sure I could find a mission or two for you to tag along on. Agent Adams might just need a partner in order to stay grounded.”

  Ryker looked down at her. Grinned that sappy smile of his that made her want to slap his face. “Sounds dangerous.”

  “It comes with hazard pay.”

  “I’ll give it some thought. If she doesn’t stab me in the heart before we get home.”

  Devlyn huffed at their joint chuckles then stormed out, keeping her distance before lightly punching Ryker once they’d reached his truck. “That wasn’t funny.”

  “It was a little funny.”

  “Only because he hasn’t seen how reckless you are. If I’m a liability, then you’re a walking lawsuit.”

  “Oh, that sounds as if we’re the perfect match.”

  The way his eyes sparkled and his face glowed—she hated that it made her stomach quiver. Her pulse pound in her head. “You’d get sick of me.”

  That sexy grin eased into a genuine smile. “Never. Though, we would have to agree on some rules.”

  “Such as?”

  He shifted toward her, pressing her against the door frame as he leaned in close. “No more sacrificing yourself for me.”

  “Only if you agree to the same.”

  “See? Dangerous. Fine, we can discuss it over dinner. After I’ve had my way with you.”

  “You mean, after I’ve had my way with you. It’s my turn.”

  “Are you going to be this difficult for the next fifty years?”

  “I thought you said sixty? Or are you changing your mind, already? Getting scared?”

  Ryker stared at her for what felt like forever, and she wondered if she should gently shove him away. Not that she needed the space, but she couldn’t help but wonder if she’d been too close to the truth. If he really was having second thoughts about confessing that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. Which made her heart race because she’d been keeping a secret for a few days, now. And, if being with her was scaring him, then he’d be long gone after she told him the rest.

  Another few moments before she had the courage to reach up—run her thumb along his jaw. “Ryker? You okay?”

  He tilted his head. Looked at her as if she’d spoken in a foreign language before sighing. Resting his forehead on hers. “There’s only one thing that frightens me.” He lifted his gaze enough to stare into her eyes. “Losing you.”

  That warm feeling in her chest. The one that made her giddy. Made any doubts slip away. “Is this your way of saying you can’t agree to the one rule you just made?”

  “I’ll try. That’s the best I can offer, because…you can take the man out of Delta, sweetheart, but…”

  “You can’t take Delta out of the man. Fine, I’ll concede. But that means you have to make it up to me other ways.”

  “Deal, just name them.”

  She pretended to think about it. Had planned on saying something teasing, sexual, when the truth just popped out. “I’m thinking diaper duty would be fair compensation. And unlimited foot rubs. Catering to my every craving.”

  “That’s easy, I…”

  His voice trailed off as his eyes widened. He eased back, giving her a slow sweep as he repeatedly opened and closed his mouth.

  Devlyn laughed, leaning against the truck with her arms crossed. “Sheesh, if I’d known this would shut you up, I might have tried it long ago.”

  He blinked then moved in close. Practically pinned her against the door. “Are you serious?”

  “Turns out all those meds Brady and Ice shoved my way interfered with my birth control. Or, at least, that’s what Brady said. But, it’s early. Really early. In fact, I wasn’t going to say anything because stuff happens, and I was still trying to wrap my head around it, myself. I mean, we haven’t even discussed kids, and what you want. Hell, we haven’t even officially moved in with each other, and now there’s so much more, but—”

  He kissed her. Not gently. This was a full assault, with her surrender the only viable outcome. She made him work enough to earn his victory before molding against him. Allowing him complete control.

  A minute passed before he seemed willing to come up for air. Pull back enough she could stare into his eyes. Then, he smiled, lifting one hand to tuck her hair behind her ear.

  She pursed her lips, wishing he’d say something, but he just stood there, staring at her. A goofy grin on his face. “Well? Aren’t you gonna say something?”

  “Damn, I love you. And, yes. To all of it. Diapers. Foot rubs. Ice cream at midnight. And definitely yes to shacking up. Not that I was planning on leaving, even before your announcement.” He winked as he stepped back. Took her hand in his. “Looks like you’re stuck with me.”

  “I guess I can live with that.” She arched a brow. “Are we going somewhere?”

  “Back inside.”

  “Why?”

  Ryker tugged her hand—drew her close. “Because I can’t tell Smithers I’m in from out here. Consider me your new partner, at least until you can’t go in the field any longer.”

  “But…” She did her best not to stand there with her mouth hanging open. “What about Cannon? Wayward Souls?”

  “Cannon can wait. It’s not like my job won’t be there six months from now. He’ll understand. Hell, he’d suggest it. Besides, you’re more important.” He gave her another tug, gently leading her back to her office. “Oh, and I’ve decided sixty years isn’t quite right. We’ll make it sixty-five and go from there.”

  He stopped cold, nearly causing her to walk into him. “Unless you have a counteroffer?”

  She laughed, stepping into his embrace. “Not a year less than seventy. And no backing out because it means we’ll be over a hundred.”

  “I don’t back out, and I don’t give up, so, you’ve got yourself another deal, sweetheart. Now, let’s get this second meeting with Smithers over because I’ve got big plans for the next couple of weeks. And they all involve you naked and at my mercy.”

  “Not if I have you at my mercy, first.”

  “How did I know you’d say that?”

  “Same way I knew you’d find a way to trick me into letting y
ou off the hook.”

  He chuckled. “Guess we are quite the pair.”

  “Just don’t get too cocky. With all these hormones rushing through my system, stabbing you in the heart is still on the table.”

  Excerpt ~ Delta Force: Phoenix

  Three thousand meters.

  That’s all that stood between him and getting Anna back. And after all he’d endured—the hell he’d lived through over the past few months believing she was dead, that he’d lost the only woman he’d ever love—failure wasn’t an option.

  Movement. Two vehicles baring down from the south. Picking up speed as they bounced along the alley then skidded to a halt outside the warehouse. Ten men poured out of the Suburbans, joined moments later by a trailing Chevy.

  Fifteen tangos. All dressed in black and what looked like body armor and assault rifles. They fanned out. Forming a grid around the perimeter. Boxing in the two people he’d watched enter several minutes prior—suspected double agents, if his contact was correct. All but guaranteeing they wouldn’t make it out alive.

  Ironic, considering he was there for the same reason. Drop as many as he could. Retrieve any intel. Everything tied up with a bloody bow.

  All for her.

  Ethan “Phoenix” Vale peered through his scope, mapping out each man’s position before focusing on the guy moving out in front. Even if he hadn’t been given a photo of the bastard, he would have known the guy was in charge. The swagger. The sheer arrogance in the way he carried himself. How the other men backed him up. This was his mark. Some rogue CIA agent who’d run out of time.

  Took everything Phoenix had not to drop him right then. End the damn op before it had a chance to turn ugly. But he’d been instructed to wait until the man had intercepted the agents—see if they’d recovered any sensitive material inside. The likelihood was high, but not guaranteed.

  Damn shame because the current conditions were perfect. No wind. Temperature and humidity holding steady. His mark stationary. Enough lingering sunlight to put a bullseye on the creep. Even at the insane range, it made the shot a bit more skill than luck. Once the guy engaged the others…