“You know that man of yours would move heaven and earth for you why are you keeping him in the dark about your fears?”
“Shit! Mia, he has so much going on right now I just don’t want to add to it but…”
Without letting her finish what she was about to say Mia interrupted. “Ryleigh, he already knows, shit girlfriend everyone with eyes can see the changes in you.”
Crying softly Ryleigh admitted to her best friend “I know your right but I couldn’t have trusted anyone else with my baby’s life. I knew I needed you, I just couldn’t ask everyone is stretched so thin. I kept thinking woman have been giving birth or centuries. I shouldn’t let what Eli said get to me but I just can’t help it I’m scared as hell. Here I am mated to an Alpha, he doesn’t get scared Mia. I need to be strong for him and the team. I need to find answers so we can help all these women. I need to break this fucking code because if Eli were right at least something good would come out of this even if my baby…”
Cutting her short once again. “That’s enough of that now Rye. You are not superwoman you can’t solve all the problems of the Shifter world with one person’s files. You need to take better care of yourself and you need to tell Jacks your fears. You need to lean on the man and let him do what he does best protect and care for you. You need to let others help. Damn! woman you need a babysitter! “Mia laughed.
Ryleigh knew her friend was right but she just couldn’t dismiss the feeling’s that were driving her. Deciding that diversion was the best way out of this Ryleigh wiped her teary eyes, straightened her shoulders, now back to the business at hand. “What do you think the woman giving off the bad vibes is slated to do? It doesn’t make sense that she was kept with the others unless she was a plant to make sure they were doing as they were told, it just doesn’t sit right with me. No one knew we were going to raid that facility so I don’t think we can link it to finding out where NAC bases are unless we have more leaks than we are aware of.”
Mia knew what Ryleigh was doing and she let her. Once they got a free moment she would exam Ryleigh and her baby and hopefully give her friend some peace, until that time came she could give her this.
“I’m not sure, but I did use some of Tory’s toys and located trackers on all of the women including Cassie. I removed them but I also made all of them give up all their clothing and jewelry anything on their person. All of the women were fine with my request except one.”
“Let me guess the human one?” “Yep totally freaked out I had to sedate her.”
“Did you find anything?” “Yep she was wired for sight and sound the transmitter was located in her fake fingernails but they weren’t active. The nails were what tipped me off, these women were all in pretty bad shape. but oddly the human’s fingernails were perfectly manicured.”
“Sugar does Jacks knows all of this?”
“Yea, I think that is why he is reacting to Emma so strongly. He already knows there is a threat out there and this woman brings in a new one.”
“Shit on a shingle! I couldn’t agree more. What happened with Zoey?”
Ryleigh felt for Zoey, she was one of The Holly Group best operatives but she was also one of their most reclusive. She had lived most of her life in deplorable circumstances and was completely distrustful of any man. When Ryleigh had to tell her that she was related to Cassie Larson and Kayden Walker of Bravo team she was pretty sure Zoey would run for the hills. But Zoey had surprised her and went out looking for Cassie who was now her niece and even agreed to work with Kayden who was her brother. Neither Zoey nor Kayden had known anything about the connection until a couple of months ago. Ryleigh had tried to warn the man about Zoey she just hoped her warnings had been enough. Zoey was a Franklin creation just like most of the woman of The Holly Group. Pandora and Dr. Franklin had come up with a toxin that they let loose in areas to find Shifter men and take DNA samples from them only to later use those samples to impregnate woman the whole thing was sick and both groups NAC and The Holly Group were still reeling from the ramifications.
Mia flinched, thinking about the concerns she had been having for a while now that Zoey was a liability to The Holly Group but hadn’t expressed yet. Ryleigh always coddled Zoey because of her past. It wasn’t that Mia didn’t feel sorry for Zoey she just thought that Zoey wasn’t ever going to change and she was taking advantage of Ryleigh’s kindness to do exactly what she pleased. Zoey got away with more than any other operative of The Holly Group.
“Dang it Ryleigh I don’t know she split as soon as she could we didn’t spend much time together not that it would have mattered you know how she is. That Milo guy was intense, told her she wasn’t leaving and that she was staying with him she said she was no man's pet and busted out of there. That Kayden guy called later and told me she was with him. I think you might need to take a trip down there to see her. Whatever happened between Zoey and Milo literally freaked her out.”
“Yeah, I was afraid of that, I was able to talk to Kayden about her but I never even thought to speak with Milo or the other guys.” “It’s not your fault Rye she needs to be able to handle human interactions on her own. I believe that we have coddled her letting her go off to that mountain of hers so she never has to deal with what happened. Don’t get me wrong I don’t blame her but she is going to self-destruct if she doesn’t start to deal with some of it and soon. Until she does, she is a danger to herself and anyone she is with.”
“I agree it’s just how does a person move on from the things that she was put through. We have all had something bad happen to us, but Mia she had it worse than anyone and you know that is saying something.”
“I know, let's run these tests at least we can solve some problems quickly. Maybe since Zoey went with Kayden she is ready to start living and dealing that is what I am going to hope for.”
“Yeah being with her brother might help.”
“Kayden is her brother? “
Mia couldn’t believe how much that information relaxed her. Kayden had been the guy she felt the connection to but when he took off after Zoey without even paying any attention to her it had hurt. Not that she would ever tell anyone that but now that she knew he was her brother it made sense. She didn’t think anything would come from her feelings but she wasn’t going to deny them either. There was something about Kayden Walker that unquestionably tripped her trigger, problem was she didn’t know if she liked it or not.
“Yeah didn’t I tell you we got the results back right before I went out on the mission to Franklin’s house. I thought you were the one that ran the tests?”
“Nope I had to let Lily do it. Although I did check the results I just didn’t know that Kayden was her brother.” Mia tried to play it off but Ryleigh sensed relief from her best friend. Maybe Kayden Walker was her Jacks. She hoped so but didn’t want to push Mia too hard whatever was meant to happen would. So, Ryleigh just gave a simple “Me too.”
“The first test should be done in about a half hour why don’t you go grab some food. I want to start the other tests regarding Emma’s health. No point in both of us just sitting around.”
“Okay, but promise to come and find me as soon as you know. I can tell you that I believe Emma is a part of the breeding program and that baby is the result of a successful pregnancy. If the tests come back positive, then we genuinely need to figure out what is going on. The baby is already showing signs of being stronger than a normal human baby. I don’t like all these coincidences.”
“You and me both sister, go take care of yourself, get some food and just relax for a minute. After the tests are done and we have a minute it’s your turn to go under the microscope.”
“Yeah thanks for that” Ryleigh said drolly.
“Whatever, a few little needle pokes are nothing just think in about sixteen weeks you’re going to be going through what Emma just did. Needles mean nothing.” Mia laughed.
“Thanks for that you bitch!” Ryleigh laughed. She knew Mia meant well and was only trying to bring
her focus to what was really important her baby. But Ryleigh had way too much going on in her mind.
Chapter 23
Jacks was so caught up in reading the reports he was just given that he didn’t even look up from the table when he heard someone enter the room. “It’s about time asshole Jacks grunted.”
“Well hey I guess I have been called worse but I don’t think I have ever been called an asshole before.” Mia quipped.
Jack’s was embarrassed by his lack of attention. It was his job as Alpha to know everything and be on guard at all times. The fact that he didn’t even bother to look up to see who had walked into the room made him realize that he has been way to preoccupied with recent events. “Shit, sorry Mia.” Jacks said embarrassed by his actions. “I thought you were Dalton, do you know whether he has left Emma or the baby yet?” Jack questioned attempting to divert Mia’s attention to business. Jacks didn’t want Mia to think badly of him. She was his wife’s best friend.
“No, he hasn’t and I think it will take an act of God to move the man. I was just in the room mama and baby are doing well and both are sleeping he is watching over them. I offered to stay so he could get some rest or something to eat but he said "No." Ryleigh is meeting me here, first she is checking on a program she is running for Franklin's data.” Mia said taking a seat at the table.
Jacks watched Mia as she made herself a cup of coffee from the table on the side of the conference room. The woman was an enigma Ryleigh had explained some of Mia’s past to him but the woman didn’t act as though she was frightened or skittish to be around a bunch of Alpha males like he expected. He just didn’t know how to take the doctor. She had a dominant professional attitude and stood up for herself in a way that Jacks could respect. Not many people would have been bold enough to move him out of the way or stop him in his tracks the way she had in the exam room. She fit with his group of men not taking any crap. She was not like the woman she seemed to be when he first met her at the wedding. or back with Bravo and Echo Teams she had been standoffish and quiet then. Since coming to the lodge he had seen a side of Mia he hadn’t noticed before. She had a dry sense of humor and quick wit about her. She also seemed to thrive under pressure. He hadn’t had much contact with her on the mission but during the sit-rep back at base he noticed that she was very detail oriented. He was surprised that Mia was a lot like Dalton. She sat back and observed and only made those observations known when she felt comfortable. Her attention to detail was astronomical as well. Maybe it was the doctor in her or what had happened to her before she and Ryleigh met up he wasn’t sure. But the woman had definitely impressed him and he was happy his woman had such a friend.
Ryleigh and Sebastian “Bas” Frost came into the room. Bas was walking with Ryleigh under his arm she had a small smile on her face but it looked as though she were leaning on Bas for support. In Jacks mind Ryleigh, should not be getting support from anyone but him. That was his job. When he started to stand, Ryleigh stopped him by coming right to him and climbing onto his lap laying her head on his shoulder like it was the most natural thing in the world to do. “Hey baby how are you doing?” He asked rubbing her back gently he needed to take the time to talk with his mate and figure out what was going on with her, he just hoped that time came sooner rather than later.
“I’m fine Jacks. I know you worry but the baby and I are fine. Mia is going to give me an exam as soon as we get Emma and the baby settled. No more worrying okay.” Ryleigh said petting his chest. Jacks looked to Mia and noticed that she too seemed worried about Ryleigh’s condition but wasn’t saying anything. He also noticed that her brow was furrowed as if she was trying to figure out what was going on with his woman. All he could think was good luck! Try as he might he hadn’t been able to figure it out either.
“Sorry baby it comes with the job Jacks quipped rubbing her back.”
“Aw that is so sweet you guys make me want to puke.” Bas said. Pretending to vomit before taking his seat. Jacks wanted to laugh at his brother. Bas wasn’t usually so animated.
“Shut up Bas. So, are we ready to get this show on the road? Bas did you get the information I needed?” Ryleigh moved to get up off his lap when he started the meeting but Jacks wasn’t having any of it. He liked her right where she was. The others could just deal with it.
“Roger that Boss man.”
“Good, Mia are you ready to report as well?”
“Yep.”
“Gotcha Jacks “replied Cash on his phone.” sit-rep in five main conference room. Tell Ethan and Dalton attendance is mandatory. If Dalton gives you any crap tells him we will have the exam room on sight and sound. If that doesn’t get his ass in gear tell him it is a direct order and if I have to go down, there he will not be going back into the room until I deem it necessary.” Yeah Jacks knew he was being an ass, but he knew how stubborn Dalton could be. If push came to shove Cash would get the man to the conference room with or without bloodshed. Jacks hoped he wouldn’t have to go to that extreme.
“Roger Alpha.” Cash said and then Jacks pushed the disconnect button on the conference room phone.
Five minutes later Cash, Ethan, and a very disgruntled Dalton walked into the conference room Jacks was not happy with Dalton’s attitude. If Ryleigh hadn’t been sitting in his lap he would have given him a rude awakening. He didn’t care what was going on with the man at the moment. He needed to protect their family and if Dalton caused any problems Jacks would straighten him out. He was the goddamned Alpha of the team and if Dalton chose to treat him with disrespect he would happily show him the error or his ways. His bear was itching for a fight.
Once everyone was present and accounted for Jacks started the meeting. “Okay we are all here who wants to go first?” Sebastian stood up from his seat going over to the computer at the back of the table, turning on the overhead for everyone to see the information he collected.
“After going over the personal items in Emma’s purse and wallet, I can tell you that her story checks out. We ran her driver’s license and Her full name is Emma Jane Connors up until six months ago, she lived in Detroit Michigan. She is 26 years old and was a ward of the state until her 18th birthday. Mother and Father are unknown. She was left at a fire station shortly after her birth.”
Dalton hated what he was hearing Emma had been alone all her life and he didn’t like it. Clenching his hands on the armrest of his chair he had to physically restrain himself from leaving the room. He didn’t want to hear anything more about Emma. He wanted to know her but he also wanted her to be the one to tell him not Bas and his fucking report.
“No juvenile record or adult one. She has had two speeding tickets. The highest level of education is high school. Before starting work at Davis Defense, she worked several waitressing jobs. I was able to come up with a list of her social workers from when she was in the system and with some help from a friend I was able to determine which social worker called her about the job with Davis. That woman’s name was Nancy Day. Interestingly enough she has had several very large deposits to her banking account recently from a shell company that tracks back to Davis Defense.”
Bas pulled the social worker's bank statements up on the screen and several of the guys whistled. The amounts were huge well over $50000 apiece.
“I used traffic cams and logged SAT images to locate footage of Emma coming and going from her apartment to Davis Defense the woman had no social life.”
Dalton didn’t want to hear any of this it was an invasion of Emma’s privacy. He knew if it was anyone else he wouldn’t have given a shit but it was Emma and she was his damn-it. He knew his team could trust her were they all blind she couldn’t hurt a flea. She was open and honest with them telling what she had been through and trying her best to warn Ryleigh that showed character. These fuckers just didn’t want to see it.
Bas was still talking hitting the button on the damn remote showing everyone pieces of Emma’s life. Dalton tried his best to remain objective. He knew that he was d
rawing blood from the way he was gripping his hands. His nails were cutting into his palms but he didn’t give a shit at the moment. The pain was helping him focus.
“My friend and I have been able to track her actives and I have to tell you there is nothing that points to Emma being a mole or plant of any kind. Her apartment was tiny and in a crappy area before getting her job at Davis she was barely able to buy food or pay for electricity she didn’t even have a cell phone registered to her name until she started there. The place was and still is a shit hole and she had been living there for five years, before that she lived with several other foster kids. No out of the ordinary deposits had been made to any of her accounts.”
Damn it! Dalton knew his team was good but watching the images of Emma’s life come to life on the screen in front of him bothered him. He hated that she lived is such a crappy apartment. Hated that she barely had anything. She should have been given the world and instead she lived in poverty. He couldn’t help but think what Emma would see if she was sitting in his position and Bas was giving her a report on him. Their lives were so different; he didn’t care, but would she?
Bas’s voice droned on “meaning her checking account because she doesn’t have any other accounts. No credit cards either. The calls made from her landline were minimal and generally to or from her employers. No computer that we could find but she did access at the library where she paid bills which are dangerous in my opinion. Her credit rating is average for a person without revolving accounts. Had she not been beaten to hell and just given birth in our base I wouldn’t give this woman a second look. It is my professional opinion that Emma had been targeted in the same manner as Ryleigh, and the other women taken by Davis Defense and Pandora.
Dalton marginally relaxed it seemed that his brother also felt that Emma wasn’t a threat to their team or Ryleigh. Bas was a level-headed guy always looking at the facts maybe he could help convince Jacks to let him help her and let her and the baby stay right where they were. Where Dalton could keep an eye on them and protect them. He needed to damn it!
Dalton: NAC & The Holly Group (Alpha Team Book 2) Page 15
