by Cara Carnes
Addy clasped Kristof’s arm. “I’ll see you later.”
He nodded.
“Your cousin’s been through a lot.” Logan sat on the stool in front of Kristof. “But he should recover with some help.”
“Good.” Kristof’s gaze swept to Jesse, who leaned against the far wall of the examination area. “What’s the treatment plan? I’m assuming you have one. Addy said there’d be one.”
“We’ll begin slow, let him acclimate to everyone and his new environment. Doctor Sinclair is worried that our compound will remind him too much of where he was held, because of the armed operatives and locked-down style of how we run things around here.”
Kristof tightened. He hadn’t considered that as a possibility.
“If he exhibits any issues, we’ll need to consider other treatment options,” Jesse said. “Sinclair thinks he may be more comfortable up north. Some friends of ours run a retreat-style facility in the woods. Rustic, remote, and homey.”
“Okay.” It wasn’t okay. He wanted to keep Olaf near him, so that would mean he’d have to go up north. What about Addy?
“That likely won’t be an issue,” Logan said. “We’re just going over possibilities now since we have you alone. Doctor Sinclair will likely speak with you soon, but I want to caution you about something as well. Olaf will cling to you. That’s fine for now, but she and I both want him acclimating to his environment without you. He needs to learn he’s safe without you there.”
That made sense but Kristof’s gut soured. He’d never considered the psychological aftermath of Olaf’s imprisonment and abuse. “And physically? The other doctors were worried about permanent damage.”
“I’m running some tests, but from the data they’ve shared, I’m expecting he’ll recover well. There is irreversible damage to his kidneys and liver, but it isn’t life threatening as long as we monitor his treatment.”
“Thank you. Whatever you need to help him, let me know,” Kristof said. “I didn’t bring him here to become a burden for you or The Arsenal. He’s my family.”
“From what I’ve heard, you’re important to Addy, which means you’re part of this family too.” Logan chuckled. “Not sure whether to congratulate you or offer my condolences.”
Jesse laughed. “We’ll get everything figured out, Lavrov. Sinclair is starting her sessions with him now. Once she’s gotten a pulse on his mental state, she’ll likely have me chat with him some. She thinks I can help him figure a few things out.”
Kristof had heard a little of Jesse’s story from Addy and her team. She’d shared enough with Olaf so he’d know he wasn’t alone and that there was someone he could talk with. The fact Jesse would offer to help and talk about something so private with a stranger deepened Kristof’s belief that the Masons and everyone else at The Arsenal were damned good people. The kind of person he’d once hoped to be—someone his mama would be proud of.
Footsteps dragged to a halt just inside the examination room. Kristof turned his attention that direction as Judson Jensen entered. The Judge. Their paths crossed many times during his work with The Collective. They’d each helped one another out of more than a few sticky situations through the years and had somehow become semi-friends. Maybe.
Kristof stood and closed the distance between them. The man-style half-hug eased some of the worries he’d had when he’d initially arrived at The Arsenal. The Masons were accommodating, but them and the other operatives weren’t fans of him and what all he’d done through the years. He felt as though he were about to run an impossible gauntlet to try and forge a relationship with Addy.
She was worth whatever it took, but that didn’t make the inevitable tension any easier to accept. Because Addy would be in the middle. He didn’t want to force her to choose between him and the people she considered family, but he couldn’t walk away from her.
“Heard you got pretty banged up,” Jud said. “Wish I could’ve been there to help you out.”
“You were where you needed to be.” Kristof smiled. “I hear congratulations are in order.”
The man grinned. Softness settled in his expression. “You’ll meet Vi and Destiny soon. I’d like you to sit with us when we head to the mess hall. Figured we could catch up.”
“That sounds good.” As long as he could add Addy and Olaf to the plan.
“Once Olaf is situated, you and I can go for a beer in town and chat,” Jud said. “I’m thinking we’re overdue for a conversation about a few things. I wish you would’ve trusted me with what you were doing. I could’ve helped.”
“You had enough troubles of your own to deal with.”
“That’s not how friendship works. Not with me. You had my back in that cesspit when no one else did. Thought I was doing the same for you.”
“You did. I would’ve been taken down if you hadn’t warned me,” Kristof said. “I was in the middle of an op for them when you called.”
Intensity resonated within the man’s gaze. The Judge was one of the most feared operatives within the former Collective. His nickname was bandied about to instill fear in their enemies.
“Edge mentioned you have a friend, someone who was once on their payroll.”
“It’s a long story.”
“I look forward to hearing it and meeting him.” Jud grasped his shoulder. “I’m thinking he and I have met before, back when I first started with The Collective. If he’s who I think he is, he trained me.”
Which meant Jud was the reason Maksim had been allowed to semi-retire from The Collective. He’d helped Kristof with a few of the more difficult assignments though the years but had otherwise stepped back from the life he’d once led. He’d trained Kristof on a lot of what he’d learned through the years but hadn’t ever mentioned any other operatives he’d known from the organization.
“I’m hoping he’ll come here, at least for a little while. His sole focus the past couple of decades has been helping me. It’s time he moves on with his life.”
“He’s not the only one who needs a new path,” Jud said. “I never thought life outside the dark was worth the risks, but it is.”
“Sinclair’s bringing Olaf back,” Jesse said. “Let’s get to the mess hall and eat before all the food’s gone. Mom’s itching to spend some quality time with her eldest. It’s been a while since any of us have been away for weeks at a time.”
Kristof was looking forward to meeting the woman who’d raised seven children—all of whom Addy spoke of fondly. The woman had welcomed Addy and the other Hive orphans with open arms. For that alone Kristof admired her.
26
Addy entered the mess hall and startled to a halt just inside the entry. Olaf stood between her and Kristof. Damn near the entire compound was in the large area. Barbecue with all the fixings took up the left wall. Signs along the way to the right showed that there were freshly grilled burgers and hot dogs, chicken. The salad bar was loaded down with people making plates. Side dishes were along the far-right wall with signs prominently displayed.
“Wow,” Kristof remarked.
“Momma Mason loves cooking for a large group, but I’m thinking she had a lot of help with this one.” Addy looked over at Jesse as he entered. “Your mom’s been busy.”
“So has Ellie and Riley and a few others, some from town. I was hoping to catch you before you got in here. Come on, we’ve got somewhere different set up for you.” Jesse turned and headed toward the exit. Addy followed, aware that Kristof and Olaf were behind her.
Where was he going? They turned the corner of the large building. Three large picnic tables were set up beside one another beneath a large oak tree. The leaves rustled with the light breeze. The whole area was bathed in cool shading—a welcome relief from the Texas heat.
“I never knew this was back here,” Addy admitted.
“It wasn’t. Mom asked Brant’s brothers to make a few tables. They’re spread out around the grounds now.”
What a great idea.
“We’ve got kids arou
nd here more now—both ours and Warrior’s Path participants. She thinks the exterior grounds should be warmer and family oriented,” Jesse said. “She wants a sandbox in the corner over there, but I’m not sure Marshall will agree to sand anywhere on this compound. Too many of us are a bit sick of it.”
“That’s understandable.” Addy motioned toward the table. “Have a seat, Olaf. You too, Kristof. I’ll run in and grab some food for us.”
“Sit. Mom and Ellie already have plates in a warmer for all of you. Jud and Vi should be here soon. Mary and Dylan may join you, too.”
“What about you and Ellie?”
“Next time.” Jesse smiled and headed toward the mess hall. “I’ll be right back.”
Olaf sat at the table and pushed the green button on the pad. It repeated the conversation they’d had. She made a mental note to ask Bree what the battery life on that device was because she suspected it would see a lot of frequent use.
“This was very thoughtful of them,” Kristof said as he sat across from Olaf.
“That’s the Masons for you. Heck, that’s everyone at The Arsenal. Always ten steps ahead.” Addy wasn’t sure whether to sit next to Kristof or on the other side with Olaf. She chose Kristof. “You’ll get used to it after a while, but I’ll warn you—it rubs off on you.”
Kristof chuckled. “Duly noted.”
“I like this area,” Olaf signed.
“Me too,” Kristof said.
“The rest reminds me of…” He hesitated.
“It’s not like Kostya’s compound,” Addy said. “I promise you’ll notice the differences after you’re here awhile. We have guards to make everyone inside safe. We’re free to leave whenever we want, and everyone is really nice.”
Olaf nodded, but she noted the uncertainty in his slumped shoulders as he crouched over the tablet. Addy wondered if there were apps or something that Bree could add. Knowing her, she’d likely already added quite a few.
“Hey, sorry we’re late. Jud packed enough stuff for us to stay away from the house for a month,” Vi said as she walked their direction.
Jud wore a cocky grin as he prowled behind her, baby Destiny in her face-front style carrier. Addy smiled. From what Zoey had said Vi rarely got to carry their daughter if Jud was around. She was definitely daddy’s little girl.
He carried a portable play dome that he sat at the end of the table across from where Kristof sat. She watched as the scariest man she’d ever met made googly eyes and blew on his daughter’s tummy as he removed her from her carrier and put her into the dome.
Destiny giggled and reached her tiny arms upward toward her daddy.
Yep. Definitely daddy’s girl.
“It’s cute how he melts and does whatever she wants,” Vi said as she sat. “Between him and Momma Mason, she’s going to be spoiled rotten. Add in his parents, and she’s going to never learn the meaning of no.”
“Hey, now. She’s a baby. She’ll learn when it’s time.” Jud clapped Kristof on the back and looked at Olaf. “Hi, Olaf. I’m a friend of your cousin. Jud. This is my wife, Vi, and my daughter, Destiny. Welcome to The Arsenal.”
He spoke in flawless Russian that had Vi blinking. “I didn’t realize you knew Russian.”
Jud shrugged. “I picked it up along the way.”
Vi rolled her eyes and shook her head. He’d likely picked up quite a few different languages while working with The Collective. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Olaf. I work with Zoey.”
“Zoey is nice,” Olaf signed. Red spread across his face. “Sorry, I forgot to do the fist first so you could translate what I say.”
“That’s okay,” Vi signed. “I know sign language. Mary does too. You’ll meet her and Dylan soon. She had to take an emergency phone call, so they’re running a few minutes late.”
“Is everything okay?” Addy asked.
“Sure.” Vi’s gaze cut to Jud. “Nothing that can’t wait. Why don’t you go show me your hunter prowess and get some food for us?”
A rattling noise sounded from around the corner. Olaf’s head whipped that direction as Jesse turned the corner pushing a large box on wheels. Jud went to him and helped him navigate it along the uneven terrain to the tables.
“Mom must’ve packed enough food for an army in here,” Jesse muttered. “Ellie’s bringing another one with desserts and drinks.”
“I’ll go help her,” Jud said. He disappeared around the corner.
“I should help,” Olaf signed.
“Next time,” Addy said. “Have you looked around on the tablet? Knowing Bree, she probably has some games or other fun stuff on there.”
Olaf’s shoulders shrank inward as he looked down. “I’m still learning how to use it. I’m not that smart.”
Addy’s gut soured. That bastard Kostya had probably put lots of fucked up thoughts in Olaf’s head. She glanced up and noted the glower on Jesse’s face.
“I hope you all are hungry,” Jesse commented. Barbecue aroma filled the air when he opened the box. He started setting out the contents. Addy stood and started helping.
But worry mounted within her when Olaf continued staring down at the table. Withdrawn. Kristof spoke with him softly for a few moments, but then glanced up at Addy.
“We’ll figure the tablet out together,” Addy said. “Better yet, we’ll ask Bree to show us. She loves helping, especially when it involves tech. Everything is so busy around here she rarely gets the chance to do anything fun like that.”
“She won’t mind?” Olaf asked.
Jesse smirked as he set large bowls of potato salad at each table. Addy moved in tandem beside him with the meats. Vi set out the plates and silverware. Kristof handled the beans and cornbread.
Addy shook her head and smiled at Olaf. “Trust me. She loves doing this stuff. We have a friend who couldn’t read. She taught her how.”
Addy wondered how Kamren was doing. Was her pregnancy going okay? Even though she’d only been away from The Arsenal compound just under a couple of months, it felt like much longer.
“Really?” Kristof asked. “That’s impressive.”
“Impressive is the common theme around here when it comes to our women,” Jesse said with a big grin.
“I bet.” Tenderness filled Kristof’s gaze when it settled on Addy.
Awareness arced through her. Her stomach fluttered.
Fluttered. What the hell was that? She was an operative, not some hormonally crazed teenager chasing after a boy. Jesse chuckled as he set out the pickles and onions.
“You’ll probably meet Kamren. She’s kind of Jud’s protege. And mine.”
“If she’s half as impressive as you are, I look forward to meeting her.” Kristof winked.
Winked. Heat smoldered within her as she glared at him. What the heck was he doing winking? And why did she want to dive over the potato salad and kiss him?
Exhaustion. It had to be the bone-deep weariness that plagued her. Barks and hisses sounded as Vi’s pets appeared. The kitten sat atop the puppy as though he were a horse. She bit her partner in crime’s neck and flicked her thick tail back and forth.
“I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a cat ride a dog,” Kristof said with a chuckle.
“That’s their newest thing,” Jesse said.
Harry—the German Shepherd puppy—and Hermione—a long-haired white princess of a cat—had acclimated well to their new homes. The two stuck together like they were glued by the tails and frequently got into trouble when they tried dragging Zoey’s hairless cat, Dobby, into the mix.
“Well there’s my pretty princess and handsome prince,” Vi cooed as she leaned down and greeted the duo. She sat up and signed. “Olaf, this is Harry and Hermione.”
Olaf grinned as he petted the dog, then the cat. The latter coiled figure eights around his legs. Addy wondered which of her friends had thought to bring the animals. They were the perfect therapeutic presence.
Love reflected in Kristof’s gaze when he watched his cousin play with the anim
als. Addy took his hand and squeezed. They’d get Olaf through his recovery.
“Thank you,” Kristof mouthed to Vi.
The woman nodded. “Speaking of Kamren, you missed the entrant’s exam last week.”
“What does Kamren have to do with an Arsenal entrant’s exam?” Addy looked at Jesse with a silent inquiry. Was she joining a team?
Jesse shook his head.
Relief filled Addy. Kamren was one damned good shot, but Addy didn’t want any of her friends on the teams. She wanted them on the compound where they were safe.
“Remember how well Kamren did the first time she shot against a group of potential operatives?” Vi asked.
Addy chuckled. “She blew them out of the water.”
“Right,” Vi said. “Last week, Jesse here didn’t want to deal with a bunch of green operatives while his brothers were gone. He switched events around so the first was a shooting match between Kamren and the candidates. They had to score the same or higher than her in order to pass to the next round.”
“No sense wasting time,” Addy said. “If they can’t shoot, we don’t want them.”
“Their faces when they realized a pregnant woman was their competition.” Vi laughed.
“How many passed to the next round?” Kristof asked, glancing between the two women.
“None,” Jesse said with a grin. “You haven’t seen Kamren shoot. I’m not sure how many of us can beat her. We need more natural talents like Kamren on the teams.”
That was one thing Addy admired most about the Mason men—they weren’t intimidated by strong women. At least that was one thing Kristof had in common with them. She hoped, for his sake, there were more. It would make his acclimation to her crew easier.
Assuming he wanted to hang around. She swept her gaze toward where he now sat. Amusement glimmered in his gaze as he watched her. By the time everything was set out on the tables, Ellie and Jud had arrived with the beverages and desserts. They opted to keep the latter in the cart until they’d finished the main meal.
“About time you showed up,” Jesse said with a grin when Dylan and Mary arrived with his namesake in tow.
