by Cara Carnes
“Fuck,” Jesse said.
“My bitch handler said I deserved a bonus for effectiveness on delivering a message. Sealed my fate that day even as I knew I’d made the worst decision of my life.” He rubbed the ache in his chest as he bit back the burn of shame. “I never should’ve taken the shot.”
“We’ve all done shit we didn’t want.”
“No order justifies the things I did,” Dallas said.
“I did more than my share of dark while in that hole, D. When you’re trapped in hell, you do whatever’s necessary to survive, to get back. Some days I prayed for death, while others I dispensed it so I could get back home, here to you. Our brothers. Mom.” Jesse snagged his neck and dragged him closer until their foreheads collided. “That’s what we did, brother. We survived. For family. Blood for blood.”
“I see that shot every night, hear that laughter I killed.” Dallas swallowed and forced out the fear he’d yet to voice, even to himself. “I’m fucking terrified of what we’ll find with my boy, man. I remember what I did and can’t help but think fate’s decided I need to be punished, to feel the impact of my actions.”
“We’ll find him. Whatever the situation, we’re getting your boy out and home where he belongs. Don’t fuel the demons you can’t vanquish.”
“Back at you.”
Jesse slapped him on the back as they hugged it out. “Let’s get back to the truck before Addy and Nolan come over and kick our asses.”
By the time he and Jesse had returned to the truck, Kamren was passed out in the back seat. Her dark hair framed her pale face and curled down onto the blanket covering her. Nolan and Addy were sitting in the front. Cool air greeted them as he and Jesse climbed into the back. He drew Kamren into his lap, but she didn’t stir.
Exhausted.
He met Nolan’s gaze in the rearview mirror and saw the same determination burning there that he felt in himself and saw in Jesse. Whatever Kamren’s troubles were, they’d become personal tonight. None of them could handle seeing women abused or hurt.
“I’m assisting with Marville when we aren’t combing a new area for your kid,” Nolan said.
“Me, too,” Jesse added.
Dallas had figured as much. “Let’s get her home. Tomorrow’s soon enough to tackle the details.”
The compound was quiet by the time they arrived. Marshall, Cord, and Dylan were all near the parking area, along with Sanderson. The four men didn’t demand details; likely, they’d heard enough for now.
“Marville briefing in the morning,” Marshall said.
Dallas grunted his assent as he carried Kamren toward his small cottage. Jesse opened the door while Nolan went in, turned on lights and got the bedroom door open as Dallas carried Kamren. He’d need to raid Riley’s closet. The thought had just swept through his mind when he turned the corner and saw the pile of clothes on his bed.
“Looks like the girls have her covered,” Nolan commented as he stood in the hall, making it obvious he was there to babysit both of his little brothers.
Dallas hadn’t meant to divulge so much of his past but doing so had given voice to Jesse’s wounds. That alone made the risk of his brothers not understanding the things he’d had to do worth it. And, really. They’d had his back all along. Everyone at The Arsenal had been right alongside him, looking for his kid.
They’d already put two and two together and made four without him offering up details. Jesse was living proof everyone had demons. Some were darker and shittier than others, but they all had baggage they hadn’t checked.
He was glad the women had taken Kamren in. Though they’d maintained their distance for the most part so far, he couldn’t think of a better crew for her to get in with. Vi, Mary, Addy, Bree, and Rhea had taken Riley in. Then Zoey. None of the women were like Kamren, though. Then again, they all had their unique personalities. Zoey was a former NSA operative who’d pulled Fallon’s team out of trouble not too long ago. She’d gotten burned and was now an Arsenal employee.
He wasn’t sure what her skill set was, but she worked with Mary, Vi, and Jud. So, brain squad.
He set Kamren on the bed, covered her up, and sighed his frustration as he took in her sleeping form. He should wake her up so she could change into something more comfortable, but she was exhausted. She needed sleep more than she needed comfortable sleepwear.
She was beautiful, but trouble he didn’t need. Not that it mattered. A man didn’t walk away from someone who needed help, especially a woman. His mom and dad had raised him to help everyone, but no Mason ever left a woman needing help.
Something about her had roused his protective instincts even more than normal. He tried to recall exactly when but couldn’t. Perhaps it was the quiet inner strength, or her gritty determination to handle problems on her own. He respected the hell out of that.
But he wasn’t raised to let anyone fight a battle alone, especially one that could get them hurt or, even worse, killed.
Brant was a problem, one he’d handle. He didn’t appreciate the man talking to Kamren like that. Whatever issues they’d had didn’t justify a man ever speaking to a woman like that.
He bid Jesse and Nolan farewell, then he collapsed on the sofa and withdrew his cell phone. He had two choices on who to call. Okay, he really had four, but Vi and Mary were the top two and both had protective men capable of kicking his ass for bothering them.
But one was pregnant.
He grinned big at the thought. Mary had his little niece or nephew growing in her womb. He’d never been the sentimental sort, but knowing a little one was on the way helped ease the fear he had about raising his own kid. Soon enough there’d be a baby at The Arsenal.
His son wouldn’t be the only child—he’d have a baby cousin. “What?” Jud growled the terse word into the phone in a tone that’d stop most people’s hearts. Dallas took a moment to second-guess his choice of call options.
“Vi was digging into Kamren.”
“Yeah, why the hell did you get her and Mary on that when we’re actively trying to train Riley?”
“She and Rachelle are tight; didn’t want it to get awkward.”
“That sister of yours is tight with most of the tri-county. Sooner she learns business isn’t personal, the better. I’ve put her on the dig. She’s gonna brief me and you in the morning, first thing.”
“Good.”
“Then she and I are on the streets working this case with you.”
“Riley’s not ready for that level of work.”
“She’s observation only. The sooner they see her on the streets working cases, the easier it’ll get for her to do so without me at her side. Might be a shock to you, but I’ve got a beautiful woman in my bed, one I’d prefer to spend time with in said bed rather than on the streets keeping your little sister breathing.”
“Fine, but I’m working the Marville situation, whatever it lands out being. You can both help, but it’s mine.”
“Tomorrow.”
Dallas shook his head and laughed when Jud hung up. Fucker had a way with words.
Kamren woke to banging. It took her more than a few eye blinks to realize she wasn’t in her truck. Oh, right. She’d blown it up. Ugh. Dallas. His scent filled her nostrils, inciting a rebellious trail of thoughts that fanned heat through her entire body. A soft tap on the door bolted her upright.
The man himself prowled in. His half-hooded gaze added to the sexy half-awake look of tousled hair and barely-on boxers. Muscled flesh on prominent display quickened her pulse, proving without a doubt she was definitely not dead. Nope. She was definitely awake.
“Addy’s here for you.”
“Why?”
“Dunno, didn’t ask.” He padded into the bathroom and shut the door.
What the heck had just happened? She didn’t remember even getting into bed last night. Oops. At least her bits and baubles had been covered, not that he would’ve cared either way. She was still in the clothes she’d worn the night before. How had she gotten
inside?
Though the bathroom door was shut, she could hear the shower running, which meant she would be on her own long enough to get her head on straight.
No. Addy was here.
She didn’t exactly do socializing well, so she hoped the woman got quickly to the point of why she’d come over. If Kamren counted people who cared about her on her fingers, she had exactly one friend. Two relatives. That meant three people who might give a damn about her, so she wasn’t exactly well-versed in being friendly. Depending on how things shook out today, she might land out with no fingers used at all. Dani was likely pissed. Rachelle and Cliff? They drifted more toward annoyed with her existence on an average day, and they hadn’t had anything remotely as good as that in a long while.
Today was decision day for a lot of stuff. One way or another she was standing at the crossroads, and for the first time in a long while, she wouldn’t be deciding the direction she took. Not alone.
“You okay?” Addy asked as she entered the living room.
“Just peachy,” she lied.
“Just so you know, we had World War III last night. You slept through it.” Addy started making coffee in the kitchen.
The redhead set out a jug of milk and grabbed a bowl and spoon. A box of cereal appeared from the cupboard. Knots formed in Kamren’s gut as she watched the scene unfolding. Her gaze swept toward the bedroom where Dallas was showering, then back to the woman making herself at home in his kitchen. She knew where he kept the spoons, had gone right to the drawer.
Like it was hers.
Addy froze as if sensing the direction of her thoughts. She chuckled and smirked as she pushed the button on the coffee maker. “Not in a million years, girlfriend. Not in a billion. No. Way. In. Hell.”
“The woman doth protest too much,” she muttered.
“Rhea and Bree lived here. They vacated a few weeks ago, made room for Dallas to raise his boy here when we bring him home. He didn’t bother moving anything in the kitchen or anywhere else.” Addy offered the explanation and more information than Kamren’s mind could process.
A boy.
Wow.
Dallas had a son. The tri-county would go wild when they discovered there was a mini-Mason running around.
“I don’t shit where I live, or whatever the saying is,” Addy said. “We’re shooting today; got some new, potential operatives to vet. You’ll shoot, too. Then we’re meeting in the whiteboard room. No way around that, I’m afraid. After Marshall ended World War III last night, he declared we’d all meet to go over whatever it is we need to hash out.”
“World War III?”
“The backpack,” Addy supplied. When Kamren remained silent, she continued. “There was a heated discussion on who should take possession of its protective detail for the evening since you were AWOL. Mary and Vi both threw down for the right. I may have declared it was my right since you gave it to me. Cord suggested the safe, but that was thrown out as an option.”
“There was an argument because of me?” Kamren didn’t like knowing friends had argued because of her.
“Oh, Vi and Mary are like the yin and yang. Arguments don’t happen. They’re discussions with bullet points and data. Lots of data.” Addy shook her head and grimaced as she poured a cup of coffee into a mug. “Vi pointed out that since Mary was preggos, her man wouldn’t be down with protecting your backpack to the death, should the need arise. He’d be throwing himself in front of Mary.”
“To the death?” These people were certifiably nuts. No one gave a damn about her backpack. The woman was teasing her. Surely. But Kamren had to admit it felt nice to have someone care.
“Unfortunately Dylan—he’s Dallas’s brother and Mary’s man—walked in with Jud—who’s Vi’s man—right as Vi was explaining her reasoning. Dylan didn’t appreciate Vi thinking he couldn’t protect a backpack. He suggested they open the backpack and see if it was even worth worrying about protecting. That set Vi and Mary off. And me, if I’m being perfectly honest.” She grimaced again. “Gotta say I was a bit bothered by them thinking I’d let them violate the trust you gave me, so there was a fight. Okay, a punch that was blocked and a glare that was returned.”
“So a typical Thursday night?” Dallas asked as he sauntered into the room.
Wet hair and barely dried skin. His snug T-shirt was damp. The scents of soap and shampoo mingled in the air as he approached.
“Who won?” Dallas asked.
“Jud. He growled, grabbed the backpack with one hand, tossed his woman over his shoulder with the other, and left.”
“Figured as much. Not sure many would go after him,” Dallas replied. He smiled at Kamren. “He used to be an assassin before he came here.”
Kamren blinked. Wow, okay. She remembered the name from talk yesterday. He was the one helping Riley with the Marville investigation. An assassin seemed like overkill, but she was glad someone was finally digging up the crap buried in Marville. God knew there was plenty to keep the man busy a long, long time.
“You okay?” Dallas asked. “You sleep okay?”
“Yeah, I slept great. Thank you. Sorry I stole your bed.”
“I’m glad you got the rest. You’ll need it. I heard there’s a white-boarding session planned.”
“What is that? Addy just mentioned it.”
“The geeks gather round in a room filled with white boards and computer displays and arrange what they know to find patterns and holes in said knowledge. I’ve seen way too many of these sessions since I actually understand what I just said.” Addy shook her head, as if clearing it. “The system they designed, HERA, has a computer hooked to every database around. It recognizes faces, pulls information from anywhere, and establishes patterns within seconds. Between HERA and all those geniuses, there’s nothing they can’t figure out. It’s a thing of beauty, but I’ll deny saying that if you tell them.”
Wow. Kamren really wanted to see what the women and HERA came up with. But what if there was nothing of value in what she’d gathered? What if she wasted everyone’s time? Apprehension made her hope falter a moment as she looked at Dallas.
“It might not be worth everyone’s time.”
“Between all of us, we’ve seen enough to know one thing for certain.” Dallas cut off the comment as if forcing her to engage with whatever he was about to say.
She huffed a frustrated breath. He smirked and raised his eyebrows. “Fine. What is for certain?”
“People don’t waste bullets or manpower trying to kill someone without reason,” Dallas whispered in her ear. “I know you’re on the fence about letting us in on whatever mess you’re in, but I think you realize you’re over your head. That’s why you came out here, right? To try and explain things to me since I didn’t give you a shot to do so the last time I tracked you down?”
Kamren nodded.
“Okay, then. Today we’ll have the conversation we should’ve had two weeks ago. We’ve also got some guns to shoot.” Dallas cupped her face. “Either way, you aren’t alone with whatever you’re dealing with. You’ve got this entire compound behind you.”
Wow. In that moment Kamren understood why Rachelle was so hung up on the Mason family. There was no small measure with them. When they went in, they went all in.
And they intended to go all in for Kamren.
Wow.
“We should hit the MD’s first thing. I don’t want to put it off any longer,” Kamren said. “But I need to do this my way, which you may not agree with.”
Dallas studied her a moment. If he’d run with Dom back in the day, he knew more about how the MD’s operated than anyone else at The Arsenal compound. The rules hadn’t changed much over the years, even if Javier’s interpretation of them had.
“Addy goes with you, and we’re on standby.” Dallas pulled a cellphone from his pocket. “I’ll let Marshall and everyone know we’re postponing the whiteboard meeting until later.”
“Good idea.” Addy yanked another bowl from the cabinet, tossed
a spoon into it and shoved it across the bar toward Kamren. “Eat.”
Kamren blinked and stared at the bowl. Her stomach growled in response as the woman filled the bowl with cereal, then doused it with milk. Although Kamren had been raised not to accept handouts and to earn the food she ate, she didn’t comment. Hunger overrode upbringing, especially when she had far bigger battles ahead of her.
Like setting things straight with the Marville Dogs and reading Dallas and everyone in on what she’d been investigating the past sixteen months. She chewed and swallowed the large bite she’d taken and watched Dallas as he did the same.
God, he was sexy—so much so it almost hurt to look at him and imagine what a normal life with him in it would be like. She’d always wondered why her little sister was so taken with the Mason men. With Dallas looking like he was, hair tousled and wet, an amused grin on his face, it was easy to understand the fascination. The obsession.
“When you get there, you do what Addy says. If she says the situation’s too hot and you need to vacate, you don’t argue.” Dallas took another bite, glancing between her and the redhead in question.
“Fair enough.” Kamren blew out a relieved breath. She hadn’t expected it to be quite so easy. Kamren couldn’t help but wonder if she was being smart by trying to get his help with her mess. He needed to remain focused on finding his kid, not her and her troubles. Maybe he’d take a backseat and let someone else help her. Yeah. There were lots of people out here. Surely Dallas Mason wasn’t the only one who could help her sort out her mess.
“You ready?” Addy asked.
“Give me five to change, then I’ll be good to go.”
“I’ll pull a vehicle around, make sure everyone knows the plan.” Addy glanced at Dallas. “‘Keeping your distance’ doesn’t mean ‘in another car on our ass’.”
“Understood. We’ll mic you two up, and I’ll maintain my distance. They won’t ever see me.”