“Oh, man.” Jared said, when his throat was working again. He squeezed Rae’s shoulder. “Declan thought he’d never teach me how to swim.”
Rae huffed. “Only an idiot teaches someone to swim in the ocean,” she said, wiping her eyes.
Jared let out a noise that was half sob, half laugh. “Declan somehow made it work.” He reached out and picked up his dad’s Renegade tag. Similar to pictures Jared had seen of old fashioned military dog tags, a small plate of metal marked with Johnathan’s name and city hung from a silver chain, along with Declan listed as his next of kin.
Rae plucked the tag from Jared’s fingers so she could study it herself. “He hated this thing.”
Jared removed his arm from her shoulders and sat down next to her. “How come it’s even in here? Didn't he have to wear it?” Jared wondered if Reese wore one and who would be listed on his.
Rae shifted. “You’re supposed to wear it in the field. But dad hated it. Said it felt like it made him marked like some piece of property.” Her gaze dropped to Jared’s scarred wrist. “Sorry.”
Jared shrugged. He could understand Johnathan’s sentiment. “Declan never takes his off.”
She sniffed, and wiped her nose on her shirt sleeve. “Yeah, well, Declan’s weird.”
“You’re weird,” their older brother retorted from the doorway, neither one of them having heard him approach. “Why aren’t you two outside? You think just cause it’s the weekend that you can skip out on training?”
Rae turned to glare at him, and Declan’s brows knit in concern when he saw her teary eyes. “What’s all this?” Declan walked further into the room.
Jared handed him the photo of the four of them on the beach, watching Declan’s face for his reaction. “Man,” Declan said, putting an effort into sounding light. “You sucked at swimming.” He cleared his throat and Jared caught him swiping at his eyes.
Jared smacked him in the shin. “That’s because I had never done it before! And you threw me into all the waves, jerk.”
“Yeah, well, you learned quick, didn't you?” Declan teased. Jared hit him again.
Rae stood, eager for a distraction. “What was that you said about training? I feel like hitting something.”
Declan pulled her into a tight hug, only lasting a second before she affectionately shoved him away and headed downstairs. “Jared!” Declan called, when he didn't follow.
“I’m coming!” Jared ducked into his bedroom and put the picture in the top drawer of his nightstand. He took one quick look at his rumpled bed that Reese slept in the night before, then went to join his brother and sister outside.
CHAPTER TEN
“You’re doing good, Jare. Real good.” Declan said a few days later, outside while they were working on marksmanship and close combat fighting. Declan clapped him on the back after Jared had just fired four perfect rounds into the sandbags Gideon had replaced.
“This isn't my first time, you know,” Jared reminded him testily. “Rae and I handled plenty of attacks at the shelter.” He had never actually shot anyone, but still.
Rae puffed out her chest. “Yeah, it’s not like you’re the only one in this family who has fought against the Agents.” She looked at Declan in disgust. “Although you are the only one who has fought with them.” She roped Declan back into their sparring match, getting a quick and dirty hit to his side.
“Shit!” Declan rolled away and jumped agilely to his feet. “Dammit, I said I’m sorry, okay? How many times do I have to tell you two, I only met with Vivienne to protect you!” He blocked a jab from Rae, twisting her arm up and around so that her body was pinned in front of his. “Check your pride, and save your anger for when it will count for something useful.”
Jared flicked the safety on his pistol and holstered it in his jeans. For the last week, they had been training by day and reviewing maps and plans with Gideon by night. Jared crossed his arms in front of his chest and stared at Declan, just as hesitant to forgive Declan’s cover-up as Rae seemed to be. “And when will that be?” He tossed his hair out of his eyes with an angry jerk of his head.
“As soon as you cut your damn hair,” Declan retorted. “We go on a job, that shit’s gonna get in your way. How the hell long has it been since Rae clipped it?”
“Nice dodge, jerk.”
“Seriously.” Rae ripped herself away from Declan’s grip. “All we’ve done is play pretend. You worked with dad for years, fighting against Agents. Jared and I spent years fending them off at shelters, protecting rescues there. Not to mention all the drills Dad put us through.” She wiped sweat off her brow with her forearm. “We all know we’re ready to intercept some Agent ass. What the hell are we waiting for?”
Declan tossed her a water bottle. “Trust me, I’m wondering the same thing. I’ve got half a mind to hijack Gideon’s map and take us the hell out of here, but he gave Slater my truck.”
A melodic, feminine voice floated past. “I’d let you use mine, Declan Cooper, but not if you drive the way you fight.”
Declan spun around, grinning at the regal, dark skinned woman gliding into the backyard alongside Gideon. “Iris Chambeaux. Come here, gorgeous.” Declan pulled her into a hug. “Damn, it’s good to see you.”
“And you.” Iris lifted a slender hand to Declan’s cheek, looking deep into his eyes. “You’ve seen much violence, since last we met.” Her gaze roamed over his face before she wrapped him in another hug. “Oh, Declan. We miss him too.”
Declan pulled away. “I’m fine.”
“Of course you are.” Iris turned striking violet eyes on Rae. “You must be RaeLynn. Your daddy spoke quite highly of you. It was like he was missing a piece of his heart, every time he had to leave you.” She took in Rae’s remarkable cheekbones and sky blue eyes. “It is easy to see Johnathan in you.” Iris opened her arms for a hug, an invitation Rae instantly accepted.
Pulling back, she asked, “You knew my dad?”
Iris hummed in acknowledgement. “And he would scold your older brother for not making proper introductions.” She cocked her head to look at Jared. “Not that I need them.”
Jared fidgeted, edging closer to Rae, moving his left arm to hide it behind her back. Even with his cuff, his short sleeves made him feel far too naked and exposed. Iris chuckled, the sound pleasant, like wind chimes fluttering in a mild breeze. “No need to hide, bébé. I know what you are.” Jared stilled when strong, slender fingers wrapped around his left wrist. Her touch was cool and refreshing on his skin.
Jared dropped his eyes downward, his brows knitting in confusion at feeling the soothing touch, seeing as his scar was covered by his leather cuff. "How can you-"
"You are training to help the Renegades,” she surmised smoothly, ignoring him. “You don’t yet quite realize what a fighter you are. But you’ve been on the bad side of more than one Agent raid, haven't you, bébé?"
Jared had a feeling that she already knew the answer. "Yes ma'am."
"Hmm." She lifted her other hand and cupped his cheek, a smile crossing her face when Jared unconsciously leaned into the touch. After a moment, her mouth curved upwards. "He’ll come back okay. You’ll see.”
Declan put his hands on Iris’ shoulders. “Don’t you go encouraging that. I’ve got enough shit going on.”
“Hmm, but that’s not about you, is it, Declan?” Iris brought her hands up to give his a squeeze.
Rae stared at Iris, open mouthed. “How do you-“
“Get those filthy hands off my woman, son.” Gideon scolded amicably. “She’s too good for you.”
Declan winked at Rae and Jared. “Relax, old man. I’ve got no claims towards your girlfriend.”
“What am I, in high school? I don’t have a girlfriend.” Gideon huffed. He threw a thick, muscular arm around Iris’s slim waist. “Come here, gorgeous.” Jared blushed at their deep, intimate kiss. “Thought you were bringing those Prescott brothers with ya.”
“I did.” Her voice floated across the air, and Jared t
hought it was one of the prettiest sounds he had ever heard. “They’re checking into another location, a few miles from here. Figured it was smartest not to have too many of us in one spot.” Iris gave Gideon a shove. “Let’s go, soldier. Get these kids inside so I can talk with them good and proper.”
Gideon winked at her. “Lead the way, darlin’.”
Jared threw on a zip up hoodie upon coming inside, feeling more secure now that he had on long sleeves again. He listened as Gideon and Iris caught them up on the latest movement within the Renegades, by way of flirty, casual conversation.
“Iris is a coordinator for the Renegades, one of the best we got. She’s like the Gideon of the south,” Declan explained, winking at Iris.
Gideon nodded. “Based in Louisiana ‘cause she can’t control herself livin’ up here with me.”
“I’d tire you out, being in your hair all the time.”
“Ugh, you guys are gross. I’m so jealous,” Rae pouted.
Gideon chuckled. “You’re a handful, honey, and I mean that in the best way. Gonna take one hell of a man to match you.”
“Since when did we all become so interested in playing matchmaker?” Declan grumbled. “Last I checked, the Renegades were a counter-Agent group, not a forever after love agency.”
“You’re too right, darlin’,” Iris agreed. “But this life works in funny ways, hmm?” She sat down next to Declan, filling them all in on the two Renegades she had brought with her. “Kip and Tate found a place for us a few miles down the road. Didn’t want to crowd y’all too much. They’re just coming back from a small raid, out in Garland, Wyoming.” She clicked her tongue. “Had some shady stuff go down there. This Vivienne, she does not play fair. No, no.” Iris rested a calming hand on Jared’s shoulder, as if she could sense the tremors building within him.
Jared set down his sandwich, his stomach giving an unpleasant lurch at her statement. He played with his bracelet, fighting the urge to get up from the table and escape all of the reminders of the current state of rescues. Jared tried to push the thoughts away and breathe through the familiar sense of panic that threatened to overtake him, but his body wouldn't listen. His heart rate soared, and he tapped his fingers against the table to try and stop his hands from shaking.
“Hey.” Rae nudged him, pressing her shoulder against his. “Don’t do that. You aren’t to be blamed for getting out, Jare.”
Jared braced his forearms on the table and closed his eyes, forcing himself to take deep breaths through his nose. Sweat beaded across his forehead, his leg bouncing out a rapid tattoo against the bottom of the table.
Rae reached over and put her hand on his knee. “Jared,” she said sharply. “Look at me.” Jared shook his head and squeezed his eyes shut even tighter, trying to block it all out; the images of other ditchbreeds getting caught while he hid inside filthy alleyway dumpsters, the looks of disgust he would get when someone noticed his stain, the terrified expression on that one girl’s face as she got grabbed and hauled into the back of a truck while Jared remained unnoticed behind a mess of-
“Jared.” Rae squeezed his leg, harder, pinching the nerves on either side of his knee. Jared forced himself to open his eyes. He struggled to bring his sister’s face into focus. “Look at me. You got me? This isn’t your fault.”
Jared’s thoughts were racing a mile a minute, on pace with the frantic vibrations coursing through his body. He shouldn't be able to sit here having lunch while others were being hunted, kidnapped, killed. “I shouldn't be here,” Jared cried, his hands shaking rapidly against the tabletop. He shouldn’t be sitting at this table, food in front of him, safe and warm while so many others fought for their lives. Oh God, and now there was Iris, and she brought two other people with her, strangers, and Jared had no way of knowing if they would hate him, or not even want to look at him, or-
“Pull it back, Jare.” Declan commanded. Two strong hands came down hard on his shoulders, gripping them tight. “Keep your eyes open. Look at Rae, and just breathe. I got you, Jare.” Declan intoned. His voice was smooth and even, and Jared reached out for it like a lifeline, using Declan’s voice and Rae’s bright blue eyes to anchor him. “You’re okay, Jare. It’ll be okay.”
“Bébé.” Iris wrapped his hands in hers, absorbing the tremors. “You just bring yourself back down, hmm? That’s right, you just let yourself feel safe here.” Her hands were cool and strong, and Jared gripped them tight, allowing the connection to float him back to reality.
“Breathe. In and out, that’s it.” Declan gentled his voice in time with Jared’s breath, now coming in determined gasps rather than frantic bursts. One by one they slowed down, longer inhales and exhales, calmed by Declan’s hands on his shoulders, Rae’s soothing blue eyes, and Iris’s fingers holding his tight.
Panic attacks weren't nearly as common for him as they used to be, but it was still more than a little embarrassing when they came over him, no matter how many times Rae or Declan had soothed him through one. He was glad Reese hadn't been here to see it, though Jared realized he didn’t feel the same sense of embarrassment in front of Iris. Pulling his hands from hers, Jared wiped his sweaty palms on his thighs. He pushed out a long, slow breath. “I’m good.”
Declan tipped Jared’s chin up, forcing him to meet his eyes. “You good?”
Jared nodded, running his hands up and down his thighs, more to keep busy as he came down from his panic than out of nervousness. “I’m good.” He jumped out of his chair, pacing the length of Gideon’s kitchen to work out his leftover energy. “I just can’t sit around and do nothing, you know? Not while this is all happening. We knew that even before dad died that it was getting worse. I know we needed to lay low for awhile,” Jared held up his hand when Gideon opened his mouth. He turned pleading eyes on Rae and Declan in turn. “But not anymore. I just can’t anymore.”
Declan slammed his beer bottle down onto the table. “Hear, hear.”
Rae’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “I couldn't agree more, bro.”
They all swung their heads towards Gideon, who held up both of his hands. “Iris brought her boys up here, that means my girl has something for us.” Before he could get confirmation, the familiar rumbling of an engine sounded from outside. Gideon and Declan exchanged a look.
“That had better be Slater with my truck.” Declan said, grabbing his gun and crossed the distance to Gideon’s front windows.
Gideon wasn’t taking any chances. “Get out of sight, both of you.” He herded Jared and Rae along the inner wall of living room office.
Taking a peek between the blinds, Declan tucked his gun back into his jeans. “It’s Slater,” he confirmed.
Frustrated at being pushed aside, Jared rounded on Gideon. “You can’t hide us every time there might be danger, you know.” Recent panic attack notwithstanding, Jared had done enough hiding to last five lifetimes.
“While you’re under my roof, son, I damn well can,” Gideon declared.
Reese didn't so much walk through the door as crash through it, grabbing their attention with his curse as it swung open harder than expected. He hunched over the knob, putting all of his weight onto his left leg as he stood in Gideon’s archway. “I don’t wanna put anyone out,” Reese said through gritted teeth, “but could someone grab a couple towels? Don't wanna bleed all over Hatch’s pretty floor.” There was a thick patch of blood soaked through Reese’s pant leg, almost completely covering his right thigh.
Declan instinctively reached out to catch Reese as he started to stumble. His face was pale, though his grip on Declan’s arm looked strong enough.
“Jared. Go upstairs, grab some towels and the first aid kit from under the bathroom sink,” Iris instructed. Jared raced upstairs to do as he was told, but could still hear Gideon’s gruff voice as he addressed Reese. ‘Shit, I don’t care about the floors. What the hell happened?”
Jared was back downstairs before Reese had even had a chance to respond. Declan dropped him not so ceremoniously onto
Gideon’s couch, and Jared slid a large towel onto the coffee table before helping Reese lift his leg to rest on top of it. “I was getting the last of the rescues into the truck, and some bastard Agent got a shot off.”
Jared grabbed a pair of scissors from the first aid kit and starting cutting Reese’s pant leg away, tearing upwards from the ankle. He stopped just above the wound, which cut in to Reese’s outer thigh. Jared winced at the sight of the old rag that had been stuffed between the wound and Reese’s jeans.
“Don’t worry, sweetheart. Just a graze. They missed the good stuff.” Reese winked at him, but his eyes fell shut when Jared applied a damp cloth to the wound. Jared held it there a moment to ensure a clearer workspace, then began to clean away the dried blood.
“You get ‘em all out?” Gideon asked Reese.
Traction: A m/m romance novel (Renegades & Rescues Book 1) Page 9