Chapter 25
Mia didn’t know the guys in the room well enough to gauge what they were thinking so she continued on as professionally as possible. She didn’t want the stifling vibes from earlier resurfacing. She wanted this meeting finished as soon as possible.
“I don’t want to order more or any other baby supplies. I think it is important that we don’t raise any flags and placing a large order that is out of the norm could draw attention. But we are in need of quite a few things. I didn’t get a chance to check out your little town, does it have shops that would have baby things we could purchase without bringing any attention to ourselves? I don’t think we should order much online. We might be able to get away with a few things and pass them off we also don’t want to bring attention to the fact that Ryleigh is also pregnant. We need to keep Ryleigh pregnancy and Emma and her baby’s birth under wraps, none of us have any idea how much scrutiny we are receiving at the moment but we all know that Pandora and Davis want babies and we have two.”
Mia looked to Jacks his brow was furrowed and he appeared to be in deep concentration. She was so caught up in her observation that she startled when the man actually spoke. “I have thought about it and I don’t think we should buy the baby stuff locally Cash and Ethan can take a trip to a big box store a couple of towns over, it’s a bit of a drive but if we use cash there shouldn’t be any questions. “
“Dalton Cash said you met up with Emma at Ruby’s do you think anyone noticed she was pregnant? Cash also mentioned the huge coat she was wearing”.
Dalton had gotten up from his seat unable to remain still any longer pacing he said” To be honest with you I don’t know I’m a guy for Christ’s sakes I didn’t even notice she was pregnant until she took the coat off. Ryleigh was the first to notice she was pregnant and even that was after she took her coat off. All I noticed was the dark circles under her eyes and she looked hollowed out desperate to me. It wasn’t until after I went over to her table at the Diner that I saw the bruises. Once I saw them I knew I needed to get her some help. But I did ask Ruby if it was okay to leave her car at the Diner.”
Dalton stopped pacing and slammed his hand down on the table” Shit! her stolen car! If Ben runs her plates we might have some problems.”
Cash spoke up “I can go down and get the car and we can put it in the garage. I saw Ben before I took you guys out to Colorado and he had said that he was going to visit his sister for about a week so I think we are in the clear with the car. His deputies don’t do shit when he isn’t watching them.” Cash said shrugging his shoulders. “Just to be safe I will go and get the vehicle and have a talk with Ruby.”
Ethan always the tease said “Sure, you are going to talk with Ruby, a convenient excuse you just want some of her turnovers you can’t fool us big guy.” Hitting Cash in the shoulder laughing.
“Shut up fucker.” Cash said with a smile on his face thinking to himself he was definitely getting turnovers if he was going to down to Ruby’s. “Anyways I will let her ask the question and come to her own conclusion but lead her to believe that Emma was on the run from and abusive husband. Knowing Ruby, she will keep the information to herself and let us know if anyone comes around asking questions. I will also lead her to believe we shipped Emma off to help her get started somewhere else. I don’t think Ruby will talk but that way if she does at least she could point the people asking in another direction.”
Jacks said “You’re going to need cash how much do we have on hand right now? We can use the mission money if needed.” All the Team kept cash on hand in safes at their bases you never knew when you needed to come up with a large sum of cash in their business. People couldn’t trace cash.
“How much do you think I should get out Mia? We have plenty of cash in the safe but I don’t want to get caught out with too much. Do you think we should bring Senior in on this? He is our boss after all. I for one know he isn’t working for any other group I would trust him with the life of anyone on this team.”
All the guys nodded their heads. Declan “Senior” Quinn was their boss but he was also more than that. He had earned the trust of all the men that worked under him. He was also Ryleigh’s father
“Yeah I have already placed the call. He is on a mission with Echo Team right now but he will call back as soon as he is able.” Jacks said. Senior had a stake in keeping Ryleigh safe as well that is why Jacks immediately placed the call when he realized what the hell was going on.
“I’m sure he will get on board with whatever we decide but we will need to brief him as soon as he is available.” The group all agreed some by nodding the heads others verbally. This information wouldn’t be kept from their superior.
With a goofy grin that was completely odd on the face of the big burly biker. Cash said “Hey Mia you are also going to have to write a pretty descriptive list because I have no idea what babies need do you Ethan?”
“Nope sorry dude we are in the same boat on this one.” Ethan laughed.
“Hey listen guys I want to get back to Emma and the baby before they wake up is there anything else? Cash if you need more money I have about a couple hundred on me.” When Dalton went to reach for his wallet Cash stopped him.
Damn it he said he wanted to get back to Emma and the baby but it wasn’t want, he needed to get back to them. His skin was crawling with the need. His bear was prowling and ripping at his insides. The beast needed to protect and sitting in a conference room away from them wasn’t helping him. Fidgeting he tried to calm his bear and inner turmoil he could not afford to piss the guys off any more than he already had. He was also pretty sure that if it turned out them Emma wasn’t his mate she was a witch because she had definitely put a spell on him.
“No man we should have plenty I think it is best that we treat this as we would any mission and use the funds we have put aside.”
“Mia I have chicken soup simmering on the stove and fresh bread on the counter. Dalton picked some up from Ruby’s before all hell broke loose all it needs is to be dished up when Emma is ready. That should do for now. I also put some on my biscotti out for her as well don’t eat it asshole it’s for Emma.”
The room with the exception of Mia laughed” Dude you know how much everyone likes your baking it will be lucky to make it out of the kitchen.” Cash crossed his large tattooed forearms a crossed his chest and tried to look menacing. “Well it better fuckers that woman’s been through hell. She deserves it more than any of you slackers.”
Ryleigh loved Cash’s baking and he knew it so looking at him with what could only be called doe eyes she said “I don’t get any either Cash?”
Cash with his arms still crossed and still trying to look menacing couldn’t help the softening at Ryleigh’s request. Smiling he said “Damn okay you and Mia can have some. All you other assholes stay out of my stash.” Cash looked at the dejected looks of his team members. His biscotti was to die for it was a family recipe that was passed down from generation to generation. Everyone fell for it the first time they tasted it and Cash loved using it as a bargaining tool.
Giving up on his attempt at intimidation Cash asked Mia “If you give me a list of things you would like Emma to eat I can also do a grocery run while we are out. When I get back I can make up a few meals that will just need to be heated up for her. I figure you want her eating six smaller meals a day?” It wouldn’t hurt for Ryleigh to jump on board with the meals as well. Hint, Hint lil sis.”
Mia liked the big tattooed man he had a soft spot for her friend and it seemed that spot extended to all women. She still wouldn’t want to meet him in a dark alley alone but he was growing on her. All the men of the Alpha team were. She could see they were strong menacing and rough around the edges but they were also kind loyal and trustworthy that was something Mia didn’t have the pleasuring of seeing in a very long time. It also brought up memories of the man she ran into during the mission and she hoped he was half as good as the guys sitting around the table. She just couldn’t seem
to get him off her mind. He was just as big as Jacks but where Jacks was dark he was light. Streaked blond hair and vivid blue eyes and damn a body a Greek God would die for. The man was hot unfortunately for Mia also dismissive. He hadn’t even seemed to notice her and that hurt. Mia never put herself out there, to many ghosts from her past but she felt drawn to the man like nothing else. She needed to forget about that man and focus on what was going on here and now. Kayden Walker needed to stay out of her mind and maybe out of her life. She felt a shiver run up her spine just thinking of never seeing the man again was like a foreboding like it was going against her nature. Looking around the room she noticed all the guys were waiting for her to finish her little trip in her own mind hadn’t gone unnoticed she just hoped no one asked what she had been thinking about.
“Yeah Cash that would be great we don’t want to overwhelm her system at first but I think a little treat will be good for her as long as you left a little extra for Ryleigh she quipped and me. I have been hearing about your biscotti for weeks and I want to know if all the rumors are true. I also believe that we should discuss taking shifts to help Emma with the baby. Newborns generally wake up every four hours to eat. Emma needs some serious sleep right now to heal so I think we all need to chip in for baby duty.”
“I will talk with Emma. First I don’t want her to believe that we are keeping her baby away from her. I also believe that it is important that we feed and change the baby in the room with Emma as much as possible. Emma’s hormones are going to be out of control for a while if we stress her out by taking the baby away it might prolong her recovery.”
Again, these big burly guys surprised Mia because although the look on their faces could only be described as fear or apprehension they readily agreed to help out with Emma’s baby. She couldn’t wait to see them interact with the tiny baby.
“Listen guys” Ryleigh said “Jacks you Ethan and Bas are going to have to introduce yourselves to her, I think you scared the crap out her when you burst into the exam room.” She remembered the look of fear on Emma’s face when the guys burst into the room. Shoot they had even surprised Ryleigh and she knew them.
“Yeah, I agree with you Rye Emma turned as white as a ghost when we made our impromptu appearance in the exam room. I can honestly say I wouldn’t be letting any of you cuddle my newborn if I was Emma.” Mia noticed that Cash looked a little saddened by her statement and she felt kind of sorry for the guy. The others just sat there but she could see a bit of shame or disgust on their faces because of what had happened.
I’ll start making up those lists for you guys there is quite a bit here for the baby formula diapers and blankets but you’re going to need a bed and bedding. Sorry guys but you’re also going to have to buy several outfits. Babies go through a lot of clothes.” Mia smiled at the look of horror on Cash and Ethan’s faces. “Ready to get your shop on guys?” Mia laughed. She just hoped two huge scary military like men looking at baby clothes and things didn’t raise and attention. She would love to be a bug on the wall at the store though she figured it would be pretty humorous.
“I want to check the results of the test I have running in the lab and then check in on Emma and the baby as well. Jacks any idea where you would like to put them they can’t stay in the exam room. Do you guys have enough rooms for them to have one to themselves? We can keep the baby in the isolate until you get back with a bassinet? “
Jacks took pity on Dalton the man had asked to leave a while ago to be with Emma and the baby and yet he was still sitting in the room listening to everyone. He was mad as hell at the disrespect Dalton had shown him and he would address all of that later but for now he would give him something.
“Yeah Dalton I want you to get the room next to yours ready. The rest of us can introduce ourselves once they are ready to move into their new room. I think we should give Emma a little time to adjust to her new surroundings before we make her deal with us, her first impression couldn’t have been that great. She seems comfortable with Mia Ryleigh and Dalton right now let’s keep it that way. Cash do you think she would be comfortable with you being in the room alone with her and her daughter right now?”
Dalton loved the idea of keeping Emma close and having them in the room next to him was ideal. He couldn’t help but think that he would prefer her being in his own room but knew it wasn’t the right time for those thoughts. He would bide his time. He had also noticed the looks his Alpha and Second had been giving him since his outburst earlier and he was a bit apprehensive about what was to come. Both men were not happy with him. Jacks permanent scowl and Cash’s tight lips indicated he would definitely be paying in blood for his behavior the real problem was he absolutely didn’t care and that blew his mind.
“I am not sure man I believe that it might be a good idea if we double up at first going in with Mia Ryleigh and Dalton. That way she can get used to us.”
“I agree okay everyone knows what they need to do. Baby I think you need to go get some of that soup and then get some sleep we can take a shift tomorrow.”
Ryleigh sagged back in her chair she knew she had been out of control and was thankful that he wasn’t calling her out on it in front of the group as she had him. Damn! She was a horrible wife and mate all she wanted to do was curl up in bed and hide under the covers. She needed to start thinking before she blurted out the first thing that came to her mind. She had not only humiliated herself but Jacks and that was unacceptable. She could only blame so much on hormones. Sighing she said “Thanks Jacks I hate to agree but I am tired. When is, Wyatt getting back we still have all of Franklin’s data to get through and I found several more hidden files? I need his help. Actually, I need everyone’s help getting through all the data.”
“We may need to take shifts for both baby duty and searching through the data. There is just so much and it’s all jumbled, the only data that was laid right out all have algorithms that have to be solved first. We have some locations and contributors but I doubt we even have a little piece of the big picture. I am starting to think that all of it was a front a diversion if anyone came upon it. It just seems so unlikely that Franklin would lay out such crucial information when everything else is coded. I was considering bring some people in to help but now with Emma and the baby here I just don’t think that is a good idea anymore.”
“I think your right baby. I don’t think any of us think bringing in anyone else at this point is a good idea.” Ryleigh wanted to cry at how sweet Jacks was being dang the poor man was getting hit on every side and he was still as stoic as ever.
“Here is a thought, Bas do you think your hacker would be willing to come and help? They obviously have the skills we need to get through this data. Not to mention they might be able to help out until Wyatt gets back from helping out Kayden and Milo?” Jacks asked.
“Jacks I still don’t feel comfortable with an unknown hacker coming out here. What I mean is this someone you met on the Web or something? This data is sensitive we just can’t trust anyone with it and I am sorry but hackers don’t have the best reputations Bas and Wyatt excluded of course. We would have to tell this person about shifters, Pandora, and Davis. I just don’t think we should let some random hacker know this information no matter how long they have been helping you guys out.”
Chapter 26
Bas had reached his limit concerning Ryleigh’s constant questions, she was new to the group but damn it she just wouldn’t let it go. It didn’t matter to him that she had that beaten puppy look on her face. She needed to realize that they were professionals the team functioned and flourished well before she became a part of the group. Her past sucked but fuck she needed to trust her team. Slamming his hand down on the table he said “Listen, Peyton isn’t some random hacker she is my sister god damn it! I would trust her with not only my life but everyone’s in this damn room!” Bas said shocking everyone.
Taken back by Bas’s outburst Ryleigh blurted out the first thing that came to her mind “But shifters don’t prod
uce female children she can’t be your sister!” Ryleigh blurted out. She knew she had been overstepping and should have heeded Jacks warnings but she just couldn’t help herself. With the Holly group, she was in charge and she was so new to the dynamics of the Alpha team. She was making a fool out of herself but she was scared. This person knew things, was asked to find information out that could put them all in danger she just couldn’t blindly accept things anymore there was just too much at stake for all of them.
She was honestly failing at this Alpha mate thing she was supposed to support Jacks and be a good influence. But all she was doing was causing problems. Feeling the tears that were threating to spill from her eyes she tried to compose, herself as best she could and listened to what Bas had to say.
“No, they don’t. Peyton is my step-sister although I see no reason to include the step part. She is just my sister.” Bas knew that Ryleigh was struggling he could see the tears in her eyes. Damn he hated it when a woman cried and hated even more when he was the cause. But Ryleigh needed to get with the program they were not inept. Then another realization came to him she had such a small amount of time to adjust to everything and so much had happened to her in that time no wonder she was feeling a bit threatened. Feeling sorry for his actions softened his tone.
“My dad married her mom when we were very young their relationship didn’t last long but Peyton’s and mine did. She was a prodigy with computers but learned rather quickly to hide her talents not unlike yourself Ryleigh.” Bas knew that was a low blow but he wasn’t used to someone questioning his loyalty to the team. “Her mom was shady and my dad was even worse. She hasn’t had it easy and prefers her computers and dogs to actual people. She is a better hacker than Wyatt or I put together but she stays under the radar. Shit she has never taken a computer class in her life it’s all pretty amazing.”
Dalton: NAC & The Holly Group (Alpha Team Book 2) Page 17