by Fiona Archer
Movement in his periphery drew his gaze to the entry where a black-clad man entered. He aimed and fired twice.
“Target acquired.” A headset with a visor of some sort covered the man’s face as he approached. “Owen, I’m Levi. We’re here to take you home.”
Home. Confusion quickened his pulse. Jaxsun didn’t extract captured operatives. Blood surged into his hands when the man cut him down. Pain exploded along his chest when he fell forward.
“I’ve got you,” Levi said. “Get a path clear. Exiting from the west.”
Owen stifled the argument rising in his throat when the man hoisted him up on his shoulder. Movement spread pain through his body.
Exfil.
He was being rescued.
How? Who?
Gunfire echoed around him. A drone hovered near his head and spun in the same rapid assessment Owen made. “Gun. I can shoot. I’ll help.”
Levi didn’t respond. He halted the progression sooner than expected. “Tell me this hunk of bolts runs.”
“It’ll run long enough,” a man said as Levi deposited him in the rear of a Jeep. Others piled in around him as the drone settled in a crevice along the floor.
“Roger. We’re inbound.” Levi glanced back at Owen. “Hang on, man. We’ll be home soon.”
“Callista.” Owen licked his raw and bloody lips. “Tell her I’m sorry. I love her.”
“You’ll tell her yourself soon,” a female voice replied. “She’s at The Arsenal.”
Explosions boomed from the encampment they’d just left.
“Jesus, Brook. How much did you use?” the driver asked.
“Enough,” the woman replied.
Owen faded in and out of consciousness even though he battled the latter. Safe. The realization dragged him deeper into the darkness. Movement jostled him awake as Levi’s team loaded him into a helo. How did they have a Blackhawk?
The Arsenal.
Whispers within Jaxsun touted the private paramilitary organization as the best—the most sought after group around. Entry into the elite group was damned near impossible. “How are you here?”
“A pretty blonde showed at our doorstep and refused to leave until we helped.” The man grinned down at him. “I’m Howie. How about you settle back down and let me finish patching you up?”
Callista showed up at The Arsenal? How did she even know about them?
“I’m gonna give you something for the pain,” Howie said.
“I’m fine.”
“No, you aren’t,” Levi said. “But you will be. We’ll make sure of it.”
* * * *
Callista shifted from one foot to another as she watched the entry gate on the laptop The Arsenal had provided. It was the only reason she’d agreed to leave the area and wait for Owen in Medical.
“We bypassed a stop at a medical facility,” Doctor Logan Callister said. “He was stable enough for his injuries to be treated here.” The man’s gaze shifted to the quiet woman who’d become Callista’s shadow the past three days. Or was it four? Maybe five.
“You should rest,” Doctor Sinclair said. “Owen will likely be out for a while.”
“I’ll wait.” She firmed her lips and looked over at the psychiatrist. “I’ll rest when he’s here.”
The past few days at The Arsenal had been an eye-opening experience. The intense commandoes reminded her so much of Owen it pained her to watch them train. This was the kind of outfit he’d needed. This was what he’d wanted. A team.
Family.
She’d kept him from that. He’d left the military to make her happy. If she hadn’t insisted, he wouldn’t have joined an operation like Jaxsun. “He thought they’d be like this.”
“Jaxsun?” Sinclair asked.
Callista nodded. “He only joined because of me. He loved the military.”
“He loves you more,” Logan replied. “Captivity can change someone. It leaves wounds that are harder to heal than the physical. Has anyone spoken with you about Warrior’s Path?”
“No.”
“It’s a program to help vets acclimate to civilian life, but we work with operatives like Owen, too.” Doctor Sinclair smiled. “I’ll drop off some information in his room for you to both look at. We’d like for you to remain here for a while, to make sure he’s fully recovered from his ordeal.”
God, was it that bad? Fear crawled up her throat and stifled her breaths. She’d do anything for Owen. She didn’t want him to return to Jaxsun. Those bastards had left him there to die. They didn’t give a damn about him. Never had.
“I can’t ever thank you enough for rescuing him.” Tears welled in her eyes. “This is all my fault. We fought right before he left. I was angry because he wouldn’t tell me where he was going or for how long.”
She swiped at the tears falling down her cheeks. Talk about a wreck. She was pouring her heart out to strangers. Strangers who’d cared more for Owen than the assholes he’d worked for.
Doctor Sinclair wrapped her arm around Callista’s shoulder and hugged her close. “None of this is your fault. It’s also not his. We’ll help you both get through this.”
Logan’s phone chimed. He glanced at it. “They’re almost here.”
Relief flooded her. She glanced at the laptop as a large, black SUV pulled through the gate. Her breath quickened as she clicked on a different drone’s viewpoint and watched its progression until it halted just outside the Medical area.
Her gaze swept to the double-doored entry at the end of the hall. Owen. She vaulted forward and sprinted down the corridor. Boomer barked, his steps clacking as he closed the distance between them.
Sunlight spilled into the area as two shadowy forms filled the doorway.
Owen stood beside Jesse Mason.
Tears flowed down her face as relief, love, and a tsunami of other emotions assailed her. Arms outstretched, she rushed forward to hug him, but Boomer settled between them and pushed against her legs hard enough to halt her progression.
Jesse’s eyebrows rose as he glanced down. “That’s impressive.”
Callista laughed and wrapped her arms gently around Owen. Had the dog not stopped her, she would’ve likely injured Owen accidentally. Logan hadn’t given her a detailed accounting of his injuries despite her numerous requests.
“Owen.” She buried her head in his shoulder and let the tears flow.
“Ssh, it’s okay, sweetheart. I’m safe. I’m home.” Emotion filled each word. She peered up into his beautiful blue eyes and swiped the tear tumbling down his bruised cheek. Cuts ran along the right side of his mouth.
“Baby,” she whispered. She raised to her tiptoes and brushed her lips across the left side of his mouth. “I love you. I love you so much.”
If he hadn’t been rescued…
Callista expended a weary breath and smiled up at him. There’d be time to talk about the things they’d left on the burner later. Maybe by then she’d have the fear souring her stomach handled.
“I love you, Callista.” He cupped her face and drew her closer. “Jesus.”
Jesse tapped Owen’s shoulder. “Let’s get you settled in a room and situated with the doc, then you’ll have all the time you want with Callista.”
“Owen, I’m Logan. I’ll be your doctor while you’re here.” He motioned to the woman beside him. “This is our psychiatrist, Doctor Sinclair.”
Owen tensed beside her. Sensing his unease at the mention of a shrink, Callista looked up at him. “She’s nice, baby. She’s going to help us both.”
“Whatever you need, sweetheart.” He kissed her lips.
“Tomorrow morning I’ll come by and get you. We’ll eat at the mess hall and chat, then go to group.”
Group? Callista peered up at Owen, who nodded. “Thanks.”
“Anything you need, let us know,” Jesse commented with a smirk. “Though, from what I’ve seen, Callista here isn’t shy about reaching out.”
Heat rose in her cheeks. She’d been a smidge determined wh
en she’d arrived at The Arsenal. Although embarrassment filled her, she wouldn’t change anything she’d done.
“Don’t ever give up on him. The next few months won’t be easy, but love can get you through anything,” Jesse said. “I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for my wife and The Arsenal. Whatever you two need.”
Wow.
Callista remained silent as Logan escorted Owen to an examination bay down the hall. He was home and safe. They’d get through anything. Together.
* * * *
“You should sleep,” Callista whispered. She brushed her fingertips along his cheek.
Owen fought the exhaustion. Every second with the woman he loved was a gift he intended to savor. It’d taken Logan two hours to poke, prod, test, and examine him. While everything he’d done was expected, the detailed questioning that accompanied the methodical process left his insides hulled out. What forms of torture had he endured? How long was each session? Each answer created a new roadmap of questions.
“I never wanted you to hear any of that. You should’ve left the room,” Owen said.
“We’re in this together.” She leaned down and kissed his hand. “I can’t fight what I don’t know. No secrets, Owen.”
She interlaced their fingers and ran the back of his hand against her cheek. Sensation crawled beneath his skin, a brushfire that burned away the memories Logan’s questions had dragged out.
“The Arsenal is pretty intense,” she commented. “They want us to stay here a while.”
“Jesse mentioned their program. He thinks it’d be good for me to go through it.” Owen shifted in the bed. Pain spread through his back and along his sides with the movement. “Come to bed with me, sweetheart. I need to feel you against me.”
Maybe then he could rest. Callista toed off her shoes and climbed into the bed. She settled against him on her side. Hand splayed on his chest, she kissed a bandage, then peered up at him. “We’ll stay here as long as we need to. They have a cottage we can use, and Kayla said she’d take care of the house for us.”
The mundane worries of a “normal life” grounded Owen. “I didn’t think I’d make it out. If you hadn’t…” Emotion choked the rest. “I love you. I’m sorry I left with shit so unsettled between us. You were right. About everything.”
“I wasn’t.” She caressed his cheek. “I never met you halfway, Owen. You were always the one giving up what you wanted. I’m sorry.”
“I was wrong. You uprooted your life again and again so we could move from base to base. For me. You gave up so much for me without hesitation.” He threaded his fingers in her hair and brushed a kiss on the top of her head. “You’re all I want in my life. Nothing else matters.”
“Will you…” Hesitation crossed her face as she licked her lips and caught his gaze. “Will you have to go back in to Jaxsun?”
“No. Jesse said they’d help me coordinate that tomorrow. There are some loose ends that need to be tied up, but I won’t work for a group like them.”
“Kayla said they could use your help.”
He could think of worse ways to enter a non-operations-based life. Having a hand in giving former war dogs a new life of service with a vet would feed his need to help. Would it be enough?
“We have time to figure things out,” she whispered. “All that matters right now is getting you better.”
* * * *
Sunlight awoke Callista. She stretched, careful to not jostle the bed and wake Owen. Surprise froze her movements as she latched gazes with Jesse Mason. The man sat in a chair near the bed. Amusement glinted in his green eyes as he smiled.
“You remind me of Ellie,” he commented.
His wife. They’d met briefly when Callista first arrived at The Arsenal. “He sleeps better with me against him.”
“You’ll chase the nightmares away better than anything we can do.”
“How did you know he’s having nightmares?” She’d woken him twice since he’d fallen asleep. She’d avoided going back to sleep each time, but exhaustion dragged her down.
Jesse’s smile deepened. “We all have a different path to recovery, but some of the pitstops along the way are the same.”
“Jesse. Did I oversleep?” Owen’s gaze cut to Callista. He leaned down and brushed his lips across hers. “Morning, sweetheart.”
“I’m thinking it’s afternoon.” She grinned. “How are you feeling?”
“Better.”
“Sleep is the best medicine right now,” Jesse said. He stood and motioned toward the cart beside the bed. “I brought you both some food from the mess hall. I’ll be back in a few hours. We’ll contact Jaxsun, grab some chow and chat. Then we’ll go to group.”
Group? As in therapy? “He hasn’t decided whether he’s going to enter the program or not. We appreciate the help, but I don’t want him pressured into anything.”
“Just like Ellie.” Jesse chuckled. “No pressure here. Ever. Anyone is welcome to attend group, and it’ll be a good way for him to see some of what’s offered so he can make a decision that’s right for him.”
“Appreciated, man. I’ll see you later.”
“Thank you,” Callista said as Jesse exited.
“Whatever you need. Whenever.” The door clicked shut behind him.
Callista shimmied up on the bed until their gazes met. “You had a rough night.”
“I figure I’m gonna have a few of those,” he whispered. “Waking up with you in my arms was the best medicine I could’ve had. I need you, sweetheart.”
She ran her hand down Owen’s muscular body, careful to avoid the healing cuts and wounds. Cupping her hand around his hard shaft, she squeezed until he emitted a groan. “I’m not sure Doctor Logan would approve.”
“To hell with what he approves.” Owen claimed her mouth.
Awareness arced between them as the kiss deepened. Anticipation hummed within her veins as she tugged off her shirt and bra. He flicked his thumb across her hardened nipples and moaned.
“Lean forward,” he said.
Sensation exploded within her as heat enveloped her nipple. She ran her hands through his hair and straddled his body, careful to avoid pressing her weight against him.
“You taste like heaven,” he whispered against her skin.
She reached between her legs and slid two fingers inside herself until her arousal coated the digits and pooled into her hand. She reached back and grasped his hardened length, slickening it fully with her juices. “I kinda like being on top.”
“I always like when you ride me, sweetheart.” Amusement glimmered within his gaze as he played with her clit. A moan escaped her parted lips. She ground against his hand as she pumped his cock. The lovemaking would be quick, but they’d have a lifetime to explore one another.
“I can’t wait,” she whispered as she backed up on her knees and guided him inside her.
Owen’s groan echoed around them as he grasped her hip with his free hand and thrust upward until he was fully seated within her. Hands bracketed on the pillow beside his head, she kissed him.
The carnal fusion of tongues heightened the frenzied grind of herself against him. “Tell me if I’m hurting you, baby.”
“Never. This is heaven,” he said against her cheek. “Take me there, Callista.”
She leaned back and rocked her hips. The movements became harried as desire unfurled and carried her closer to the edge. “Owen.”
He thrust deeper. Pleasure coiled and tightened her muscles. Lost within the sensations assailing her, she cried out and surrendered to the orgasm. A moan escaped her when he maneuvered his hand between them and played with her clit.
His release came on the heels of her second climax. Their cries mingled as she leaned forward and kissed him. “Love you.”
“Love you more.”
“That’s impossible.” She settled beside him and wrapped her legs around his. Sweat dampened his skin. “You okay?”
“I’m a hell of a lot better than okay. Hopefully they�
�ll spring me from here soon so we can pick up where we left off.”
Callista chuckled. “You’re insatiable.”
“Only with you.” He feathered kisses across her face. “We never talked about what would happen if I didn’t come back from a mission.”
“Don’t.” The plea escaped her as she clasped his neck. “That’s never happening.”
“It could.”
“You aren’t with Jaxsun now. You’re home and safe.” She traced bruises forming along his eye. “These people are good, Owen. Damned good.”
“What are you saying?” Hesitation filled his voice.
“They want Kayla here. She’s dodged the call so far because…”
“Because of me.”
“Because of us.” She peered into his gaze. “She’d come here. Their contacts and resources would strengthen the work she does, increase her reach.”
“Not sure I’m up to their standards,” Owen admitted. “Not sure I’d want that even if I was. I can’t risk putting us both through that again.”
She’d once prayed to hear those words. “I never should’ve asked you to walk away from what you love.”
“I love you more.”
“I don’t think you have to choose, Owen. I love you too much to let you walk away from this world. It’s in your blood.” She ran her hands through his hair. “You shouldn’t make that decision until you explore the options. After you’ve recovered.”
“You’d be okay with that?”
“Yeah. I never thought I’d say that, but I would. I watched the couples here. They make it work, and I want that for us. For you.” She swallowed. “Promise me you’ll think about it.”
“I don’t know what the hell I did to deserve you,” he said. “We’ll figure it out. For the record, I’d be okay with tapping out and helping you and Kayla. The work you do is important, and I’d love to be a part of that.”
“If we don’t move here, they might steal Boomer,” she said with a grin. “He’s ingratiated himself.”
Owen chuckled. “That’s because he was trained by the best. You’ve done a hell of a job with him.”