Chapter 18
Travis
The morning sun cuts through the windshield as I steer the sedan down a winding dirt road, the city’s concrete jungle an hour behind us.
Miles is in the passenger seat, his backpack on his lap, Bean inside and along for the ride too of course.
Miles is in a light sweater and jeans, the tracker still tucked in his waistband, but his eyes are bright, curious, darting to the dense forest closing in around us.
A Guard safehouse is our destination—a large cabin deep in the woods, a sanctuary where we can regroup, plan, and keep him safe for the weekend.
After yesterday’s action—both romantic and mission—I’m more determined than ever to protect him, even if it means risking everything. The flash drive he swiped from Knox’s office is in my pocket now, a ticking bomb of intel we need to crack open.
And I’ve got just the right comrades to break the flash drive codes it with.
The cabin comes into view, a sprawling log structure nestled in a clearing, surrounded by towering pines and a rushing creek.
It’s rugged but deliberate—two stories, with a wide wraparound porch, solar panels glinting on the roof, and reinforced windows that hint at its true purpose.
The exterior’s weathered cedar, blending with the forest, but inside it’s all function: a command center with encrypted comms, a stocked armory, and enough supplies to withstand a siege.
There’s a fire pit out front, a stack of chopped wood, and an outdoor shower area shielded by a wooden fence for post-mission cleanup. It’s a fortress disguised as a retreat, and it’s where Cole, Max, and their boys are waiting.
We pull up, gravel crunching under the tires, and Miles’ eyes widen.
“This is… cozy,” Miles says, a teasing lilt in his voice. “For a bunch of mercenaries.”
I chuckle, cutting the engine.
“Don’t let the vibe fool you, Little,” I say. “This place is built for war.”
Cole and Max are on the porch, their boys—Richie and Billie—lounging on a swing, sipping juice from sippy cups.
The boys spot Miles and squeal, bounding over as we step out.
“You must be Miles!” Richie says, grabbing his hand. “Come play! We’ve got a whole astronaut setup inside!”
Miles glances at me, a mix of excitement and uncertainty, but I nod.
“Go on, darling boy,” I say. “Have fun. I’ll be close.”
Miles smiles, letting Richie and Billie pull him toward the cabin, their giggles echoing as they disappear inside.
I watch the boy go, my chest tightening. He fits here, with them, his Little side shining, and it’s doing things to me I can’t ignore. I’d hoped for this response from him, and to see it happening how I’d hoped means I can focus on the mission alongside my brothers in arms.
But not before we settle a little business of our own…
Cole claps my shoulder, his lean frame relaxed but his eyes sharp.
“Ready for a hike?” Cole asks. “Up to the peak. Clear our heads, talk strategy.”
Max, broader and rougher, grins, hefting a weighted backpack.
“Let’s see if you old guys can keep up,” Max laughs. “Especially you, Joker…”
I smirk, grabbing my own pack.
“You’re on, chump,” I laugh.
We strip off our shirts, the morning air cool against my skin, and head into the forest, the trail steep and rocky.
The packs are heavy—forty pounds each, standard Guard training—and we’re sweating in minutes, our boots crunching pine needles, our breath steady but feeling the exertion.
The climb’s a grind, but it’s good, the burn in my legs pulling my focus from Miles, from the flash drive, from the cartel mess threatening to swallow us.
As the peak comes into sight, the trail narrows, the trees thinning to reveal a rocky outcrop with a view of the valley below.
I feel the old competitive edge kick in, my blood pumping, and I break into a sprint, my pack bouncing. Cole and Max curse, their footsteps pounding behind me, and we’re neck-and-neck, pushing hard, our grunts mixing with the wind.
We hit the peak, collapsing onto the rocks, chests heaving, the valley sprawling beneath us in a sea of green and gold.
“Too close to call,” Cole pants, wiping sweat from his brow.
“Bullshit,” Max says, grinning. “I had you by a step.”
I laugh, catching my breath.
“Tie it is, you sore losers,” I laugh, loud and long, the sound probably carrying for miles around.
We sit for a moment, the silence heavy with camaraderie, the kind forged in blood and missions. But my mind drifts to Miles, and I can’t hold it in anymore.
“I’m in deep with him,” I say, my voice low. “Miles. It’s not just the mission. I’m ready to do whatever it takes to keep him safe, even if it puts my place in the Guard at risk.”
Cole’s eyes narrow, but there’s no judgment, just understanding.
“Shouldn’t come to that, man,” Cole says. “You’re one of us, always will be. But if it does, I’ve got your back. We’ll make it right.”
Max nods, his usual grin gone.
“Same here,” Max says. “You don’t get kicked out, Travis. Not on our watch.”
I swallow hard, their loyalty hitting me like a punch.
“Thanks,” I say, staring out at the valley. “I just… he’s different. Worth it.”
Max claps my shoulder, lightening the mood.
“Alright, enough sappy shit,” Max smirks. “Last one back to the cabin’s a double-chump!”
And with that, he’s off, sprinting down the trail, and Cole and I laugh, chasing after him, our packs bouncing, the forest blurring past.
Back at the cabin, we’re sweaty, breathless, and grinning, but the living area’s a disaster—blankets strewn across the floor, toy planets scattered, a makeshift “spaceship” of couch cushions toppled over.
Miles, Richie, and Billie are in their rompers, giggling in a pile of stuffed animals, their astronaut game clearly out of control.
Miles’ eyes light up when he sees me, but there’s a spark of arousal in them as he takes in my shirtless chest, slick with sweat, my muscles tight from the hike.
I feel a jolt of heat, his gaze igniting something primal in me.
“Boys,” I say, my Daddy voice firm but playful, “This mess better be tidy by the time we’re done showering.”
Cole and Max echo me, their tones matching mine, and the boys pout but nod, scrambling to start cleaning.
Miles’ eyes linger on me, his cheeks flushing, and I chuckle, leaning close.
“Looks like we both need a cold shower, Little.”
Miles giggles, biting his lip, and I head to the outdoor shower area with Cole and Max, the cool water a relief against my heated skin.
But my mind’s on Miles, his arousal, his trust, and the fight ahead.
“Guys, I need a private word with Miles,” I say, stepping out of the shower. “We’ll reconvene later.”
And with knowing looks on their faces, Cole and Max nod their approval.
I’m going to toss Miles over my shoulder and carry him to the bedroom right now—and if he’s ready, I’m going to show him everything I’m truly capable of…