Chapter 32
32
“ T here’s about twenty to thirty men down there,” Myles murmured. He lay on the ground in his position with this rifle in his hands. The big man was easily in his element with a scope in front of his eyes.
Rhys had heard Myles had been an Army sniper.
“Do you see them?” Declan asked from behind them.
Rhys held on to Honor’s leash. She had led them to where Jordan and Mac were being held.
Rhys had to rein Honor in to keep her from going after Jordan. He’d called in what they had found. The US Marshals had met up with them, and to his surprise, the rest of the SWAT team appeared also. They were filthy, bruised up, and pissed. Rhys was certainly glad he was on their good side.
“There they are. Fuck, Mac’s injured,” Myles said.
A pin could have fallen in the woods and it would have been heard. Rhys glanced around at the men standing nearby. There was a shift in all of them. They grew more fierce and deadly. These men were ready to go to the end of the world to get Jordan and Mac back. The announcement that their leader was injured would mean those men down there, responsible for it, would not fare well.
“And Jordan?” Rhys asked. He hadn’t said a word until now. Not that he didn’t care about Mac’s wellbeing, it was Jordan who was the center of his attention. If she was injured, he already knew who he was going after. His trigger finger itched, and his dog was on alert.
“She’ll be okay,” Dax murmured.
Hawk silently stood at his handler’s side. He and Honor were both focused and ready to jump into action.
“She’s walking on her own two feet,” Myles replied.
That was good news, but it didn’t mean much. Had something happened to her that they couldn’t see? If one hair was touched on her, Rhys would not be responsible for his actions. Bravon Huff was his.
“Iker and Zain, I want you to go in and get Mac. Ash, call in and make sure those damn ambulances are waiting. We don’t know how bad his injuries are,” Declan snapped.
“Consider it done,” Ash responded. He pulled out his phone and took a few steps away while making a call.
“I hear you can use some extra men,” a familiar voice said.
Rhys glanced over his shoulder and took in Zayden and Lane joining them with their partners. Rhys gave a nod to his fellow K9 handlers. It would be good to go into this situation with more men—and K9’s—he trusted.
“You’re always welcome, big bro,” Brodie said.
Zayden beelined it to his brother. The two shared a hug that touched something deep in Rhys. Those two were close as brothers could be, and if Rhys has been in hell trying to get to Jordan, he knew Zayden had experienced the same knowing his younger brother was in a dangerous situation.
“You guys are always welcome,” Iker said.
The SWAT team was strapped and carrying enough weapons to enter a small war. These men were not going into this situation unprepared. Even Rhys was decked out with plenty of weapons to defend himself. His sole mission would be to extract Jordan. It had already been discussed. He and Honor were on Mission Jordan.
“Something’s about to go down,” Myles said.
Declan whipped out the radio. The Marshals and other federal agents who had tagged along for this rescue were all spread out and waiting for the word.
“It’s time to move,” Declan announced.
He turned and met the eyes of each man around them. It was eerily silent as they looked to Declan. Even Rhys knew it was normally Mac who led the team, with Declan at his side.
“Our brother and sister are down there. We bring them home alive. I don’t care what you’ve got to do or who you have to go through to get to them. This is no longer fun and games. This is war. Act accordingly.”
A chill slithered down Rhys’s spine. Declan was a fierce sergeant, and the deadly glint in his eyes didn’t go unnoticed. These men were about to risk it all to save their fellow teammates. Rhys respected each and every one of them.
Honor stood, her ears erected high. A low growl emanated from her. Rhys tightened his grip on her leash. Zain met his eyes and gave him a slow nod. Rhys wasn’t used to seeing the man so stoic and serious. Him or Iker. Rhys was comforted by the fact that these men were ready to go to hell and back to get Jordan and Mac back.
And he’d be right there with them.
“Get down there now. They have Mac in the center, and someone just handed Viktor a gun.” Myles flipped the safety off his rifle and repositioned himself. The big man would be staying up high to cover them.
“SWAT, it’s time to do what we do best,” Declan growled. “We move out now.”
The SWAT team was swift in making their way through the thick woods and down the hill. The gang would be unprepared for this ambush. Rhys and his K9 team were right with them. The dogs were highly trained and didn’t make a sound as they crept through the hilly brush. The area was crawling with federal agents.
Declan led everyone down to the edge of the trees which gave them protection. They positioned themselves to where they could spread out. Zayden and Duchess came to stand next to Rhys while Lane, Dax, and their partners had positioned themselves farther down.
Rhys searched the crowd that gathered in the clearing and found Jordan. He zeroed in on the figure holding her. Rhys’s muscles stiffened as he watched, helpless; she struggled to get away from the large man. Rhys reached down and pulled his gun from his thigh sheath. The cold steel felt comforting to him. Honor moved closer to him, brushing against his leg, but Rhys couldn’t tear his eyes off what was unfolding before him. He slowly flipped the safety off.
Bravon pushed Jordan down on the ground. Chuckles and laughter floated through the air. Rhys lost track of Jordan. He couldn’t see her with the men standing around. Bravon stepped forward, and it was then he heard Jordan’s scream.
Rhys moved forward, but a hand grabbed his arm.
“Wait.” Zayden shook his head. “Not yet. We’ll get her.”
Rhys bit back a growl. His woman was out there and probably injured. There was no telling what that sick fuck had done to her. He tightened his hand on his gun and waited. His eyes narrowed on the top of Bravon’s head. He didn’t want to lose him in the crowd of men.
“What a day. It’s like Christmas. To put an end to the Sergeant MacArthur,” Viktor shouted.
The men surrounding Mac and Jordan cheered.
The air grew tense, and an eerie hush fell in the woods. No longer was there any chirping of birds or rustling of animals. It was as if they knew the shit was about to hit the fan and they hid for safety.
A single shot rang out.
It was time.
Declan held up a fist. Rhys slowly reached down and removed the leash from Honor. Low growls emanated from the dogs. Honor’s muscles were taut, and she braced herself, waiting for his order.
Declan’s fist fell.
They were on the move.
“Go find Jordan,” Rhys snapped.
Honor took off racing toward the crowd. The SWAT team moved just as swiftly. Rhys and Zayden were right behind them. Rhys may have lost sight of Jordan, but he was confident Honor would get to her first.
Jordan’s heart was pounding, but she ignored it. She didn’t pay attention to anything else but Bravon making his way to her. She dropped down into a defensive stance and prepared for his attack. His crazed eyes were locked on her.
“I should have killed you.” Bravon reached her and swung at her.
She ducked and sent a kick to this stomach. He grabbed her leg and sent her sailing through the air. Jordan hit the ground with a thud. She rolled to the side, sensing him over her. She’d just barely missed being crushed by his large boot. She jumped up and took in her brothers in blue who were in battle with the gang members.
The calvary had finally arrived. To see them alive and in the midst of combat gave her joy. She had been so worried about them. The thought she would never see them again had torn her apart. A surge of adrenaline rushed through her.
Through the chaos, she took in Brodie who fought Sergio in hand-to-hand combat. She wasn’t surprised, considering their history.
Declan and Ash were back to back, taking on the gangsters who had them surrounded. Her gaze landed on Mac, and she felt relief to see Iker and Zain moving him. He was in good hands, and she didn’t have to worry about him during this craziness.
Jordan spun around and dodged Bravon reaching for her. She swung her arm as hard as she could. Her fist landed a punch on the side of his temple. He staggered back a few steps.
“You’re going to pay for that,” he growled.
“You should have left me alone.” She advanced on him, swinging again.
He blocked her and caught her with another backhand. It sent her down on the ground. She cursed at the sting of pain. Her lips went numb, and she could already feel it swelling. She ignored it. There wasn’t time to worry about her lip. She pushed up from the ground but wasn’t fast enough to escape Bravon’s hands. He grabbed her by her shirt and brought her up in the air, slamming her body down onto the ground. Bravon followed her down and landed partially on top of her. His hands wrapped around her neck and squeezed.
She fought to drag air into her burning lungs. The impact from being smacked onto the ground had caused all the air in her lungs to escape. With Bravon choking her, she couldn’t bring in fresh air. Tears formed in the corners of her eyes.
“You deserve this, bitch,” he hollered.
His spittle landed on her face. She clawed at his wrists but was unable to pry him off her. Jordan stretched out her arms, seeking anything she could use. Her palm connected with what felt like a rock. She gripped it tight and brought her hand up, connecting with the side of Bravon’s head. He released her as he fell to the side.
Jordan inhaled the most glorious air she’d ever breathed.
“You fucker,” she screamed.
She scrambled to her knees. Somehow the son of bitch was already on his feet. He stumbled and sneered at her. The fighting around them continued.
But Jordan didn’t need help.
She would handle this.
The guys were too busy with their own battles. Federal agents were capturing the gangsters who were trying to escape.
Bravon reached down and brought out a blade from his ankle.
Son of a bitch. It was Mac’s knife. How the hell did he get that?
“Fucker, am I?” He advanced on her.
Jordan staggered to her feet, ready to defend herself with only the rock in her hand. She had practiced fending off an assailant with a knife plenty of times.
But it would appear she wouldn’t need to. A growl came from out of nowhere. A brown-and-black body went sailing through the air.
Honor sank her canines into Bravon’s arm. His scream cut through the air. The force of Honor’s attack caused him to fall to the ground. The knife tumbled from his hand. Jordan dove and scooped it up. She needed a weapon, and this would do. She gripped the handle tight. She tossed the rock aside and stood.
“Honor,” she called the dog to her.
Honor immediately released Bravon who had been attempting to get the dog off him. If Honor was here, then where in the hell was Rhys? Her heart leaped at the thought of seeing him again. She had thought she would never get the chance, and now, she would.
Honor raced over to her and stood by her side.
“Good girl,” Jordan murmured. She gave the German Shepherd a pat on the head. Even though inside she wanted to send Honor back to him to attack him again.
Bravon sat up, and Jordan could have rolled her eyes.
“Stay down, Bravon.”
“Shut up, bitch,” he snapped. The arm that Honor had bitten was bleeding and hanging at his side. He stood and wavered in place. He reached behind him, and Jordan braced herself. She had the knife in her hand, positioned to protect herself. Honor growled, revealing her fangs.
Why wasn’t he giving up?
A gun appeared in his uninjured hand. He raised it and pointed it at her. Jordan bit back a curse. All she had was a damn knife while he was aiming a gun at her. Honor went crazy barking. Jordan took a step back and grabbed Honor’s harness with her free hand. She pushed the dog behind her. She didn’t want Honor to jump in front of the gun.
“Now look at you. You realized you made the wrong decision.” He lowered the gun partially and tilted his head to the side and studied her. “Too bad.”
He raised it again but never got the chance to pull the trigger. His body jerked repeatedly. Multiple shots rang out. Time seemed to stand still as Bravon’s arm fell to the side. The gun clattered to the dirt. Bright-red spots appeared on his chest. He stared down at them before looking over her shoulder.
Bravon fell to his knees, keeling over onto the ground. Jordan released Honor’s harness and spun around. Her heart leaped into her throat at the sight of Rhys standing with his gun raised.
Her man.
The love of her life had just saved hers.
He lowered his weapon and walked toward her. His eyes had yet to leave hers. She rushed to him, forgetting about everything else. She had to get to him. Rhys slid his gun back into his thigh sheath just as they arrived to each other.
Jordan practically vaulted into his arms.
“Rhys,” she cried out.
His strong arms wrapped around her tight. She ignored all of the pain coursing through her body and leaned into him. Nothing else mattered at the moment. She was right where she needed to be. Jordan squeezed her eyes shut and inhaled his familiar scent.
“I didn’t think I was going to get to you in time,” he murmured. He pulled back, his eyes connecting with hers. There was a frantic rage in his.
“You were right on time. Honor made it to me,” she said. Jordan took him all in.
Honor barked and danced around them. She soon gave up and sat at their feet. Jordan scanned the area quickly and took in that the fighting was officially over. Between SWAT, the federal agents, and local police officers, the clearing was under control.
No helicopter arrived.
No gang leaders escaped.
Mission was accomplished.
“I knew she would.” Rhys reached up, his finger gently connecting with her cheek.
Her face ached everywhere. She tried to not flinch but was unsuccessful. His eyes took in what she was sure were bruises and swelling, and they darkened as anger filled them. He glanced back over to where Bravon still lay on the ground. Two federal agents were near him. One knelt by the unmoving body and palpated for a pulse. He stared up at the other agent and shook his head. She knew what that meant. Bravon was gone. Jordan hadn’t realized she had been holding her breath.
This craziness with Bravon was truly over.
“It’s over,” she whispered. She turned back to face Rhys who looked as if he wanted to go over there and put a few more slugs in Bravon’s body. All of her aches and bruises would heal. She would be okay. She lifted her hand and turned his face back to her. “I love you.”
His face softened. He cupped her face in his hands and drew her to him. “Not as much as I love you.”
Rhys lowered his head toward her. His lips brushed hers. Someone coughed near them. They froze in place.
“Sorry to interrupt, lovebirds,” a voice said.
Jordan glanced over to see Ash, Brodie, and Zayden standing next to them. They looked as if they had been to Hell, but it was damn good to see them.
“Really, Zayden?” Rhys growled. His hands slid down to her waist and held her close to him.
She leaned into him and rested her head on his chest.
“Duty calls. The captain has arrived. He’s going to want to see you.” Zayden jerked his chin to Rhys.
Jordan stiffened. Rhys had shot and killed on duty. She flicked her gaze to his, but he didn’t appear to be worried.
“I’ll come with you,” she said. If he was going to go before the captain, she wanted to be at his side.
“Not happening, Knight.” Declan walked up behind Ash, Brodie, and Zayden. The sergeant had a grim expression.
“Mac?” Her breath caught in her throat. In those few moments she had almost forgotten about her sergeant. He had been breathing when she’d left him to fight Bravon. He had better still be alive or she would make good on her promise.
“The ambulance is on its way to the hospital now,” Declan replied. “But you need to get checked out?—”
“I’m fine?—”
“Go, Jordan,” Rhys said. He kissed her forehead. He gently pushed her toward Declan and the guys. “Don’t get on Spook’s shit list. Just do it.”
Jordan nodded. She wanted to stand by her man, but she knew if she didn’t, Spook would probably put his foot in her ass or suspend her without pay if she didn’t follow proper protocols.
“I’ll find you as soon as I’m done,” she promised. She turned back to him and stood on her tiptoes and kissed his lips before she backed way from him. Her gaze greedily took him in, wanting to memorize him right in that moment. She spun on her heels and walked over to Declan, Ash, and Brodie. She bit back a grimace as more aches and pains set in. “Let’s get this shit over with.”