Chapter 73 Raine
Raine
The room buzzed with tension after Adam laid out the plan. Russ’s steady voice, Boone’s keys clicking, Hawk’s dark laugh—it all blurred together. The only thing sharp, the only thing clear, was the unspoken weight in Adam’s gaze every time it landed on me.
Stay behind.
I could see the thought flicker there. He hadn’t said it out loud, but I knew it.
I’d been silent long enough.
I pushed off the chair, straightened my shoulders, and looked at the men around me. “I’m in.”
Logan groaned, dragging a hand down his face. “Raine—”
“No,” I snapped, cutting him off. “I wore the uniform, same as you. I earned my rank. I know how to move, how to lead, how to fight. And I’m not sitting in a motel room while you all risk your lives.”
Hawk smirked like I’d just told the best joke of the night. “Well, hell. Captain Carter speaks.”
Russ didn’t smile, but his nod was respectful, like he’d known all along I wouldn’t sit this one out. Boone didn’t even glance up from the laptop, just muttered, “Would’ve bet money on that.”
But Adam—Adam didn’t move. Didn’t speak. Just stared at me, his jaw tight, his hands braced on the table like if he let go, the world might come apart.
I stepped closer, meeting his storm-dark eyes head-on. “You can order your men around all you want, Stoker. But you don’t get to order me. Not anymore. Not after the ridge. Not after the clinic.”
Silence fell heavy.
Finally, he let out a slow exhale, his hand dragging down his face. Then—just the faintest shake of his head, equal parts frustration and pride.
“Damn stubborn woman,” he muttered.
I almost smiled. Almost.
“Damn right,” I said.
Hawk chuckled. Blade didn’t say a word, but the look he shot Adam was plain enough: she’s in, whether you like it or not.
Logan scowled, but I caught the faint flicker of relief under it. He didn’t want me here—but deep down, he trusted me to fight.
Adam finally straightened, meeting my eyes again. And what I saw there wasn’t anger anymore. It was respect. And something deeper, heavier.
“Fine,” he said. His voice was rough, but steady. “You’re in. But you don’t leave my side.”
My chest loosened, the knot in my throat breaking free. “Deal.”
And for the first time since the storm, I felt like me again—not just a survivor, not just Adam’s woman.
Captain Raine Carter. Soldier. Fighter. Partner.
Ready for war.