SEALs of Honor: Markus (8 page)

He didn’t plan to let her go down on his watch. There was little he could do for her slow healing body other than keep her warm and her spirits light. He knew all too well how important it was to stay positive. The minute negativity got to one then everything became that much more difficult to deal with.

And for that reason he sat down beside her and tugged her onto his lap then pulled the blanket over them both.

At least that’s the reason he told himself. That she was cute, young, full of heart and inner strength even if missing physical strength well, he was human. That they were out in the middle of nowhere and she was depending on him meant he was there for her.

It’s what he did.

This time, it was also what he wanted to do.

S
he snuggled closer.
He was so damn…male. Everything about him was big. Like the shoulders on this guy. She hadn’t had a chance to see him in clear light but he was no one to trifle with and right now that was very appealing. His massive body threw off heat that her poor body was dying to absorb.

His arms alone were big tree limbs. But they cradled her with a tenderness she wasn’t used to. She felt protected. Cosseted. Like he’d protect her from anything and everything. She could have used him a year ago when she’d been diagnosed. But he was here now when she’d been stupid enough to get lost in the woods. He’d never told her off or made her feel to blame for the situation. And of course, she was. If she wasn’t out here, then he wouldn’t be either.

“Sorry for messing up your night.”

A low rumble rippled out of his chest. “I was just thinking what a spectacular night it is out here. Back home in California we don’t get to see the stars like we do up here.”

“I’m from California too, although it seems like a long time ago now,” she whispered, her eyes almost closed. “And what stars are you talking about? The heavens are crying tonight.”

“But they weren’t earlier.”

He leaned his head back and closed his eyes. She envied that nonchalance about him. That he could handle everything around him regardless of what it was. She tried to do the same but when life had kicked her ass she’d known she didn’t have the same capabilities. She hadn’t caved into it, but damn she’d wanted to.

She was proud of how she’d gotten through the process. She’d cried buckets. But she’d always talked herself into being positive. Looking at the bright side. She’d had no trouble selling all her belongings afterwards as they’d seemed silly. Useless. They were inanimate objects and meant nothing.

But he was right. She hadn’t shared everything with her father. She’d call him as soon as she could. Let him know she loved him. He knew it, but like everyone, it was nice to hear.

“You’re right,” she whispered. “I should have let my father in.”

“And now that you survived, you have a second chance.”

She lifted her head to look at him. “I’m sorry you didn’t get a second chance.”

He studied her in the dark. “That’s the thing about death – it’s final.”

There was silence as she considered his words. “Does your team know you found me?”

“Yes, I got that much of a message through.”

“Won’t they be worried about you if we aren’t back by now?”

Laughter rumbled through his chest once again. “No, they won’t be worried.”

“Right.” She sighed. “I suppose you’re one of those special ops soldiers that can do everything, be everything to everyone.”

He snorted. “Not quite. But my men know I’m capable. They wouldn’t worry unless we didn’t check in for days. Otherwise, they’d assume I’m on my way.”

She tucked her head up against his heart, smiling at the strong beat under her ear. She trusted him. “If you don’t mind. I’m just going to…” a big yawn caught her unaware. When she could she finished with, “…close my eyes.”

“Sleep. We’ll stay here for an hour at least.”

That must be how long he was expecting the rain to last. Nice that Mother Nature followed his orders too.

She closed her eyes and slept.

*

Feeling her body
go limp in his arms, Markus adjusted her weight slightly so she was tucked up more securely. He didn’t want her falling sideways. He was content to sit and watch the world go by but of course given the time of night and the weather, there was a special kind of magic all its own.

He leaned his head back and closed his eyes. He could catch a few minutes and power nap himself. He checked his phone once again. A message had come through from Mason.

Hostages released. Gunman shot. Transported to hospital. All secure.

Good. Just what he wanted to hear. He’d rather have been in the middle of the action but given the lovely bundle in his arms and stirrings of emotion for a woman after all this time, well, that was something else to enjoy. He quickly texted back a simple message that they were waiting out the elements before continuing their progress.

As he hit send, he watched the circle just continue to spin. The message was going nowhere. He put his phone away and rested his head back. He figured they had another hour or so of walking. Waiting for the weather to let up wasn’t going to hurt. Especially given her energy levels.

He’d just give himself a few moments too.

Footsteps jolted him awake. The gray early dawn surrounded them. Not quite dark and not quite morning. Senses alert, but his muscles relaxed, he heard someone walk ten feet to the left. Had someone from his team come after him? That was a surprise. Something must be up.

Except the footsteps were off to the side, and continuing. His men wouldn’t make that mistake. Did they know for sure there weren’t more gunmen? He narrowed his gaze and waited. Or were there? They’d taken the gunman down, and said all secure. Did that mean they had the two men in custody as well?

But…were there more?

What about Barry? Was he a part of that mess? At the time Markus hadn’t been sure. And hadn’t wanted to take any chances so left him in the pump house. With the others captured he’d figured the authorities could figure out his involvement. If they’d found him…

The footsteps were just close enough he wanted to slide down lower. The blanket he had wrapped around them was metallic. Hard to avoid. And noisy as shit when moved. Not good. He waited… The footsteps slowed. And approached.

“Well, there you are.” And the old man gave him a wide tooth stained grin.

Jake. Of course.

S
he woke to
low voices. But she was still tucked securely against Markus’s chest. She didn’t want to return to reality if it meant moving. He was very snuggly. Not that he’d appreciate her saying that. She opened her eyes to see Jake, Mary’s father, speaking with Markus.

“My girl is fine. But I heard you were out here looking for the little one, so I came to make sure all was well.”

“She’s weak and tired but unharmed.”

“Good. The cabin has been emptied out now. Mary is home and resting. She’s upset about Boomer.”

“Is he going to be okay?”

“Not sure. Doesn’t look like it. Skull fracture. He’s in a coma. His prognosis isn’t good, but they are keeping a close eye on him.”

Markus shifted under her cheek. How sad to think that Boomer could die from this. How unfair.

She lifted her head and stared at Jake. “Hello, Jake.”

“There you are.” He squatted down beside her. He had a low brim hat and a heavy hunting jacket keeping him dry. She really had been unprepared for a race in the wild.

She smiled and dropped her head back down again. “Thanks for coming out and looking for me.”

“Couldn’t leave you out here alone, now could I? I figured this guy wouldn’t have any trouble, but when neither of you showed up again I figured I might have to come and rescue the military man too.” But the snigger in his voice belied the seriousness of his words.

Markus snorted. “I don’t think that’s going to happen.”

She shifted so she was sitting on the ground and stared around. “It’s barely light.”

“Ha, the sun will be up in no time.”

Maybe it would, but it wasn’t yet and that sucked. Although the longer she looked around the easier it was to see the shapes of the trees. Her eyes just needed adjustment time. Markus hopped to his feet, looking fresh and awake as if he’d slept eight hours. She, on the other hand, felt like someone had squeezed her through an old wringer washing machine and hung her out to dry. Her legs ached and her stomach…

It growled as she stood up stiffly. But there was no way she was going to ask for another power bar. Only she didn’t have to as Markus had pulled out another one and handed it to her.

She grinned and ripped it open.

“How can you eat those things?” Jake asked. “You need real food.”

“I’m starving. So they taste wonderful.”

Giving her a sad look he shook his head. “No wonder you’re skin and bones. Nobody can live like that.”

“Well, I tell you what, when we get back I’ll be happy to eat as much real food as I can.”

He snorted. “You’re going to need to find a place. With Boomer hospitalized, the diner won’t be open for a bit.”

“And that means I don’t have a job either.” She stared up at the lightening sky and sighed.

“Enough of Alaska?” Markus asked with humor.

She turned to look at him, realizing maybe it
was
time to move on. “Maybe,” she admitted softly. “Maybe it is time to go home.”

There was a weird ping and Jake looked at her funny, then fell to his knees.

And collapsed onto his belly and didn’t move.

*

Markus grabbed Bree
and shoved her to the ground behind the fallen tree they’d been leaning against. On the ground he checked Jake. He was alive but unconscious. He’d been shot, the bullet grazing his head. Enough to knock him out but not shattering his skull.

“Oh my God, oh my God.” The litany of low shocked whispers sounded behind him. Markus grabbed his phone even as he moved to stop the bleeding. This was not good. No reception… He dragged Jake to lie in front of Bree.

“Press here.” He placed her hand over the wound. He grabbed Jake’s cowboy necktie and folded it up as a pad, tucking it over the wound, then tied it tight around Jake’s head. Using a knife, he cut away a strip of Jake’s shirt and used the fabric to bind the wound. Head wounds always bled a lot.