Chapter 7

Tracking two subs with little to no outdoor training shouldn’t be this difficult. Back at the safehouse yet again, Quint met Seth’s eyes, shaking his head as his Dom came out at the other side of the treeline.

“Another fucking deadend. It’s like they were walking in circles through the trees, then split up.” Seth raked his fingers through his thick, golden blond hair, glaring at Rhodey who was sitting on the steps, having a leisurely glass of whiskey. “Your men were supposed to be on watch, how the hell did they let Pike and Danny get past them?”

Rhodey’s brow lifted. “Because I told them to.”

That couldn’t mean... Quint gave his head a hard shake. “Excuse me? Sir, I think I must’ve misunderstood you.”

“You didn’t.” Rhodey stood as Dallas strode out of the woods, expression grim. “How’s he doing?”

Brushing bits of leaves off his hair, Dallas let out a heavy sigh. “Still lost, but Keiran’s got an eye on him. He must’ve given Pike his jacket, because he was wearing one when he left. If we’re judging them on survival skills, I’d say they both need some intense lessons.” He held Rhodey’s gaze for a long moment. “You know I trust you, my man, but I don’t like this. I haven’t seen any sign of Avery in a while.”

Glass tipped to his lips, Rhodey raised his brow. “You know damn well Avery’s trained in much harsher conditions than this and so have you and Keiran. Wren and Jamie went through their paces a time or two, their Doms made sure they could manage on their own. This is no different.”

“Wait a damn minute, you’ve had your men on them this whole fucking time?” Seth looked both relieved and stunned. Accepting the glass of whiskey Rhodey held out to him, he took a few long swigs. “Be nice if you’d let us in on it, rather than have us wandering around the woods like fools.” He handed Quint the glass. “Point us in the right direction and we’ll go round them up.”

The edge of Rhodey’s lips curved as he relaxed back against the stairs, resting his elbow behind him, his black T-shirt stretching over his muscular chest. “They left on their own, they can get back the same way. I made sure they weren’t alone so they wouldn’t get in more trouble than they could handle, but as for exactly where they are?” He shrugged. “I don’t have a damn clue.”

“Then I suggest you fucking get one.” Seth reached for his side holster at Rhodey’s laugh, stiffening when Dallas pressed his Glock to Seth’s temple. Before Quint could go for his own weapon and make things real fucking interesting, Seth motioned with his hand for him to stand down. Kept his focus on Rhodey. “You’ve gone too fucking far and you know it. Neither of those subs has the right kind of training. They’ve been out long enough to be scared. They won’t do anything like this again.”

The front door of the house opened, Jared stepping out, his sharp gaze quickly assessing the situation as he came up behind Rhodey. “What the hell is going on here? Are the boys back yet?” He snapped his fingers at Dallas. “Lower your weapon before I end up having to treat another bullet wound, we already have to ration the goddamn medical supplies.”

Exchanging a look with Rhodey, Dallas holstered his gun when the Dom nodded.

Seth took a step away from them, closer to Quint, half shielding him as he’d once done during volatile situations when they’d served together. “Rhodey fucking let them go off and he’s decided to leave them out there until they find their own way back.”

First, Jared blinked at Seth as though he’d spoken in a foreign language. Then he smacked Rhodey upside the back of his head. “Are you out of your damn mind? You’re leaving Danny out there? I had my reservations when I found out you’d made a claim on him, but this is beyond the pale. Get off your fucking ass and go get him.”

Amusement in his eyes, Rhodey tipped his head back until he was looking up to where Jared stood at the top of the steps. “Do you really think this is an appropriate time for foreplay? Two subs are out there and who knows what might be happening to them?”

“Seth, give me your fucking gun, I’m about to shoot him myself.” Jared started down the steps, kicking Rhodey in the side with his heavy boot as he passed. “Dallas, which direction? And don’t you dare look at Rhodey before you answer or I swear to fucking God I will make you suffer for this too.”