CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

“Why do you have to leave?” asked Khloe, watching as Jonas packed his bag.

“Because I love you, and I want to protect you. The only way for me to do that is to get out there and find him. We’ve got good leads on where he might be headed, and he won’t have his father to help him any longer.”

“What happened to him?” she asked warily.

“He’s alive,” smiled Jonas. “I recognize that he was just trying to protect his son, but this is not something he can protect him from. He’s been moved to a federal prison and is placed in solitary. More charges are pending for aiding a fugitive.”

“Well, I can’t say that I’m surprised, but I think it’s all sad. Your wife and children, and now all of their lives will be lost as well.”

“Yes, but they’ll be alive,” said Jonas with a sharp tone.

“Jonas, I’m sorry. I meant nothing by that. I only meant to say that this affects more than just one person.” Jonas took a deep breath and nodded.

“I know. I know, and I know you meant nothing by it. This is how things always happen. People who cheat, lie, commit crimes, they all believe that it doesn’t affect everyone else, but the sad truth of it is, the ripples go further than we believe.”

She nodded, wrapping her arms around his waist and holding on for dear life. He stopped what he was doing to lift her in his arms and took a seat on the sofa.

“I’ll be fine,” he whispered. “The technology that the team has is unsurpassed.”

“You’re not bulletproof,” she frowned. Jonas chuckled, shaking his head.

“Well, not technically, but they have these stealth net vests that work to protect all of us from potential bullet wounds. We’ll be bruised, definitely sore, but we won’t die.”

“Like a bulletproof vest?” she frowned.

“Something like that,” he smiled. “No matter what, I will come back to you, Khloe. We have a life to live together, and I want to start it right away. Marriage, kids, picket fence, all of it.”

“I think we already have the picket fence,” she grinned. “But. Kids and marriage sound like the perfect pairing. I’d like to get practicing on the kids right away.”

“Baby, we will be practicing morning, noon, and night when I return,” he said, sliding a hand up her thigh. A low, rumbling growl emanated from his chest, and she giggled at the sound and feel of it. Kissing her, he stood and zipped his bag.

“I love you,” she smiled.

“I love you more. I know that you will, but please do everything they tell you to do here, okay? Don’t go to the clinic unless someone is with you.”

“I have been charged to help with her,” said the ghost Archibald, appearing beside them. They both jumped, gripping their chests. “My apologies. I didn’t mean to frighten you. Eagle Feather, I, and Tony will be watching over your woman while you are away.”

“Is that possible?” she asked, frowning. “I don’t mean to disbelieve you, but can you hurt someone or stop someone if necessary?”

“We have discovered many new things we can do thanks to this magical place,” smiled the captain. “I will protect you with every fiber of my being.”

“As will I,” said Eagle Feather, suddenly appearing.

“I’m still getting used to this,” grinned Jonas. “Do as they say, and I’ll see you soon.”

Khloe followed him onto the porch, watching as he left with a dozen other men. Georgie and the girls would be returning, while Carl, Aiden, and Ham met the others on the road. She watched as they loaded into the SUVs to meet Doug and Chipper at the airstrip.

“That’s a lot of men,” she whispered.

“About the same as usual,” smiled Dana.

“It’s pretty typical,” said Summer. “I always think it’s overkill, but the reality is it’s why we’re so successful. They’re amazing.”

She looked at the impressive specimens as they loaded their gear and themselves. Carl, Ham, and Aiden were already on the road. Jonas, Sor, Garr, Sebastian, and U-Jin got into the first vehicle. He waved, then the second vehicle with Conor, Rett, Dan, Mike, BJ, Matt, and Jak followed.

“That’s a lot of manpower,” she smirked.

“Damn fine manpower,” laughed Sage.

“You know, when I arrived here as a kid, it didn’t go without notice that all the men and women were beautiful. But the men, they stood out for their physiques as well. Do you think they do something different? Maybe take something?” asked Khloe.

“No. They definitely don’t take anything,” said Finley. “Dan would never put anything like that in his body. Besides, the medical team would never allow it. I think it has more to do with their training and their DNA. I mean, look around you. Their fathers and grandfathers still look as if they could take on an entire platoon.”

“That’s true,” smiled Khloe. “I’ve had a crush on at least ten of them at one time or another.”

“Oh, do tell!” laughed Sydney.

“Hmm, well, I would say when I first got here, it was Wade because he carried me out of that building.”

“That sounds normal,” said Lucianna.

“After a while, I don’t know, things changed. I always thought Skull was this quiet, dark, scary, but ruggedly handsome man. I mean, damn!” she giggled.

The women all laughed, nodding their heads.

“I can definitely see that,” smiled Casey. “I waffled between Tailor, Alec, Noah, and Max. Something about their maturity, body types, and their incredible soft side. I just melted every time I was around them.”

“Same,” smiled Brit. “Falling in love with Aiden was easy, but it was harder to realize that I loved the others in a very different way. The multiples always had me tongue-tied. Wes and Marc, holy shit. Baptiste and Rafael.”

“You can’t forget Joseph and Nathan,” laughed Janine. “Holy cow!”

“Ladies,” smirked Joseph as he walked toward the group of women. “Can we escort you to dinner?”

The girls blushed, staring at all the men they’d just talked about. Marc, Wes, Baptiste, Rafe, Nathan, and Joseph. Behind them were Tailor, Alec, Skull, and Max.

“I can’t believe that this is all a coincidence. You just suddenly show up as we’re having girl talk about our past crushes. Did the ghosts tell you guys we were talking about you?” laughed Khloe.

“Talking about us?” said Skull, acting surprised. “Never. But my ruggedly handsome self would love to escort you to dinner. Shall we?” He offered his arm to Khloe, and she laughed the entire way to the cafeteria as the others followed.

“Just so you know, Skull, I meant what I said. I always thought you were handsome and sweet, just incredible,” said Khloe.

“Just so you know, Khloe, I was always a fan of yours as well,” smiled Skull. “If I’d had a daughter, I would have wanted her to be you.” She stared up at him, tears filling her eyes.

“Now you’re going to make me cry!” From the door of the cafeteria, George stood with his hands on his hips.

“Who’s makin’ that girl cry?”