Chapter 18
Travis
The morning sun cuts through the windshield as I steer the sedan down a winding dirt road, the city’s concrete jungle an hour behind us.
Miles is in the passenger seat, his backpack on his lap, Bean inside and along for the ride too of course.
Miles is in a light sweater and jeans, the tracker still tucked in his waistband, but his eyes are bright, curious, darting to the dense forest closing in around us.
A Guard safehouse is our destination—a large cabin deep in the woods, a sanctuary where we can regroup, plan, and keep him safe for the weekend.
After yesterday’s action—both romantic and mission—I’m more determined than ever to protect him, even if it means risking everything. The flash drive he swiped from Knox’s office is in my pocket now, a ticking bomb of intel we need to crack open.
And I’ve got just the right comrades to break the flash drive codes it with.
The cabin comes into view, a sprawling log structure nestled in a clearing, surrounded by towering pines and a rushing creek.
It’s rugged but deliberate—two stories, with a wide wraparound porch, solar panels glinting on the roof, and reinforced windows that hint at its true purpose. The exterior’s weathered cedar, blending with the forest, but inside it’s all function: a command center with encrypted comms, a stocked armory, and enough supplies to withstand a siege.
There’s a fire pit out front, a stack of chopped wood, and an outdoor shower area shielded by a wooden fence for post-mission cleanup. It’s a fortress disguised as a retreat, and it’s where Cole, Max, and their boys are waiting.
We pull up, gravel crunching under the tires, and Miles’ eyes widen.
“This is… cozy,” Miles says, a teasing lilt in his voice. “For a bunch of mercenaries.”
I chuckle, cutting the engine.
“Don’t let the vibe fool you, Little,” I say. “This place is built for war.”
Cole and Max are on the porch, their boys—Richie and Billie—lounging on a swing, sipping juice from sippy cups.
The boys spot Miles and squeal, bounding over as we step out.
“You must be Miles!” Richie says, grabbing his hand. “Come play! We’ve got a whole astronaut setup inside!”
Miles glances at me, a mix of excitement and uncertainty, but I nod.
“Go on, darling boy,” I say. “Have fun. I’ll be close.”
Miles smiles, letting Richie and Billie pull him toward the cabin, their giggles echoing as they disappear inside.
I watch the boy go, my chest tightening. He fits here, with them, his Little side shining, and it’s doing things to me I can’t ignore. I’d hoped for this response from him, and to see it happening how I’d hoped means I can focus on the mission alongside my brothers in arms.
But not before we settle a little business of our own…
Cole claps my shoulder, his lean frame relaxed but his eyes sharp.
“Ready for a hike?” Cole asks. “Up to the peak. Clear our heads, talk strategy.”
Max, broader and rougher, grins, hefting a weighted backpack.
“Let’s see if you old guys can keep up,” Max laughs. “Especially you, Joker…”
I smirk, grabbing my own pack.
“You’re on,chump,” I laugh.
We strip off our shirts, the morning air cool against my skin, and head into the forest, the trail steep and rocky.
