Jetta - Raven Kennedy Page 0,87
says, clearly not lost in this conversation like I am. “Because we have a problem.”
Three more male enforcers walk in, obviously having heard him. They all take on defensive, focused expressions.
“What happened?” Jericho asks.
“Stinger just called. He and Igor got run off the road.”
“What?” all four of the enforcers say at the same time.
Hugo nods grimly. “They took Reese.”
I’m on my feet before I even realize I’ve moved. “Who fucking took Reese?” I demand.
“Stinger confirmed mongoose scent,” Hugo says, still speaking to the enforcers.
They all share a look. “What do you want us to do, Alpha?”
Hugo doesn’t hesitate. His eyes flick over to Jericho. “You said we found her?”
Jericho nods. “She’s here. Joseph brought her in.”
“Good. Then she can come with us. I’ll explain things on the way.”
“We’re going in now?” one of the other enforcers asks.
“As soon as Igor contacts me with a location. Mobilize all the enforcers, except leave a few to stay behind to watch the perimeter, just in case this is a diversion tactic.”
The male nods and rushes out, apparently to go issue orders. The others part for Hugo to pass, and then follow behind him as he goes outside, his phone already ringing again.
“I want everyone ready to go on my order. The second I get the call with a location, we’re rolling.”
“Got it,” someone else says before rushing over to the compound’s gate, where the enforcer building is.
“Wait, what’s happening?” I ask, hurrying to catch up.
One of the males turns. I don’t know his name. “You’re Reese’s roommate, and the word mongoose doesn’t mean anything to you?”
I blink over at him, taking in the clear disapproval on his face.
You ever have a moment of clarity—of seeing yourself through someone else’s eyes, without all your excuses and perceptions, and realize, wow, I’m a really fucking shitty person? Yeah, I’m having that enlightening moment right now.
“No, it doesn’t,” I admit, feeling contrite.
He and the others shake their heads and scoff, clearly unimpressed.
“Yeah, okay, so Jetta’s not Miss Goddamn Susie Sunshine Talks-A-Lot,” Jericho suddenly cuts in, moving to walk beside me. “Don’t be dicks.”
They all look at him with surprise. Hell, I’m looking at him with surprise. I’m not used to people defending me. That’s something Cliff could never do in front of the other troupers or Kaazu without giving us away, and I’m too much of a bitch to earn loyalty like that from anyone else.
The enforcer mumbles an awkward apology as they all branch off, leaving Jericho and I alone.
I give him the side-eye. “Susie Sunshine?”
He shrugs. “It’s the most opposite thing from you I could think of.”
I bite my lip to hide my smile. “Hmm,” I say, all too aware of other enforcers looking at us curiously as we walk together. I switch back to the topic at hand. “Alright, tell me what’s happening.”
Jericho goes straight into enforcer mode. “Stinger and Igor brought Reese to sniff around the place she was kept in captivity to pick up any scents. Her old alpha is a mongoose,” he says with emphasis. “Apparently after they left, their car was run off the road and Reese was taken. Igor and the others are tracking her. We have to be ready to leave the second we hear word on her whereabouts.”
God, I am so shitty.
All those times Reese tried to talk to me, to relate with me by sharing stories of her circumstances, and I just shut her down. All because I was selfish enough to justify all the reasons I needed to stay disconnected.
“So...all of you are leaving to go get her back?” I ask.
“Of course.”
Of course, he says. As if this is the norm. I’ve been around plenty of shifter packs over the years to know that it’s not. A prey pack rat being taken? That’s not something a normal alpha would use pack resources on to get back.
“I’m coming,” I say firmly.
Jericho’s black brows draw together. “Jetta…”
“I’m coming,” I repeat, leaving no room for argument.
Jericho sighs. “Goddamn it, female, why are you so difficult? You’re not a pack enforcer.”
“Don’t care,” I reply. “Reese is my roommate, and I’m one of the best fighters here. So I’m fucking going, and I don’t need anyone’s permission.”
His arm shoots out, his fingers hooking around my arm as I’m suddenly pulled in chest-to-chest with him. My breath catches before I can stop myself from reacting, and my stupid, needy vagina starts palpitating like a faulty heart.
Jericho looks down at me, his dark eyes smoldering as he leans in, brushing his