Page 26 of Redemption

We spent the rest of the day hanging out and catching up, and their dynamic is really interesting.

Whereas at work Raid is definitely in charge, at home he’s not so serious, and they’re a lot more equal. Which I suppose makes sense because we are the same when we’re at home. Trick isn’t in leader mode all the time at home, although he does slip into it quite often. Seeing Raid be a bit more relaxed is nice. I like it.

Over dinner, which is delicious and consists of steak, potatoes, and salad, Wilder asks about Hunt.

“So, how's it going?” He asks.

“We’re in a waiting game,” Rafe replies, pulling a face to let them know exactly how he feels about this.

Trick clears his throat. “Are you guys on an active case at the moment?”

Raid shakes his head. “No, we’ve got a bit of time off. I requested some simple extractions for a while.”

Saint grins. “Why? Do you need a hand?”

Trick nods. “Maybe. I have a feeling that the final takedown of Hunt is going to be a little more complicated than we hoped.”

“It always is,” Zemi points out.

“True,” Jensen replies.

Raid clears his throat. “You know we’re happy to help. Just let us know what you need.”

“Backup that we can completely trust,” Atlas says bluntly.

Wilder tilts his head. “That sounds like you think that someone at the organization could be a mole? Again?”

Atlas shrugs. “No. But when it comes to Ever, we will take absolutely no fucking chances.”

Zemi raises her eyebrow at me. “You didn’t tell me that you were in danger?”

“I’m always in danger,” I quip and then answer seriously, “I’m not really. There’s only a mild possibility that I could be in danger.”

“Ah, got it,” Raid says. Looking back at Trick, he adds, “We can be an extra set of eyes on Ever, and backup. No problem.”

“Thank you,” Trick replies. “We’ll work out the details properly closer to the time. We’re waiting for a call from Alaric to let us know when Liam has managed to get a meeting with Hunt and when it is.”

“Okay, that sounds good,” Raid says. “I’ll give Mr. R a heads up that we’re on standby for you.”

“Thanks, man, we appreciate it,” Trick replies gratefully.

The table goes back to eating and casual conversations for a moment before I feel a nudge on my leg. At first I think that it’s Atlas, but both of his hands are above the table, and it felt too small to be his leg. When the nudge comes again, I glance under the table and immediately smile. Pushing my chair back, I bend down to stroke the cutest bright white cat ever.

Chapter Nine

Ever

I can say that because Runa is black and therefore the cutest black cat ever.

“Oh, you’re adorable,” I grin as she lets me pick her up and immediately starts purring.

“Huh,” Wilder mutters.

“What?” I ask. “Sorry, was I not meant to pick her up?”

Zemi chuckles. “No, you’re good. He’s just surprised that she let you. She doesn’t like strangers.”

“She doesn’t like me,” Wilder mutters with a pout. “And I am absolutely not a stranger, she’s known me her whole life.”