Page 149 of Blake

“I’m not saying it’s not possible.”

Blake’s back teeth clenched together. “It’s more than possible, and you damn well know it.”

Emmett didn’t have time to respond before Lincoln approached.

“Warrant’s been signed. I was able to get some local officers here, and they’re ready to secure the surrounding roads. We’ve got authorization to enter and search for Devon.”

Blake felt something loosen in his chest.

Finally.

Emmett straightened. “Let’s get everyone together.”

The briefing took less than ten minutes. Emmett outlined the team’s responsibilities while Lincoln coordinated with the officers supporting the operation.

Jethro would remain in his overwatch position, keeping watch on the entrances and any movement outside the building. Draven and Emmett would lead the approach with the officers. Gwen would handle any specialized entry problems, and Lucas would offer backup while also remaining prepared to provide immediate medical assistance, if needed.

Blake would stay with Lucas until the building was secured enough for him to enter, which he hated. But he’d promised to follow orders.

As the team began moving toward their vehicles, Gwen closed in on Lincoln.

“Try not to get in my way, Boone,” she quipped with a smirk.

“Funny.” He glanced at her. “I was about to say the same thing to you.”

She flipped him the bird with a sugary-sweet smile.

“Winslow,” Emmett called her name.

“Coming.”

Blake watched as she headed that direction. Even Gwen’s usual confidence seemed tempered tonight. She’d taken Devon’s kidnapping personally.

They all had.

“You ready?” Lucas stepped beside him.

Blake looked toward the building. “No.”

A part of him—the very biggest part—wanted nothing more than to rush in there and find the woman he loved. But the part he had to forcefully set aside so he could focus was terrified of what he’d find once he got inside.

“Good answer.” Lucas nodded. “Anyone who tells you they’re ready for something like this is either lying or they haven’t thought it through.”

Blake’s gaze slid the man’s way. “You always this encouraging?”

His friend grinned. “Only with my favorite patients.”

Despite the situation, he felt the corners of his mouth twitch with the urge to smile. He looked away, his pulse pounding. The pain in his side had worsened, but he pushed it away.

Somewhere inside that building, Devon might be fighting to stay alive.

He needed to believe that was true. That she was in there right now, and that she was okay.

Even more than that, Blake needed to believe he’d get another chance to hold her. To tell her he loved her, and that he wanted to spend the rest of his life making her laugh.

Emmett’s voice came through the radio. “Echo Team, move into position.”

Blake drew a slow, steadying breath.