Page 53 of Raven's Hunt
She didn’t know where this would go, but for now, she was safe.
The morning dawned late, the heavy clouds blocking any sunshine until nearly nine. Buck woke with a sense of lightness he hadn’t experienced in years, Tierney’s small form tucked against him. She hadn’t moved since they’d drifted off a few hours earlier, her heart slow and steady against his palm.
He closed his eyes, drifting in and out until he woke ninety minutes later, the scent of coffee and bacon drifting in from the kitchen. His stomach growled, and he slipped from the bed, careful not to wake her as he pulled on some sweats and headed for the kitchen.
Dalton looked up from the stove, hair damp from a shower, dressed in jeans and a hoodie. He nodded toward the coffee pot as he flipped the bacon. “It just finished brewing. Creamer’s in the fridge. Sugar on the table. I assume you’re hungry?”
Buck chuckled. “You don’t have to be so smug about it.”
“Just making an observation, brother. Though, I’ll admit, you two have more stamina than is probably wise.”
“Says the man who never sleeps.” Buck poured them each some coffee, studying Dalton for a while before clearing his throat. “Speaking of which, should I be worried?”
Dalton took a swig, handing Buck a plate of bacon and eggs. “About what?”
“Your sleeping habits. Or lack thereof.”
“I sleep.”
“Barely.” He chewed on a piece of bacon, planning his words carefully. “With everything that’s happened over the past several months, we’ve spent a lot of time together, and it’s impossible to miss how little you actually sleep.”
He held up his hand to stop Dalton from interrupting. “I’m not judging. God knows, I’m not in any position to. But I thought it might get better. That you’d start making peace with some of those demons…” He took a sip, giving his words room to breathe. “Can’t help but notice that hasn’t been the case.”
Dalton stared at him, mug in hand, eyes narrowed before he shrugged. “I lost five years of my life. I can afford to go a couple with less sleep.”
“Pretty sure that’s not how it works. Again, not judging. Just making sure you’re not in a bad place, brother, because I’ve lost enough buddies over the years. Don’t want to miss the signs.”
Dalton tapped his fingers on the table, mouth pinched tight. He didn’t speak for a minute, staring everywhere but at Buck. “I’m good.”
“Eric…”
“I’m not saying that I don’t have issues. That some missions don’t resurrect a lot of bad memories. And I know I’m nowhere close to being normal, but… I didn’t survive all that time in that shit hole, to pack it in now.”
Buck nodded. “Okay. I just hope you know that you’re not alone. That if you ever need anything, and I mean anything, all you have to do is ask. No questions. No hesitations.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” He sipped his coffee, finishing off half his bacon before leaning back in his chair. “So, you and Tierney. About time you two finally made it official.” He arched a brow. “You two did make it official, right? This isn’t just a one-off? It’s the start of forever?”
Buck snorted. “God, I hope so. I mean, I think we’re on the same page, it’s just…” He blew out an exasperated breath. “I don’t know where we go from here. While I love her cabin, I’m not sure it’s the safest option after all that’s happened. Especially, if there’s some operative out there itching to finish what Pike failed to do. But my RV doesn’t exactly scream, welcome home.”
Dalton placed his elbows on the table and leaned forward. “Have you considered that maybe you’ve outgrown that thing? Don’t get me wrong, it’s served you well over the years. Was what you needed in order to survive the initial trauma. And it would make a great mobile response unit. But maybe it doesn’t feel like home, because it was only ever supposed to be temporary. That you need something more… Permanent. Like Nick and Sloane. Somewhere on the outskirts, but not so isolated you need a full-time security squad just to sleep at night.”
“Squad? Brother, all I’d need is you.”
Dalton tipped his mug at him. “Now, you’re just being mean.”
“The truth hurts sometimes. But I think you’ve got a point. Which I’m sure you’ll enjoy reminding me of on a daily basis.” He chugged more of the coffee as he looked around the loft. “I’m surprised Nick isn’t breaking down the door, demanding more intel.”
Dalton chuckled. “Avery’s keeping them all busy trying to wrap up Pike’s dark-web hunting club. Apparently, it’s a mess. Though, she told me to tell you that she has something for you, and that she’s put out a few feelers… Hopes to have more information for you soon.”
Buck nodded, noting the way Dalton’s eyes darkened a bit at the mention of Avery’s name. How his entire demeanor changed — his muscles tensed, a hint of a smile replacing the previous scowl. How he shifted on his seat as if he couldn’t quite sit still.
Buck pushed back his chair, staring at his buddy. “So, you talked to Avery. Didn’t realize you two chatted.”
Dalton shrugged it off. “Occasionally. Why?”
“Please, even I can tell she’s interested. Has been since she helped out Rowan months back. Why do you think she keeps hanging around?”
“Because Sloane’s her best friend.”
