Page 26 of The Norcross Rescue

Vander jerked. There was no explosion of pain or blood, but he watched Matt’s mouth open in a soundless O. He toppled forward, and Vander jerked his gaze up.

His best friend was striding toward him, handgun outstretched.

Damn, only Saxon could make black cargo pants look stylish. The man always looked like he was about to attend a dinner party.

Behind Saxon, he saw the elevator doors were open. Siv’s lithe form came into view as she rappelled down and unclipped from a rope. A second later, Vander’s younger brother Rhys appeared. When he saw Vander, a huge smile broke out on his face. Then the big, muscular forms of Cam Morgan and Boone Hendrix followed. They were all dressed in black and were carrying M4 assault rifles.

“Looks like we got here just in time.” Saxon held out a hand and Vander clasped it.

His friend pulled him in, and clapped his shoulder. Then Saxon’s gaze zeroed in on Vander’s bloody shirt.

“You okay?”

“Just a graze.”

Rhys appeared and pulled Vander in for a quick, one-armed hug. “I know you hate parties, but this is a hell of a way to get out of socializing.”

“Fuck you,” Vander murmured without any heat. He gave Siv, Cam, and Boone a chin lift. “Thanks for coming.”

His brother pulled a small earpiece from his pocket. Vander took it and slipped it into his ear.

“Nice to hear you’re still all in onc piece,” Ace’s voice came across the line. “Thought you would have blown up the building by now. John McClane would be disappointed.”

Vander snorted. “The night’s still young.”

“Sit rep?” Saxon asked.

“Five are down, including this one.” Vander nodded at Matt.

“Only five left.” Siv made a face. “So greedy, Vander.” She stepped forward and held out his favorite Glock.

He took it, checked it, and nodded. “You can have the last few, except for Wolf. He’s the lead asshole.”

“Hunt was in touch,” Saxon said. “Apparently, these guys call themselves the Wolf Pack. They’ve done some robberies before, but smaller scale. A bank, an ATM, a currency exchange office. This is a step up for them.”

“It’s the end of the road for their careers as thieves,” Vander said. “I just want my wife out safely.”

Boone lifted his chin. “Let’s do this.”

Vander nodded. “Let’s do this.”

“They should have been back by now!” Tiger paced back and forth, anxiety pouring off him.

Wolf glared at the door, his face set in hard lines.

Brynn shifted, trying to relieve the pressure in her back. It was hurting like hell.

Suddenly, a sharp band of pain gripped her stomach. She sucked in a breath and pressed her palm to her side.

It felt like the Braxton Hicks contractions she’d had a few times.

Except stronger.

A lot stronger.

Oh, no. The reality of her situation washed through her. No, no, no.

“Brynn, are you okay?” Kristine asked.