The Legend Page 23

  “We need a name,” Wyatt said as he wiped the blood from his face with the back of his arm.

  Bobby coughed, blood trickling out of the corner of his mouth. “Give me sanctuary, and I’ll tell you.”

  “How about I give you another bullet?” said the man with the Arctic eyes.

  Cullen shrugged, his lips twisting. “I’m siding with Lev.”

  Wyatt’s gaze met Lev’s, and he recognized another soldier. Wyatt returned his gaze to Bobby. “No.”

  “We’ve been friends for years,” Bobby said. “Please.”

  “You didn’t hesitate to give my position away to the Saints or Ahmadi. Our friendship never came into question.”

  Bobby coughed again. “I’ll give you all the information I have if you’ll spare me.”

  Wyatt looked up at his brothers first. They each reluctantly gave a nod. Maks was even less thrilled with giving his agreement. The Delta team was mixed, and Lev refused.

  Information was what they needed, so as much as Wyatt wanted to get Bobby as far from the ranch as he could, he had to make a deal. “Fine.”

  “Thank you,” Bobby said smiling.

  Lev tsked and moved to stand at Bobby’s feet. Lev’s gaze held not an ounce of warmth. “You tell us what you know, now.”

  “But I’m bleeding,” Bobby said.

  Wyatt started to intervene, but Cullen put a hand on his shoulder and shook his head. Curious, Wyatt allowed Lev to continue to see where it might go.

  “You get nothing until we’re satisfied with the information you give us,” Lev stated.

  Wyatt shrugged when Bobby looked at him for help. “I think you’d better start talking before you bleed out.”

  “Smith,” Bobby hurriedly said. “Andrew Smith.”

  That name had been mentioned earlier to Wyatt. Hearing it again sent his rage to near boiling, but he kept his emotions in check so his friend wouldn’t know. “Who is he?”

  “He’s one of the top men in the Saints,” Bobby said.

  Owen asked, “On the council?”

  Bobby shook his head. “Smith never fails to get a job done. Until today.”

  “Explain,” Wyatt said, narrowing his eyes.

  Bobby wiped at the blood from his lips. “He was here. He approached the Reeds when the Saints wanted their help. Smith also got Ahmadi’s men cleared upon entering the country.”

  “Un-fucking-believable,” Maks ground out.

  Bobby looked up at Wyatt. “Smith hates your father.”

  “Who is this man?” Wyatt demanded.

  “All I know is that he works for the CIA, but Smith isn’t his real name,” Bobby said.

  Owen shifted his rifle to his other shoulder. “What else do you know?”

  “I can get you to Smith,” Bobby said.

  Before Wyatt could respond, an arrow pierced Bobby’s heart, and he took his last breath. Wyatt looked up to find Lev resting the crossbow on his shoulder.

  “He’d told us all that he could,” Lev said.

  Cullen shook his head. “You don’t know that.”

  “Lev’s right,” Maks said. “Bobby gave up everything he knew.”

  Owen let out a long whistle. “We won this battle, boys.”

  Wyatt stood as he watched his brothers hug, smiling and enjoying the moment. He wanted to join in, but he couldn’t. He didn’t know how—nor did he imagine they’d want him.

  Owen looked his way. “What? Not even a smile?”

  “This was merely the beginning,” Wyatt said.

  Cullen nodded, still grinning. “True, and the war stands before us, but we won. Enjoy it, Wyatt. You’re allowed to.”

  “He’s right,” Maks said.

  Cullen motioned to Lev. “Even Lev agrees, don’t you?”

  “I do,” Lev said.

  Wyatt looked between his brothers before he reached for each of them, pulling them toward him. The three stood together, locked in an embrace for several minutes.

  This was a moment he never expected to have, hadn’t dared to even dream about. Being at the ranch had been too painful, and since Wyatt didn’t do anything in half measures, he’d cut all ties cleanly.

  But he’d missed his brothers and the bond they’d shared growing up. He thought he could have it with his team, but it wasn’t the same and never would be. Whether he liked it or not, he needed his brothers and the ranch in his life.

  Wyatt stepped back and rested his hands on each of their shoulders. “The Saints tore our family apart years ago, and we let them. But they brought us back together again.”

  “Yes,” Owen said, his smile huge.

  Cullen asked, “Are we really? A family, that is?”

  “I’d never have known how much I missed this place or any of you if I hadn’t been sent back,” Wyatt admitted. “I lost a lot of years with both of you, but not anymore.”

  Owen’s smile was gone, his dark eyes intent. “And Dad?”

  Wyatt had expected this question. “I found out today my anger should’ve been directed at the Saints all these years. Dad did what he thought was right, having no idea that saving a life would end up costing him Mom’s.”

  What Wyatt was only just coming to realize was that being back at the ranch had torn down the walls around his heart without him even knowing.

  He hadn’t been able to escape any of the memories—or Callie. She had been there, goading him, provoking him to take off the blinders that only allowed him to see hate.

  And when he had, he saw a world he missed. The little boy inside him that had withered away upon finding his mother’s body longed to feel free and happy again.

  When he’d seen his enemies closing in, he was finally able to grasp that at the ranch, with Callie, he was content.

  “I think that’s the most I’ve ever heard you say at once,” Cullen said.

  Owen started laughing, and Wyatt found himself grinning. He shoved Cullen away and said, “Let’s get back to the others.”

  “Yes. I must get Sergei home,” Lev said.

  Cullen began the story of how Lev and Sergei had helped him and Mia against the Saints several times.

  “It looks like we owe you and Sergei a debt,” Wyatt said.

  Lev cut him a sideways look. “I say you do, but no doubt Sergei will call it even. He has a soft spot for Mia.”

  Their conversation halted when they spotted Natalie running toward them. Owen rushed to her where she pointed to the barn and simply said, “Hurry.”

  Wyatt immediately thought of Callie. His tired, hurting body grudgingly pushed aside the pain as he ran toward the barn. He spotted Callie sitting beside Orrin, who was propped up against the side of the building. Yuri was pressing against a wound in his father’s stomach.

  Wyatt looked into his father’s eyes and saw how close to death Orrin was. Kate had a medical kit out and shoved aside Yuri’s hands to look at the wound.

  “Wyatt,” Orrin said as he struggled to breathe.

  Kate looked up. “He needs a hospital. Hell, all of you do.”

  When Orrin held out his hand, Wyatt went to him as Yuri moved out of the way. The amount of blood pouring from his father’s wound was a bad sign, but Kate was moving quickly to staunch it. Lev knelt beside her and offered his assistance.

  “It’s been a while,” Orrin said.

  Wyatt looked at him. “Too long.”

  “There are things I want to say.”

  “No,” Wyatt said with a shake of his head. “There’s no need.”

  Orrin hissed in pain when Kate peered into the wound. “Lay him down,” she ordered.

  Wyatt put his hand on the back of his father’s head and gently moved him so that he was flat on the ground. “It’s going to be fine.”

  “Your brothers,” Orrin said breathlessly, his eyes closing.

  Wyatt called Cullen and Owen over. The three of them stared down at Orrin. The thought of losing him was something Wyatt couldn’t reconcile. His father had always been a strong force, a man who couldn’t
die.

  “You’re going to live,” Wyatt stated. “Do you hear me? We have a war to fight, and you need vengeance.”

  Orrin opened his eyes. “All I ever wanted was my sons back home with me again.”

  “We’re here, Dad,” Cullen said.

  Owen nodded. “That’s right. We’re here.”

  Wyatt frowned when Orrin’s gaze returned to him.

  Orrin fought against the pain and said, “I’m sorry for my part in your mother’s death.”

  “It wasn’t you.” With those three words, all the anger Wyatt had felt against his father dissipated. “We brought the fight to the Saints, but we need you.”

  Orrin looked at Kate. “I’m just so tired.”

  Wyatt saw the way the woman stared at his father. There were feelings between them. His father was giving up, and Wyatt wasn’t going to allow it. “Look at me, dammit. You’re a Loughman. We don’t give up. Ever.”

  His father’s smile faded as his eyes closed. Kate started barking orders, and Wyatt could only watch as his father was lifted and brought down to the base by his brothers, Lev, Yuri, and Maks.

  Mia and Sergei followed them down inside the base as the Delta team fanned out, looking for any survivors. Was he going to lose his father now after finally forgiving him? Surely fate wouldn’t be that cruel.

  He dropped his chin to his chest, unable to move from the weight of everything and his wounds.

  “He won’t die,” Callie said from beside him as she watched them take Orrin away.

  Wyatt looked at her. “How can you be so sure?”

  “Because he’s Orrin Loughman, and there is evil to fight.” She turned to look at him and smiled. “And because his sons have finally returned.”

  CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

  Callie looked at Wyatt, the man who had protected her from the Reeds for over fifteen years. The man who was bruised and nearly broken because of his mother’s murder. The man who risked his life to save innocents.

  The man she loved.

  There was no denying it now. Not ever again. What an utter and complete fool she’d been.

  “Callie, I—”

  “I have something to say, and I don’t want you to interrupt me,” she said over him.

  The words came in a rush because there was so much she needed him to know. And now was as good a time as any. She carefully lowered herself to her knees to see him better.

  His eyes grew wide when he noticed the blood. “Your stitches.”

  “Can wait,” she stated. “I have something to say, and besides … not only is Kate seeing to Orrin, but you’re bleeding from, well … everywhere.”

  He remained silent, his gold eyes watching her curiously. She had the insane urge to brush back a lock of hair that fell against his temple.

  “I can’t hide the way I feel about you anymore. I’ve done it for too long, and I no longer want to,” she said, swallowing. “I love you.”

  If she thought he might respond, she was disappointed. Then again, it was Wyatt. He kept his emotions close to the vest to protect himself.

  She licked her lips. “For years, I kept recreating a world in my mind with you. Then I pretended I didn’t love you anymore. I knew it for the lie that it was when you returned home. I have no resistance when it comes to you.”

  Her gaze lowered to the ground for a moment. “I know the life you lead. I know the expectations you place on yourself and the constant danger you’re in. But I can’t live without you. I don’t want to.

  “I know what you did for me with my family. Orrin also just told me it was you who found me in the woods that day. All these years, I thought I didn’t matter to you, but you always looked out for me.” She paused and swallowed. “I never had the courage to tell you that I loved you before you left the first time, but I do now. I don’t know if you want me or not, and I understand that you have a life away from here. But I don’t want anyone else. I only want you.”

  He raised a brow when she quieted.

  She put her fingers on his lips. “One more thing,” she said right before she leaned in and kissed him.

  Joy erupted when his arms wrapped around her as he returned her kiss. But it was quickly wiped away when Cullen shouted for them.

  With the kiss ended, she and Wyatt made their way down to the base. She feared that Orrin had died, but when she saw Cullen and Owen standing next to his bed smiling, she knew all was well.

  Then Wyatt joined them. Orrin slept through the reunion of his sons, but there would be plenty of time for catching up later.

  “It was close,” Kate said as she came to stand beside Callie. “We still need to keep an eye on Orrin, but he has something to fight for.”

  Callie looked at the doctor. “You.”

  “I’d like to think so,” Kate said with a smile. “Really, it’s his sons, you, Mia, and Natalie. You’re his family.”

  “Just so you know, we’re a crazy bunch.”

  Kate chuckled. “I’ve come to realize that, and I quite like it.”

  “I hope you stick around, Kate.”

  She looked where Orrin lay in the medical room. “I think I just might. With the way all of you get wounded, you need someone. Now, let’s see to your wounds.”

  Callie looked to Wyatt to find him watching her. Lev was with all three brothers to tend to their injuries. There would be no discussion now about what she had revealed to Wyatt, and with each minute that passed, her heart twisted in fear that she’d lost him.

  She had no choice but to go with Kate, who had an iron grip on her arm. Callie was soon lying on a cot while Kate worked on her wound.

  Her mind drifted as Kate began talking about the various wounds they all had and how impressed she was with the medical supplies and medicine Orrin had in the base.

  Callie opened her eyes when she realized there was nothing but silence. She looked around and found herself alone. Furious at herself for falling asleep, she slowly sat up and stood. She followed the soft voices to find Kate and Natalie sitting with Orrin, who was still unconscious.

  “Did we wake you?” Natalie asked when she spotted her.

  Callie shook her head. “How long was I out?”

  “Three hours,” Kate said.

  Her heart fell to her feet. “Where is everyone?”

  Natalie rose and walked to her. “Cleaning up everything. Mia is flying around the property in the chopper with Sergei and Lev to try and spot anyone who might be Andrew Smith.”

  “The Delta team? Where are they?” she asked, praying they were still around.

  There was a small frown on Kate’s brow. “They left about an hour ago.”

  “But Wyatt’s still here,” Natalie hastily said.

  Though Callie tried to keep the relief from her face, she knew she’d failed. “How’s Orrin?”

  “Stabilized,” Kate said. “He should be fine.”

  “Good. That’s real good.” Callie glanced at the stairs. She had to find Wyatt and get some kind of answer. The waiting was excruciating. “I’m going … to look around.”

  Neither woman said anything as she walked away, and she was thankful for that. Callie reached the top step and looked at the barn that was in need of major repairs. The dead bodies were gone, and much of the debris had been cleaned.

  She walked from the barn and saw Cullen and Owen on horseback, driving cattle back to their pastures. Maks was with them, manning the gates, grinning as he teased the brothers about being cowboys. It didn’t take her long to find Yuri, who was sitting on the porch in a rocking chair with a beer in his hand.

  Yet no matter how hard she searched, she found no sign of Wyatt.

  She wiped the disappointment from her face when Owen rode toward her. He rode as if he hadn’t been away for over a dozen years. Callie put a smile in place as he approached.

  “It’s good to see you up again,” Owen said as he brought the horse to a halt. “Wyatt was fit to be tied that you didn’t stay inside the base.”

  She shrugged.
“Speaking of Wyatt. Where is he?”

  “I’m not sure.” Owen’s smile dropped, and his gaze darted away.

  Which meant that he didn’t want to tell Callie anything. And that could only mean that Wyatt was gone. Again. She shoved down her pain and looked around. “We’ve got quite a mess to clean up. It’ll be slow going for some of us.”

  “We’re all injured in some way,” he said, his smile letting her know he was grateful for the change of subject.

  She nodded, her heart breaking. “We’re lucky to have Kate and Lev.”

  “Kate will stick around, but Lev will stay by Sergei’s side. I doubt they’ll stay long.” Owen glanced over his shoulder. “Take things easy, Callie. I’ve got to get back to it.”

  After he had ridden away, she looked toward the house where Yuri was watching her. She gave him a wave before turning in a circle to figure out what she should do. But her mind was in neutral as she fought to keep herself together.

  Then her gaze landed on one of the trucks. She had to get away for a while. Just until she could get her emotions under control and not cry every time someone mentioned Wyatt.

  She walked to the truck and climbed inside before looking in the center console for the keys. Within seconds, she was driving away to her house.

  Callie blinked away the tears. The drive to the old bunkhouse she’d converted into a house didn’t take long. Once there, she hurried inside, stripping out of her dirty and bloodied clothes once more.

  She cleaned herself up and then curled up on the couch to stare out the window. When the tears came, they came in a flood. She’d honestly thought that Wyatt loved her. Why then had he left without a word?

  It was too much for her already bruised heart. She cried rivers until, blessedly, thankfully, they dried up. Her itchy eyes hurt to keep them open, so she closed them and let sleep claim her.

  She didn’t know what woke her. Her eyes snapped open, and she sat up, looking around. That’s when she spotted the pink and white rose lying on the kitchen table.

  Callie got to her feet carefully so as not to jar her wound and walked toward the table. Halfway there, she saw the rose petals on the floor. Curious, she followed them to the door. She hesitated only a moment before she opened it and found more petals on the porch and down the steps.