Chapter 37.

The next couple of days were pretty uneventful. Dr. Paul wouldn't leave Mrs. Franklin's side, to Ryleigh's relief. She found out that he was indeed an MD, regardless of what Julianna had indicated. She also found out it was Mrs. Franklins wish to spend her final days at home and Ryleigh couldn't find anything, besides Julianna insistence on PT, that was out of the ordinary or causing the old woman any harm.

She spent those days giving Mrs. Franklin therapeutic ma.s.sage and talking with Dr. Paul. It seemed to be helping, or at least making Mrs. Franklin more comfortable, so Dr. Paul allowed her to continue working with the poor woman. During that time, Ryleigh got an earful about Julianne from Dr. Paul. To say he didn't like her was an understatement. Ryleigh found out that Mrs. Franklin's will had been very precise: if she died before her 86th birthday then all her money went to her daughter, but if she died after that then it would all go to charity. Why anyone would put themselves in that kind of danger was beyond Ryleigh, but then Dr. Paul let her in on another secret. Mrs. Franklin also had it in her will that if she died of anything other than natural causes before her birthday, the first person the police were to look at was her daughter, and Julianna was to be cut out completely.

Obviously, Mrs. Franklin was not a stupid woman and knew her daughter well. Ryleigh felt sorry for the old women. She was dying, but the one person that should have been by her side, easing her way, was the one that was trying to get rid of her. Maybe Mrs. Franklin had hoped for something else, but she also knew her daughter well, it seemed.

Julianne was her b.i.t.c.hy self during this time; coming into her mother's room every hour or so to see if the woman was any closer to dying and stomping out when she didn't see what she wanted. That didn't stop her from pursuing Jacks like a bloodhound on the trail of a c.o.o.n. The woman was relentless, always groping and touching, making lewd comments, and inviting him to eat with her. When that didn't work, she started asking him to move stuff for her in her office. Jacks didn't tell Ryleigh all of what the woman did when he went to "help" her, but every time she made her move he would get a cold look in his eyes. Ryleigh knew he was getting to his breaking point, and so was she. The woman p.i.s.sed her off in a visceral way. She could only imagine how Jacks was feeling.

That night in the safety of the shower, Jacks said that they needed to do the download tonight. Julianne said that she and Todd were having dinner that evening.

He said, "If we do it now, we will get his data too. I think he is the brains behind all this. Because if Mrs. Franklin doesn't pa.s.s tomorrow, all h.e.l.l is going to break loose in this place. There are only three guys in security tonight, so we need to put on a show to distract them from the draw. The upload and subsequent downloads will create, and nothing distracts a guy more than p.o.r.n. I pinged Bas and Wyatt to let them know to be ready. Once we start, they will have control over all the systems in the house for a short period. Are you okay with this? It's going to have to look good, Ryleigh. These guys are not armatures. We need to make them think what they are seeing is real. Unfortunately, I don't think I can do that without you exposing yourself, but if we keep it to a minimum, maybe only your back, I think I can control my bear."

Ryleigh wanted to be in Jacks' arms again more than anything, but the thought of having an audience freaked her out more than she was willing to let on. She was not an experienced woman; far from it, and she was about to put on a show of a lifetime. Unfortunately, she didn't think she could do this in an unattached fashion. She wanted Jacks, and she knew he wanted her too. Knowing Jacks would call this whole scene to a halt if she hesitated, she tried to rea.s.sure him.

"I can do it, Jacks, and don't worry about me. Bas and Wyatt will erase any sight of me once they have control of the system. The security guards will only be seeing real time. Wyatt and Bas will prevent them from recording anything."

Knowing it was time to get this underway and help Jack control his bear Ryleigh stated, "I know you will keep me safe, your bear has nothing to worry about. My mind, body, and soul know whom they belong to. Just concentrate on me. No one else exists."

Ryleigh initiated their kiss for the first time. Moving with him into the bedroom, keeping her chest plastered against Jacks, she continued to kiss him deeply. She knew she had him, or thought she had him. The chemistry between them was explosive, but his dominant nature wouldn't allow her to lead; he took over too quickly.

Guiding her to the already turned down bed, Jacks stated "Come on, Baby, under the covers. I don't want you to get a chill."

Ryleigh almost laughed. The sentiment would have been sweet if she didn't know what was really going on.

Pulling the sheet up over them, he started to kiss her again. Rolling over until he was laying in the "v" of her thighs his c.o.c.k nestled oh so intimately when he began to kiss her neck. Ryleigh was lost in a sea of sensations. She had no idea her neck was such an erogenous zone, but apparently, Jacks was well aware of the fact. Following the same path as their night at the temporary base, his kisses and licks moved downward towards her breast, all the while keeping the sheet over them.

Ryleigh could only moan and gasp, much as before. Jacks had a magic mouth; the things that he was doing to her breast made her forget all thought of the guys in security watching. She was already close to c.u.mming. When he took her taut nipple between his teeth, biting lightly then making it better with a little kiss to ease the delightful pain he created, her hips lifted off the bed. He moved down lower on her body, nipping and kissing his way to the place she needed him most, teasing and tempting her with his tongue, but never letting her c.u.m. The man was diabolical in his seduction. When he started moving back up her body, Ryleigh wanted to whimper in frustration. She had never been so disappointed and turned on at the same time. She wanted Jacks between her legs bringing her to completion more than she wanted to take her next breath. Ryleigh was so frustrated that she couldn't breathe. The man had left her hanging right on the edge of what she was sure was going to be the best o.r.g.a.s.m of her life. What was he thinking?

Finally reaching his destination, he rolled her quickly so that Ryleigh was now on top and in the position of power. She wasn't going miss her chance. Jacks came forward, taking Ryleigh's mouth. She started kissing him back with abandon while moving her p.u.s.s.y up and down over his magnificent c.o.c.k, giving it a sticky kiss. She was so wet that she couldn't get the friction she so desperately needed, moving more quickly and erratically. She was so lost in the moment that she didn't realize that she had positioned him so that the tip of his c.o.c.k nestled against her untried entrance. Ryleigh decided right then and there that she was going have Jacks in the most primal way possible. Tilting her hips, she took him even further and when Jacks went to move away, Ryleigh bore down and in one quick move. Jacks was buried to the hilt.

Ryleigh let out a whimper from the pain of breaching her virgin barrier in such an aggressive way. Looking down at Jack's, she knew that he was surprised, and then she noticed the man was p.i.s.sed. Ryleigh knew she had to do something. When he rolled them over once again he just stared down at her disapprovingly. He was going to stop this and not only blow the mission, but humiliate Ryleigh. She tried to rub his shoulders and compel him with her eyes, but he wasn't having any of it. Jacks grabbed both her wrists and pulled them over her head not loosening his grip.

All she could do was plead with him, "Please, please don't stop. I need you, please" she said, lifting her head so she could get to his mouth and she kissed him once again. Pulling back slightly she whispered, "please" for the fourth time. That did him in; he reached down with one hand and he adjusted her leg, pulling it up and spreading it further apart. She voluntarily mimicked the position with her other leg. He started f.u.c.king her slowly; in and out. Ryleigh was lost in the sensations Jacks was creating once again. The pain was gone, and her o.r.g.a.s.m began to build once again. Jacks started pumping harder and faster with his eyes fixated on her. She could see the love in them, but she could also see the hurt. She wanted, no needed, to explain. But that was going to have to wait, and she was going to have to make this up to him in a big way. However, she also felt like this was right; that they were meant to be together at this time in this place. She would apologize for how it happened, but never for it happening, regardless of where they were. She needed this man with every fiber of her being. The connection she had to him from the being was stronger now.

She was brought out of her thoughts when he took her nipple back into his mouth. He bit down lightly and Ryleigh was gone, the o.r.g.a.s.m taking her out of her body. Jacks seemed to have lost his control as well; he picked up speed, and his movements became erratic. That is when Ryleigh got to see the most beautiful sight in the world; Jackson Thorp meeting completion. He looked pained at first but then a peace settled over him that she had not seen on his beautiful face before. His eruption threw her over the edge once again.

When she came back down to earth, it was to find Jacks holding her tightly, and then he whispered in her ear, "You should have told me."

When she tried to respond, all he said was, "No." The man was p.i.s.sed.

d.a.m.n, what have I done? Ryleigh never intended to lie to Jacks, but she was finding out even the little white ones had the ability to have horrible results. She just needed him so badly that she hadn't thought of anything else. She felt terrible, but she also felt wonderful. Ryleigh fell asleep truly sated for the first time in her life. But she knew it had little to do with the s.e.x and more to do with the man that made her feel safe and cherished. She also couldn't help but feel kind of sad. She would explain, and Jacks would understand. They were meant to be and she knew that now, with every fiber of her being. She just hoped he felt the same way. Ryleigh drifted off to a dreamless sleep, safe in the arms of the man she loved. Yes, she loved him and for the first time she wasn't afraid to admit that fact to herself.

Chapter 38.

Jacks was gone when Ryleigh woke up on the third day. She knew that they needed to talk. They had a mission that had to be completed that day. Getting up and getting dressed, Ryleigh made her way to Mrs. Franklins room, knowing she and Jacks would have time to discuss what happened when the mission was over. She just hoped he understood.

Julianne was going to up her game today. She only had until 3 o'clock to make something happen. Otherwise, she was not getting her inheritance, and the woman was like a dog with a bone. No way was she letting a little thing like a natural death derail her plans. That woman would never settle for not getting what she wanted. Ryleigh knew it was now, or never. They needed to get into the safe, and she hoped that's what Jacks was doing. She couldn't be sure since he had been MIA this morning. She had to hope that they were on the same page. Dr. Todd finally made an appearance and ushered Dr. Paul right of the room and the b.i.t.c.h herself made an appearance shortly after that.

"Now listen here you little c.u.n.t," Julianne seethed, "you have about an hour before that meddling old fool comes back into this room, and I want this done. Follow the original doctor's order and hook my mother up to the TENs unit with the protocol that is outlined. I know you need the money, and you were aware of the contingency to your employment was that you would do anything asked of you. I don't understand why you care. She is already more than half way dead so do your f.u.c.king job and finish it. I am going out, and when I get back it had better be done, or you aren't getting anything, you got me. Todd is here to call time of death. Keep in mind that it better be before 3 o'clock, because if it isn't money won't be your only problem, got me."

All Ryleigh could do was say, "yes, ma'am, could you send Jon in on your way out. I need to position your mother correctly to apply the TENs unit."

No way in h.e.l.l was Ryleigh killing Mrs. Franklin, but Julianne didn't need to know that.

"No, I can't send him in he is doing some work for me," Julianne snapped. "Maybe you should take some lessons from your husband, Amy. That man will do anything for a buck. I am going to have lots of them. He might want to say awhile, after all, he told me how much you lacked in the bedroom. He seemed to respond to my skills in that area. Do your job, and maybe I will let him leave with you. I will miss him and that fabulous c.o.c.k of his, but then again, I can get a c.o.c.k anywhere. Men like your husband are a dime a dozen. Maybe next time you should try and pick a loyal one like my Todd next time. They aren't that great to look at, but you only have to blow them a couple of times a month and they think they have won the lottery."

And with a little wave, she was gone.

G.o.d, the woman was such a b.i.t.c.h. Ryleigh was determined more than ever to make sure Mrs. Franklin lived until after 3 o'clock. With Dr. Todd, already in the house, she was going to need witnesses. Hoping Jacks was already working the safe, Ryleigh went to the only untapped outside line in the house, the fax machine, and she called 911. She knew from their prep that it would take approximately 18 minutes for the rescue workers and police to get to the Franklin Estate and an additional five to get through the gates, but that would put the time after 3 o'clock and Julianne's hope of getting her inheritance right out the window. So, she started doing the therapeutic ma.s.sage on Mrs. Franklin counting the minutes as she went along, hoping Jacks was getting the drive because their mission was over.

Then, the worst thing possible happened. Mrs. Franklin coded. Ryleigh started CPR, doing everything in her power to keep Mrs. Franklin alive. She no longer cared what time it was, but doing her best for her patient. Dr. Paul and Dr. Todd came running into the room. Dr. Todd was trying to pull Ryleigh off of Mrs. Franklin, but the man was weak. Ryleigh yelled at Dr. Paul to take over, and the old man did. Taking the TENs and placing it like you would a defibulator, Ryleigh managed to get Mrs. Franklin back right before the paramedics stormed in the door.

Getting out of the first responder's way so they could do their jobs, Ryleigh looked up to see Julianne and Jacks standing at the door. Julianne's face was purple with fury, but Jacks just had that s.e.xy little smirk on his face. Ryleigh hoped that meant he had the drive, but at this point Ryleigh didn't care. They would find another way to get the drive if they had to; she just wanted out of that house. Ryleigh wanted away from the evil and vile people, and she wanted to talk openly with Jacks so she could try and make him understand why she did what she had done The paramedics were loading Mrs. Franklin up to take her to the hospital when one asked, "Are any of you, family?"

Julianne just stood there, so Ryleigh gave the pompous b.i.t.c.h a push.

"Yes, sir that is her daughter, Julianne Franklin," Ryleigh said, pointing at Julianne.

If looks could kill, Ryleigh would be 6 feet under. But the woman seemed to snap out of it and said, "Yes, sorry. I'm just so shaken up."

Her voice broke and cracked, and then she started to cry, trying to get to her mother probably to suffocate her. She put on a good show. Drs. Paul and Todd followed in her wake. Dr. Paul was visibly upset; he cared for Mrs. Franklin. Well, now maybe she would get the care she really needed. With everyone out of the Franklins' house, it was surprisingly easy to get out of the estate. Jacks had made some friends on the security team, and they just let them walk out with their stuff before Julianne could get back from the hospital and delay them any further.

Chapter 39.

Once in the car and on their way back to base, Ryleigh broke. she could not stand the silence.

"Listen, Jacks, I couldn't wait any longer. She wanted me to hook her mom up to the TENs unit and kill her. I couldn't do that and my only option was to get her the help she needed. So, I called 911. That way, they could get Mrs. Franklin out of there. I know you're mad at me, but I didn't have a choice."

"Oh baby, you are right. I am so d.a.m.n p.i.s.sed at you, but it has nothing to do with the mission or the Franklins. It has to do with the fact that you were a f.u.c.king virgin and didn't feel it was necessary to share that information with me. What the h.e.l.l Ryleigh? I could have hurt you. I did hurt you, and you just let it happen. I could have made it special, Ryleigh. You robbed me of that honor. I sure as s.h.i.t wouldn't have f.u.c.ked you for the first time with people watching and cameras rolling. Are you really that selfish? You talk about trust and how you don't trust people easily. How can I trust you, Ryleigh? You failed to tell me a crucial detail. We were going on a mission as a married couple. s.e.x in some way it is kind of part of the cover. You took a moment that could have been special and flushed it down the f.u.c.king toilet. How am I going to trust you in the future when you wouldn't share one of the most important things about you with me?"

"Jacks, it wasn't like that. And it was special. I didn't give a s.h.i.t who was watching because at that moment, it was just you and me; no one else existed. I just needed you and I am sorry I didn't say anything before, but I didn't think we would be making love for the first time on a mission. But, Jacks, I don't regret it. I love you."

Just when she was sure Jacks was going to say the words back his phone rang. Taking a deep breath and turning away, he answered. Ryleigh was saddened by the interruption. She hadn't realized how much she wanted to hear him say those three words back to her. Maybe he just needed time to get over what she had done. She guessed it didn't matter if she loved him or not, Jacks was p.i.s.sed, and nothing was going to change that at the moment. She needed to give him time to process what happened and get over being mad, or worse, get over being hurt by her actions. It was never her intention; she just couldn't help herself. She needed him so badly, but he had a point; she had been incredibly selfish. This wasn't just about her or want she needed or wanted. She needed to put Jacks first, just like he had been putting her first since the beginning. It looked like she had a lot of growing up to do. Taking herself out of her thoughts, Ryleigh tried to focus on the conversation Jacks was having. She could only hear his part, and he wasn't giving anything away. After he hung up, Jacks finally filled her in.

"That was Eli. He said that Cash wants to meet us before we get back to the temporary base at some diner about thirty miles away," he said tersely.

He was still hurt, and Ryleigh decided she wasn't going to try and explain her actions anymore. Grovel, yes, explain no. If he loved her he would eventually understand, and if he didn't then at least the mission was over.

Ryleigh finally asked the question she had been dying to since they got into the care, "Jacks did you get the drive?"

"Yeah, I got the drive. Julianne wanted me to move some files out of her dad's office, so it gave me the perfect opportunity. It's in my bag."

"Cool beans. Do you mind if we make a stop before we meet with Cash? I would like to do something really quick. I know it's not SOP, but I think it is important."

"Sure."

"Jacks, I know you are mad at me, and I understand, but I meant what I said, I know it's quick and I don't understand it myself, but I do love you."

"I love you too, Baby. I'm just not ready to not be p.i.s.sed at you yet. Just give me a little time, I will get over it, but we definitely need to talk. Baby, you can't keep stuff from me, mission or not. Let's get your stop over with. We will meet with Cash and get back to base. Time to put this mission to bed. I think I will be having nightmares about skeletons for a while. You might have to hold me at night instead of me holding you," he joked.

Jacks was upset with how things had played out with Ryleigh. He had been just as caught up in the moment, but he would have never taken her that way, even if he had known she was a virgin. She deserved better, and so did he. He wanted the chance to worship her body. Showing her by touch how much he cared for her and he was determined to have that time. Just as soon as they got back to base. Ryleigh needed to know the difference between a quick f.u.c.k and making love and Jacks was going to show her as soon as possible.

Ryleigh laughed, "No problem, Jacks. I will protect you from the evil skeletons of the world."

Ryleigh could tell that he was starting to forgive her, but she had hurt him, and that hurt her.

After making Ryleigh's stop, they made their way to the diner. Eli told them that Cash wanted to meet at a few minutes early.

Ryleigh kissed Jacks on the cheek and said, "I will be right back. I need to use the restroom."

It had been a long day, and she needed a couple of minutes to process all that had happened. There was something that was bothering her and she needed to bring it up.

"I don't see Cash," she observed. "So, we must have beat him here. I keep on wondering why he wouldn't have called you himself? Don't you find it odd that Eli called for him?"

Jacks seemed unfazed and answered, "Not really. He was probably busy with something."

He didn't let Ryleigh know, but Jacks was confused over the situation. There was no need to make her worry if it was nothing. Cash never set up meetings using a go-between, and he was always early to every appointment that he made without fail. The man even went to doctor's appointments early, and everyone knew that was just an exercise in futility because doctors were always late.

Jacks decided to see what the h.e.l.l was going on, so he punched in Cash's number as he watched Ryleigh walk down the hall to the bathroom. The call went to voicemail, so he texted Cash and then waited a few minutes. When he received nothing back, he tried to call him again.

"Come on, man, what the h.e.l.l is going on?" he murmured.

On the fifth ring, when Jacks was about to hang up, Cash picked up the phone.

Cash screamed, "Are you and Ryleigh okay!"

Jacks could hear the panic in his best friend's voice.

"Yeah man, we are at the diner waiting for you. Eli called and said that you wanted to meet before we got back to base," Jacks said.

"f.u.c.k man, you need to listen," Cash yelled, "get Ryleigh out of there!"

Chapter 40.

"Why Cash, what the h.e.l.l is going on?" Jacks demanded.

"Eli attacked Wyatt and drugged the rest of us. He lit the place up and left us all in there," Cash revealed. "s.h.i.t man, I don't even know why I came out of it. Bas and Dalton are still out. He had to have put something in our food; it's the only thing I can come up with. He has Wyatt's tech to track Ryleigh. If he gets, her we have no way of finding her man. Jacks, he really did a number on Wyatt. The EMTs are working on him now. f.u.c.k, they won't even tell me what going on yet."

Jacks was stunned, and he wondered out loud, "Why would he do this? He has been with us for years, were family." Jacks was already getting up and walking towards the bathrooms, but he had a bad feeling that he knew what he would find when he got there. Ryleigh was gone.

Ryleigh had just walked out of the bathroom stall and was washing her hands when she noticed the shadow in the corner of the room. It took her all of two seconds to recognize the person. Eli was looking at her like she was the most disgusting person on the planet and she knew she was in serious trouble. Her first instinct was to scream. Jacks was in the diner he would hear her, but before she could, Eli had his hand over her mouth and was plunging a needle into her neck.

"You should have listened to me you f.u.c.king mutt," Eli snapped. "If you would have just let me put the IUD in, it wouldn't have come to this, and I wouldn't have had to blow my f.u.c.king cover. For that, you are going to pay," Eli said to her in an angry whisper.

Lifting his hand off of her mouth, Ryleigh was unable to say or do anything. Whatever he had injected into her with was fast acting. The maniac just kept on talking all the while running his hands all over Ryleigh's body.

Groping her breast, he said, "I know just how I am going to make you pay."

With those final words on her brain, Ryleigh was out.

"Cash, you'd better f.u.c.king wake Wyatt's a.s.s up and get him to find Ryleigh right f.u.c.king now," Jacks demanded. "I don't care if he is dying, Ryleigh's gone and I want her back right f.u.c.king now."

Jacks knew he was being irrational, but d.a.m.n, Ryleigh was taken right out from under his nose. He also couldn't get over the fact that one of his men had turned.

"f.u.c.k man, the EMT's have him right now and he isn't doing that well. He needs to go to the hospital," Cash said. "Ethan, Dalton, and Bas are right behind him. They can't help. I am so sorry."

f.u.c.k this. He hung up the phone. Jacks did the only thing he could think of, and that was to call the most dangerous man he knew.

"Senior, Ryleigh is gone," Jacks said, "Eli took her and f.u.c.ked up the rest of the Alpha Team."

"What the h.e.l.l do you mean my daughter is missing?" Senior shouted. "Why the f.u.c.k would Eli take her? He is a part of our team?"

"Senior. f.u.c.k, Ryleigh is my mate. The mission wrapped up, but for some reason, Eli called me saying that Cash wanted to meet before we got to base. Eli screwed us. Senior, please, I need you to call the Holly Group's tech person. She was working with Wyatt on the tracking device that Ryleigh has. Eli took Wyatt's equipment. And s.h.i.t Senior, Eli f.u.c.ked him up bad and he can't help. Please, Senior, I love her I need to find her."

Jack was shocked because he was pretty sure that Senior had just hung up on him. He hadn't expected that. f.u.c.k, the man was supposed to love Ryleigh just as much as he did. Why the f.u.c.k was the old man dismissing him? Jacks wanted to throw the f.u.c.king phone, he wanted to scream, and he definitely wanted to change; his bear was tearing him up. He wanted his mate. Jacks' hands were already transforming. The bear was taking over, and if that happened then Jacks wouldn't be able to find their Ryleigh. With every bit of strength, he had, Jacks pushed back the beast. When his phone rang, the caller-ID said Unknown. With the hope of getting something, Jacks was able to calm the beast enough to answer. He knew that he wouldn't be able to hold him for long, but he had to do everything in his power to find Ryleigh. And that meant staying human. Bears couldn't talk on the phone.

He answered the phone with more of a growl than a human would have. Maybe he hadn't calmed the beast as much as he thought. On the other end was a woman.

"Yeah, Jacks, this to Tory, Declan filled me in on what is going on, and I am pulling up Wyatt's program as we speak," Tory said. "Once I get the tracking enabled, I will forward the coordinates to your cell. We have two operatives currently in the area that I am sending your way to a.s.sist. Declan is going to make sure your guys are okay. The program will run automatically, so get in your car and be ready. I will call you back in five minutes to make sure you are receiving the information. I will also hack your car's navigation unit so that the program can run on it. I can't do that until you are in the car. Otherwise, I would have to hack every car in the vicinity with a Nav system. That will free up your cell for coordination."