Ghostwalker 09 - Ruthless Game

Kane. I had my ‘sisters’ when I was young, but even then we were often kept apart and used against one another. I’m learning as I go along, and I’m counting on you to help me with that. I’l do my best for Sebastian. I’l love him and I’l protect him, but quite frankly, I’ve never cooked a meal in my life. You’re going to have to give up your dream of the wife having dinner waiting for you.”
    She leaned forward and brushed her mouth over his. “I don’t want to disappoint you, but I can only be who I am.”
    He wrapped his arms around her and drew her onto his lap, cradling her close with a wry smile. “I suppose I could always be the girl and stay home.”
    Her eyebrow shot up. “Girls stay home?”
    “If I lied, would that count?”
    She nuzzled his neck. “No. I’m your woman. Al of me, Kane, and that includes the soldier. My advice is to learn how to cook if you don’t already know how.”
    He was happy just holding her. Maybe a stay-at-home mother wasn’t as important as he’d first thought. “Fortunately, I’m a damned good cook.”
    She kissed him.

CHAPTER 13
    Rose liked Paul Mangan right away. He looked very young with his freckles and his wide-eyed innocence. It was more than obvious that he was of Irish descent. He looked a bit awkward and blushed every time he snuck a glance at her. He was tal and slender, with fine hands, almost delicate. She couldn’t imagine him as a soldier, let alone him going into combat. While Javier Enderman looked young and could easily pass for a teenager, he had a steely strength about him, and if one looked into his eyes, there was no way they wouldn’t feel a chil go down their spine. The kil er was in those cold, flat, very hard eyes. But Paul ... He was altogether different. He just didn’t look like he belonged in the Marine Corps, let alone have Special Forces training as wel as what it took to become a GhostWalker.
    Don’t underestimate him, Rose, Kane cautioned as he came into the room.
    She couldn’t imagine that Paul could possibly see to the health of her child. He barely looked her in the eye, but the moment Kane walked into the room, he seemed entirely different. Rose frowned, watching the boy—no—man. He was definitely a man. His face changed very subtly, which told her part of what she saw was an il usion. She knew al about il usions; she could change her looks subtly or even blatantly if need be. Paul obviously had the same ability to a lesser degree, but why would he need to do so there in the safety of Kane’s home?
    She studied him as he shook Kane’s hand and turned toward her for an introduction, nearly bowing, blushing redder than ever.
    “It’s nice to meet you, ma’am.”
    Can he even shoot a gun? She careful y avoided looking at Kane, afraid she’d laugh. “Nice to meet you too. I understand you might be able to look Sebastian over and tel us if he’s truly healthy without his blood leaving our home.”
    His father is Sergeant Major Theodore Griffen. He grew up shooting guns. I doubt that the military would have ever been his thing, he’s a gentle man, probably more like his mother than father, but he has an amazing and coveted psychic talent. Whitney would probably kill us both gladly to get his hands on Paul. No one knows about Paul outside of our team.
    “I can certainly try. Kane, you need to rest more. You aren’t completely healed.” He frowned, his eyes nearly glowing as he stared at Kane’s chest and abdomen, clearly looking through skin, deeper into his damaged organs.
    Tell me about him.
    Rose found Paul fascinating. His gaze was sharp and focused; his entire demeanor changed. There were frown lines around his mouth and brow, and al of a sudden she could see the quick intel igence she’d missed before.
    Obviously he’s a genius, like Jaimie. He graduated from high school at thirteen and holds multiple doctorates in chemistry, math, and something else I can’t remember. He also has a BA in at least three other subjects. His mother is Shiobhan Mangan, an ambassador’s daughter and the current ambassador to Ireland. She kept her last name and they gave it to Paul because when they first were married, Sergeant Major had quite a few enemies.
    She studied Paul’s face. He doesn’t belong in the military. He has too much empathy to kill, Kane. He shouldn’t be around violence.
    No. They put him with us to protect him from Whitney. His psychic ability is ... amazing. But don’t shortchange