* * *

“How’d it go with the families Logan, did you reach everyone?” I stepped up beside him as we headed the rest of the way to the cottage.

“I had to do a lot of talking to keep them from coming here. Beyond that, they all know something, I’m sure of it.” He looked back to see where the others were.

“I’m sure I don’t have to tell you that it’s not a coincidence that all these girls are the daughters of the men whose names we just saw in those codes in the CO’s little surprise book.”

“Nope, and Kelly’s already made the connection. I guess we wait until the admiral gets here and see what the hell he knows, unless the old man left anymore clues lying around for us.”

“Good luck with that. Once I told each of them who we were, they clammed the fuck up. This is some heavy shit we’re dealing with here brother. But before we get into that. She the one?”

I should’ve known he wouldn’t let it go for too long without getting into my shit. I’m positive that it was only because of the situation that it had taken him this long, him and the others.

I had yet to hear from them and Ty hadn’t really gotten started on my ass yet with his shit, not that I was looking forward to his brand of fuckery.

“Looks like.” Did the others feel this infantile when the rest of us were ragging them about their new relationships?

I felt like a teenage boy who got caught with a pocketful of condoms or some shit.

“Fucking Mad Dog’s daughter. That’s all we need around here. Fucking reinforcements.”

He said it with a laugh in his voice so I didn’t take offense, besides, hadn’t I thought the same thing?

“It’ll be interesting around here that’s for sure.” Ty’s nosy ass was eavesdropping as usual.

“When hasn’t it been interesting around here brother? shit. You remember Con after the great fall?” Zak got them going and I just listened as my brothers gave me their blessing in their own special way.

If there’s one thing about us, we never question each other’s choices. We trust one another to understand that it wouldn’t just be as simple as one of us marrying a woman, that that woman would have to fit into our family.

So far we’ve been lucky. “I think she’s going to be perfect. I’m happy for you brother.” Dev clapped my shoulder in congratulations but I knew him well enough to catch the strain of longing in his voice.

I didn’t forget that only this morning we’d been discussing this shit, or what he’d said. “You’re next brother, I held up my end of the bargain.”

He opened his mouth to argue but Lo, who seemed to think he could dictate every aspect of our lives put paid to that.

“Of course he’s next. It wouldn’t be complete without him taking the plunge. We’re a team, that’s what the fuck we do.”

Of course everyone had to have their say once it was realized that Dev was the only one among us who hadn’t been snagged.

Lyon of all people was the voice of reason. “Leave him alone, if there’s one thing I know about this love shit, it’s that you can’t escape it. You can’t force it either. When the time is right Devon, you’ll know trust me.” Sounds about right to me. But he wasn’t done there.

“Just prepare to never have a moment’s fucking peace for the rest of your life. She’ll grab you by the balls and as much as you try to convince yourself that you’re still the same man you always were, that you’re in charge of shit.”

He shook his head here, serious as a judge. “You’re not brother. She owns your ass because for the rest of your life everything you do will be about her.”

I can’t be sure, but I think even Lo was listening to him now. There was a note of truth to his words and I’m guessing we were all thinking, if this guy could cave, then what chance did the rest of us have?

“Then when you finally settle into accepting your fate, she brings in ringers aka daughters and you my man are totally and completely fucked. Don’t get me wrong, you’ll still walk talk and look like you, but the jig is up.”

Dev looked at the others for confirmation and to a man they were all nodding their heads. “Well shit Lyon, I’m not sure if that’s an endorsement or a warning.” Dev tried to laugh it off but he looked spooked.

“It’s neither soldier boy, just the plain truth. I can tell you this though, love doesn’t make a man weak like some would have you believe. In fact it’s quite the opposite.” He looked back at Zak’s place where the women were hanging out.

“I don’t imagine there’s anything I won’t do to keep them safe. I’m stronger in here and here, now that I have them.” He pointed to his chest and temple.

“Damn Colt, say it ain’t so.” Ty started his shit.

“What’s that Tyler?”

“You’re bitch made too.” The jackass shook his head in fake wonder as the rest of us cracked up.

It was a nice little change from the last few hours. Insults were shared and the guys took turns getting into my business, giving me their version of what to expect next.

Anyone watching us would have no idea that we were in the middle of hell. I’m accustomed to this easy repartee with my brothers but never shared it with anyone else.

Now we’d added four new members to our crew who’d been so easily accepted. Who knows if we’d have found each other had it not been for this evil we were caught up in the middle of?

But I was sure that when this was all over, we would be in each other’s lives forever. Is this her influence I wonder?

Did my heart softening enough to let her in open me up to this way of thinking? I have to say I never once gave a shit about such things.

I thought it prudent to get my ass back on track before I made a fool of myself. Fucking Ty can scent blood in the water.

The last thing I need is for him to see a chink in my armor. “What’s the plan? What’re we doing with them?” I indicated the door to the cottage where the men were being held.

“Not sure yet. They’re still not talking but now that the women are out of the way I’m thinking we can get them to open up a little more.” Lo’s face had lost the soft playfulness of the last few minutes.

“Let’s do it.”