“Yes, no, I don’t know,” Jordan said hoarsely as she looked down at her hands for a moment before looking back up. “I…”
“What is it, Jordan?” Jesse asked again. “Whatever it is we can solve it together. I promise.”
Jordan’s eyes moved to Hunter. “It’s Dagger,” she whispered.
“What about Dagger?” Hunter asked.
“He’s alive,” Jordan said. “He’s alive and I think I know where he is.”
“Jordan,” Hunter said in concern. “He is dead. They found his body.”
Jordan shook her head. “No, they found two bodies that were never identified. They just assumed it was Dagger and Edge but a DNA test was never done to prove it was them. I’ve gone over all the records and reports again and again. I think at least Dagger and maybe Edge got away before their transport exploded.”
“What makes you think Dagger is alive?” Hunter asked.
“I’ve been running scans with Dagger’s name and the word Trivator as a filter. I’ve gotten several hits but I finally found an image with him in it from one of the illegal fight stations,” Jordan said holding up the tablet in her hand. “It’s Dagger. I know it is. Hunter, please. He’s alive. I just know it!”
Hunter handed Lyon to Jesse and took the tablet Jordan was holding out. His face paled when he saw the grainy image. He would know the features of the male in the center of the fight ring anywhere.
“Hunter?” Jesse asked quietly.
Hunter looked at her before turning his gaze back to Jordan. His mouth tightened into a hard line. He glanced back down at the tablet once again.
“I need every bit of information you have, Jordan,” Hunter bit out in a low, dangerous tone. “When was this taken?”
“Yesterday,” Jordan said. “I’ll give it to you but on one condition. I go with whoever goes after him.”
“Jordan,” Jesse whispered in shock.
“Impossible,” Hunter snarled. “It would be too dangerous.”
“I found him once,” Jordan insisted as she reached for the tablet. “If he disappears, I’ll find him again. I won’t lose him.”
“We do not leave any of our men behind,” Hunter reminded Jordan. “We will bring him home.”
“You almost did,” she whispered back. “You all believed it was them but never proved it.”
“Hunter?” Jesse said, holding Lyon against her.
“I will see what I can do, Jordan,” Hunter replied grimly. “Whether that means you go, I cannot guarantee.”
“Just… try,” Jordan begged. “I’ll transfer everything to your console in your office.”
Jesse and Hunter watched as Jordan turned and ran back into the house. Jesse turned to look at Hunter in concern. She was afraid for him as well. If it was dangerous he could re-injure his back.
Hunter turned, sensing Jesse’s fear and smiled tenderly down at her. He shook his head and pulled her and Lyon close to his body, breathing in their calming scent. He could not go even if he wanted. His duties here were too important. He had many people depending on him now.
“I will contact Dagger’s older brother, Trig,” Hunter murmured. “He works to bring down such places. He will want to know about this.”
“Thank God!” Jesse said, curling up against Hunter’s side. “What about Jordan’s desire to go?”
“She is family,” Hunter said. “It is my right to deny that she go due to the danger. She will be upset but she will accept that she must follow my decision.”
“I agree with it being too dangerous, but I think it best if we both sit down and explain why it is best she not go. I think she might be more receptive if she hears both of our reasons and understands why we feel this way. I hope it really is Dagger and his brother can bring him home safely,” Jesse said before sighing as Lyon began to bounce. “I think Lyon is ready for his afternoon swim. I’ll take him while you go contact Dagger’s brother.”
“You are an amazing female,” Hunter said, brushing her hair from her cheek and bending to rub his nose along her cheek. “Has anyone ever told you that before?”
“Maybe once or twice,” Jesse laughed as she brushed a kiss across his lips. “Now, go do what you have to do before I make you remind me just how amazing I can be.”
Hunter watched as Jesse walked down the path to the area set aside for swimming. Their son bounced in her arms in excitement when he recognized the direction Jesse was taking him. Small arms waved in delight and their laughter filled the air.
Hunter smiled as he turned to head back into the house. Now, it was time to find his surrogate brother and bring him home. He thought of Jordan and her tenacious resolve to find Dagger and Taylor’s determination to make Saber live again. All the females in his family continued to amaze him.