Jinx didn’t correct her. It wasn’t a four-legged wolf he’d been tracking. It was Lycos. But that wasn’t a conversation he planned to have.
“As for Zerk,” Raven continued, arms still crossed, “he’s gonna take a piece of you when he sees you again. Just a warning.”
Jinx smirked. “He can try.”
“You know he will,” Rook said, stepping past Raven. The man was quick, yanking Jinx into a brief bear hug before smacking him in the arm with a solid punch. “You missed one hell of a spread. Raven and Phantom cooked, and Viper and Demon made some kind of cocktail from hell.”
Jinx sank into one of the leather seats as Rook flopped into the one next to him.
“The Killer B,” Rook continued, stretching out his legs. “Tequila, vodka, limoncello, simple syrup, and something fizzy. And by fizzy, I mean it barely counted because there was more tequila than anything else by the end of the night.”
Raven laughed. “We had high cover from the elders, so we cut loose. It’s been too damn long since we were all in one place at the same time.”
Jinx didn’t argue. It had been a while. Too long, maybe. But that was the nature of their work. They led fragmented, secretive lives lived in the shadows.
He fastened his seatbelt as the pilot stepped out of the flight deck.
“We’ll be wheels up in five minutes. Do you need a refresher on the galley or your seatbelts?”
“Nah, we’re good,” Rook answered with a grin.
“Cool.” The pilot disappeared back inside, shutting the door behind him.
Jinx turned back to the pair. “What are you two doing here?”
“I’m heading to Mexico,” Rook muttered. He and Raven exchanged a glance, something unreadable passing between them.
“And you?” Jinx asked Raven.
“Venezuela.” She smiled. “Backup. Not that you’ll need any, right? Please say no. I brought three different swimsuits. No tan lines this time.”
Jinx arched a brow. “I just found out, too,” Brando muttered in his ear. The man was getting way too good at predicting his reactions.
“Why?” Jinx asked, focusing on Raven.
“Why do I want a tan, or why did they send me?” She smirked.
“Both. Sun damage doesn’t suit anyone.”
Raven flicked her hand dismissively. “I use sunscreen.” Her expression sobered slightly. “The backup is because you were there before. If you’re recognized …”
Jinx’s jaw ticked. “Almost three years. There are questions about my ability?”
“No.” The response came from both Raven and Brando at the same time.
Raven leaned forward, tapping off her comms, and Jinx did the same.
“You were in deep,” she said quietly. “You lived that life for years. If someone recognizes you, I’m there to finish the job. Your abilities aren’t questioned. That’s why they sent you. You know the players. You know how they think. But memoriesare long, and if your cover is blown or some bastard gets off a lucky shot, I’ll be there.”
Jinx studied her for a beat. Raven didn’t hesitate. She wasn’t there to question his skills. She was there to make sure the mission succeeded.
“And the voice in your ear?” he asked, knowing exactly who it was.
Raven rolled her shoulders. “Ring’s an ass. You’d think he was my father the way he hovers.”
Jinx smirked, glancing out the window as the engines roared to life. Ring cared for Raven. A bit too much, but that was her battle to fight.
It was good to have her along. Backup wasn’t rare these days. The Shadows worked together. They always had each other’s backs.
