to the University to study,” Caedon paused to gather his thoughts. This next part would be difficult. Eloise continued to stroke her fingers over his palm. The motion was soothing.
“I had spent just two years at the University learning integrated web systems and technology when I was contacted by what was then the newly forming TEU. The Terrorist Elimination Unit is all Breed. It was actually Madden’s father, Valentino, who recruited me. By then, I’d already discovered enough about tracing and hacking and systems design that the CIA — that’s who the TEU reports to — had me on surveillance . The CIA knew I was unusual . I t wasn’t until the discovery was made of the Valendite Breeds , and the CIA’s willingness to keep us undercover , that the connection to me was made.”
Eloise interrupted, “This is a lot, Caedon, and I ’ m not exactly sure I ’ m following it all. What was the CIA ’ s interest in you? And what does any of this have to do with your parents?”
“The CIA has targets it can’t take out without countries going to war and all their political wavering bogging missions down. But the TEU can simply make potential threats disappear before they become a problem, before they can start a war, or bomb another country.” Caedon felt her nod and continued. “You knew what we did, right? Layla had told you?”
“Yes.”
“So it was around this same time that I received a call from my parents’ housekeeper that they had gone sailing the day before and had not returned. Both of my parents were skilled sailors , so it made no sense. Valentino, Lucas and Madden joined me in Pianosa. We investigated. Goddess, we investigated for months,” Caedon lifted a hand to run his fingers through his unkempt hair. “We’d even set up a base there. It was one hell of an investigation. Finally, we found their boat. It had been sold somehow on the black market in Greece to a family who checked out. They knew nothing. And then nothing else ever turned up. It was as if they’d disappeared. I couldn’t stand to be there anymore. I felt helpless, completely fucking helpless .”
Caedon took more deep breaths as he worked to bring down his temper. Eloise continued gentle touches along his arm as he went on. “There was no documentation about what a water death would do to the Valendite Breed , so we decided on the only logical conclusion that they had somehow died at sea.”
“Oh, Caedon,” Eloise turned in his arms then and touched his face, holding it between her hands. “What you must’ve gone through.” Her voice was soft and gentle to hold in all the emotion threatening to overwhelm her.
“It’s not over apparently. Just before Madden met Layla, we received intel on some movement against the Breeds. Lucas and another mission team were sent over for recon. We believe now that somehow a M iddle- E astern group has found information on us.”
“That’s what was behind Layla and Grace’s abduction?”
“Yes. We took out the group that was in the US , but there are likely more we’ll need to uncover. But in the meantime, we have reason to believe my parents are being held by this group. I won’t go into all the details. But, baby, here’s where I need you to be strong for me,” Caedon took a deep breath and looked determinedly at Eloise. “I have to go to Italy and be on-site but I can’t leave you. I need you to come with me.”
Eloise smiled and without hesitation replied, “Yes, Caedon. I’ll go anywhere with you.”
“Oh, baby, you have no idea how good that sounds.” The relief washed over Caedon and his heart felt lighter. The fear in his chest was lost and now he couldn’t remember why he was so worried to tell Eloise about his parents. Why had he ever doubted she would support him? His mate was strong and he needed to remember that.
His phone vibrated on the bedside table where he had placed it. Eloise sat up and draped the sheet across her chest as Caedon reached for
“I had spent just two years at the University learning integrated web systems and technology when I was contacted by what was then the newly forming TEU. The Terrorist Elimination Unit is all Breed. It was actually Madden’s father, Valentino, who recruited me. By then, I’d already discovered enough about tracing and hacking and systems design that the CIA — that’s who the TEU reports to — had me on surveillance . The CIA knew I was unusual . I t wasn’t until the discovery was made of the Valendite Breeds , and the CIA’s willingness to keep us undercover , that the connection to me was made.”
Eloise interrupted, “This is a lot, Caedon, and I ’ m not exactly sure I ’ m following it all. What was the CIA ’ s interest in you? And what does any of this have to do with your parents?”
“The CIA has targets it can’t take out without countries going to war and all their political wavering bogging missions down. But the TEU can simply make potential threats disappear before they become a problem, before they can start a war, or bomb another country.” Caedon felt her nod and continued. “You knew what we did, right? Layla had told you?”
“Yes.”
“So it was around this same time that I received a call from my parents’ housekeeper that they had gone sailing the day before and had not returned. Both of my parents were skilled sailors , so it made no sense. Valentino, Lucas and Madden joined me in Pianosa. We investigated. Goddess, we investigated for months,” Caedon lifted a hand to run his fingers through his unkempt hair. “We’d even set up a base there. It was one hell of an investigation. Finally, we found their boat. It had been sold somehow on the black market in Greece to a family who checked out. They knew nothing. And then nothing else ever turned up. It was as if they’d disappeared. I couldn’t stand to be there anymore. I felt helpless, completely fucking helpless .”
Caedon took more deep breaths as he worked to bring down his temper. Eloise continued gentle touches along his arm as he went on. “There was no documentation about what a water death would do to the Valendite Breed , so we decided on the only logical conclusion that they had somehow died at sea.”
“Oh, Caedon,” Eloise turned in his arms then and touched his face, holding it between her hands. “What you must’ve gone through.” Her voice was soft and gentle to hold in all the emotion threatening to overwhelm her.
“It’s not over apparently. Just before Madden met Layla, we received intel on some movement against the Breeds. Lucas and another mission team were sent over for recon. We believe now that somehow a M iddle- E astern group has found information on us.”
“That’s what was behind Layla and Grace’s abduction?”
“Yes. We took out the group that was in the US , but there are likely more we’ll need to uncover. But in the meantime, we have reason to believe my parents are being held by this group. I won’t go into all the details. But, baby, here’s where I need you to be strong for me,” Caedon took a deep breath and looked determinedly at Eloise. “I have to go to Italy and be on-site but I can’t leave you. I need you to come with me.”
Eloise smiled and without hesitation replied, “Yes, Caedon. I’ll go anywhere with you.”
“Oh, baby, you have no idea how good that sounds.” The relief washed over Caedon and his heart felt lighter. The fear in his chest was lost and now he couldn’t remember why he was so worried to tell Eloise about his parents. Why had he ever doubted she would support him? His mate was strong and he needed to remember that.
His phone vibrated on the bedside table where he had placed it. Eloise sat up and draped the sheet across her chest as Caedon reached for
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