Page 83 of Annika's Aurora

“And an expert climber.” Maddie supplied.

“Oh, and did we mention she also fences?” Jolene supplied.

“No shit?” Marcus exclaimed again.

“No shit,” Jolene answered.

“Is there anything you can’t do, Emma?” he asked.

“Dance.”

Marcus gave a bark of laughter. “Maybe you just haven’t had the right partner yet,” he said with a wink, and Emma blushed. Marcus reached out to shake Emma’s hand. “Another fascinating warrior woman.” He placed his other hand over their joined ones and stared at her for a moment, seemingly reluctant to let her go.

David came into the kitchen. “We’re starving. What’s taking so long?” Then after spotting Marcus, he said, “Oh.” He leaned out of the archway to yell to the guys in the other room. “Hey, guys! We’re losing the women to the movie star!” Within seconds, the kitchen had filled up with the rest of the Nighthawks.

Logan, who was technically the host along with Annika, stepped forward to shake Marcus’s hand. “Nice to see you, Marcus.”

“Logan! Damn good to see you up and around. No lasting effects?”

“Nope. I’ll be back in fighting shape in no time.” Logan walked over to Annika and took her hand. “Can’t thank you enough for what you did for Annika and Suzanna,” Logan said gratefully.

“Hell of a woman you got there, Logan,” Marcus said with a wink for Annika.

"Couldn’t agree more. ‘Though she be but little, she is fierce.’”

“Ah, I see she’s got you quoting now as well. And Shakespeare too, good choice,” Marcus teased. “But I bet your fierce Annika has a better quote she’s just itching to share.”

Annika felt the blush heat her cheeks. “I must admit one did pop into my head. Something from Ariana Dancu. ‘She made broken look beautiful, and strong look invincible. She walked with the universe on her shoulders and made it look like a pair of wings.’”

Everyone was silent, as the words hung in the air around them, until Jolene gasped. “That was beautiful. I’m gonna enjoy having you around, Annika. I’ve learned so much already.” Everybody laughed and Logan gathered her into his arms. When his lips touched her forehead and held there, she closed her eyes, reveling in his love.

“You are a fount of literary brilliances and I look forward to garnering more renowned wisdom from you.” Marcus looked around at all the curious faces. “I know you are all wondering why I’m here. Well …”

“Nuh-uh,” Jolene cried. “Not until after we eat! Everybody who is not cooking, out!” Everybody laughed. The men all wandered out of the kitchen except for Marcus.

“Can I help?” he offered.

“Aww, bless your heart, but no. I’ve got this down to a science. Go out and enjoy a beer with the boys.” She shooed him out into the other room.

Later, after everyone had their fill of Jolene’s splendid food, Marcus stood to address the group. He pulled a flash drive out of his jeans pocket and placed it on the table in front of him. “Rough draft,” he said. Marcus had been after Graham for months asking to make a movie about him and his Nighthawks. It was only last month that Graham had agreed with a few stipulations. The Nighthawks would have final say on the script. A Nighthawk would act as technical director during filming. And most importantly, Marcus Rayne would go through all the training the Nighthawks could teach him.

“Go easy on me,” Marcus continued. “It’s my first try at scriptwriting.”

Everybody stared at the tiny device sitting on the table. “Who’s going to read it first?” Natalie wondered.

Graham turned to Annika. “What do you say, Annika?”

“Me?” She was stunned he’d ask her to read it first. After all, she was the newest member of their group and didn’t know much about search and rescue.

“You’re our word guru. Have at it.”

“If you’re sure,” she looked uncertainly around the group. All were nodding their heads. “All righty then. I guess I’ll go first.”

“Perfect. Next order of business. February first, I will be available to start my training.”

“Good,” Graham said. “Emma will be your training instructor.”

“What?” Emma exclaimed.

Marcus looked at Emma, a curiously fascinating expression of pleasure on his face. “Perfect.”

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