Page 62 of Braxton

Give her the wide blue yonder and she was content. Or, at least, that’s what she kept telling herself. But it was beginning to feel like a lie.

Leaning against the wall, she took a sip of champagne and let her gaze wander over the group. The Agency was officially gone, which meant Ex Nihilo no longer had a purpose. Sure, they’d all remain friends and family, but Hunter had always felta little disconnected. While they’d been off battling bad guys and hunkering down in safehouses and falling in love, she’d always remained with the jet, alone and waiting to take off. Part of the team, but not fully part of the group.

Most of that group was now on the dance floor, laughing and being silly. Ryland was still recovering from his gunshot wound, but it was practically all healed. He and Harper sat at a table, whispering to each other, and she saw him place a hand over his wife’s slightly-rounded belly. They were so excited about her pregnancy and planning a trip to visit Savannah, Harper’s older sister who lived in San Diego. She ran a wildly popular restaurant on Coronado Island called Charlie’s Place, named in memory of their dad.

That level of intimacy was inconceivable to Hunter. She enjoyed her independence and couldn’t imagine sharing her bed much less her life with someone. Maybe the issue was she’d been single for far too long and she wouldn’t even know how to have a relationship. She’d tried it before and it hadn’t worked out, and failure was something she avoided at all costs.

Feeling more than a little lost, she stood at the edge of the party like the odd man out. Pity, much like failure, was something she did her best to avoid. But, sometimes, the dull throb of loneliness took hold and made her wonder what was wrong with her? Why was everyone else—even surly Saint—able to find someone to love?

Face it, Pyro,she told herself.You’re destined to be alone.

Maybe the sooner she accepted it, the happier she’d be. By now, she was damn good at putting on a smile when she felt like crying. Pushing her emotions down and showing the worlda carefree, tough as nails exterior was what she did. What she would continue to do.

“Pyro!”

Hunter looked over to see Ryland motioning to her. Assuming he felt bad because she was by herself, she walked over and joined him and Harper, trying to paste on her usual grin, but failing miserably.

“You don’t look like you’re enjoying the party very much,” he said, shoving a plate her way. “Have some cake.”

“Thanks.” But she didn’t reach for the fork, just stared down at the white frosting and rose on top.

“I don’t suppose you have some free time right now, do you?” he asked, leaning forward.

“Now that the Ex Nihilo crew is basically retired, I have plenty. Why? What’s up?”

“I just got a call from my sister.” Hunter tilted her head, listening closely. “One of her crew needs help. More specifically, he’s stuck somewhere and needs to be picked up. ASAP.”

“Where is he?” she asked, straightening up.

“South America.”

“Why is he down there?”

Ryland exchanged a look with Harper who paused gobbling down another mozzarella stick. She’d eaten an entire plate of them, claiming the baby loved them. “Well, Addie said he got into some hot water after, ah, trying to steal an emerald. I understand if you don’t want to get involved. I could ask Dash Slater’s pilot—”

“I’ll go.” This was exactly what she needed. A distraction, a mission, a flight to get the hell out of San Francisco and away from all the lovey-doveyness.

“Are you sure?”

“Positive. Get me the specifics and I can get the jet ready right now.”

“Thanks, Pyro, I really appreciate it. And Addie will, too.”

“No problem.” Now that she had a job, she felt better. Having something to focus on, somewhere new to go, allowed her to ignore the loneliness that had been steadily creeping in and taking over. At least for a little while longer.

After a quick goodbye to everyone, Hunter made her way over to where the happily married couple was slow dancing, completely lost in each other. She felt bad interrupting but didn’t want to be rude and just leave.

“Congrats, you two,” Hunter said. “I wish you all the best.”

Brax dragged his eyes off Quinn and shot Hunter an inquisitive look. “You’re leaving already?”

“I have to. Rip just told me one of his sister’s friends is in a jam and needs an exfil. I’m going down to South America to pick him up.”

“He?” Quinn asked with a mischievous smirk.

“Who?” Brax asked, going into protector mode.

She shrugged. “I’m still waiting for more details. But it’s just a quick in and out. Nothing to worry about.”

---