Chapter 1267
The ruthless captain of the Elyndorian team-who could launch a two-hundred- pound man across a room and dismiss a Special Forces veteran without a second thought.
She was worlds apart from the sweet, fragile, and obedient sister his family always talked about, the one who needed constant protection after growing up in the backcountry.
He had briefly wondered if they were the same person, just because they shared the same last name.
That Serena was actually his sister.
The stress of the mission must have been frying his brain.
Moments later, the members of the Dragon-Thorn squad arrived like ghosts.
Taking in the scene of unconscious mercenaries groaning on the floor, and then looking at their captain clutching a pink pastry box.
The team exchanged highly amused glances.
“Captain, what exactly p>
Jerrick casually hid the cake behind his back, his expression deadpan. “Don’t ask p>
“Bag them, strip their weapons, and wipe the security footage p>
“They’re evidence against the Prescotts. We’ll need them later p>
Knowing better than to press the issue, his men nodded. “Yes, sir p>
The squad worked with terrifying efficiency.
But by the time they scrubbed the equipment room and emerged into the hallway, the Elyndor delegation had already departed in the luxury vehicles provided by Frederick Moore.
Standing by the backstage exit, Jerrick stared down at the cake, an uncharacteristic silence settling over him.
He still hadn’t managed to see his sister.
Getting an audience with her was proving to be a logistical nightmare.
Just then, his personal phone buzzed in his pocket.
Checking the caller ID, he answered.
“Jerrick p>
Catherine Vinton’s voice immediately demanded, “Did you see your sister yet p>
Jerrick looked down the empty corridor, letting out a defeated sigh. “Mom, there was a sudden situation. I got delayed p>
“I missed her. The team is already headed back to their hotel p>
Predictably, Catherine exploded. “Jerrick Lancaster! What kind of brother are you p>
“Is it really that hard to check on
your own flesh and blood? What did
I tell you yesterday? I told you to make time for her! It’s her first time competing overseas, and berolders brother hasn’t even shown his face p>
“Do you have any idea how much she suffered in the backcountry? She’s so timid. She needs her family’s support out there p>
“But no, you only care about your stupid missions! You can’t even manage a five- minute visit p>
into the tournament. I’ll be around
the
for the rest of the
promise
see her
Pornament. I’ll be
“My current assignment actually ties
Jerrick’s ear stung from the volume, but he didn’t argue.
He just tried to smooth things over. “I know, Mom p>
He glanced at the carefully chosen artisan strawberry petite cake. “When I do, I’ll make it up to her. I’ll get her the best gift p>
Catherine finally sounded a fraction less murderous. “You’d better p>
“And let me tell you, when you finally meet her, you soften that attitude of yours Don’t you dare dive her that intimidating glare.
“If you scare her, or make her feel like this family doesn’t care about her, you’re dead when you come home p>
“Just because she’s sweet and understanding doesn’t mean you can be a careless brute p>
“And keep an eye on her! Severia isn’t home. Don’t let anyone push her around.” “Do you hear me p>
Jerrick stood up a little straighter, responding with military precision. “Loud and clear. Consider it done p>
Satisfied, Catherine issued a few final warnings before hanging up.