“
A tall woman strode over to them, shouldering her rifle. Her helmet hid her hair, but her goggles were up, showing blazing blue eyes. “I’m Valkyrie, the team leader.” She waved a hand at the dark-skinned soldier holding him up. “Doc’s our medic, he’ll see to your leg.”
Rhys didn’t move and the woman’s face turned harsher than the mountains surrounding them.
“Do you have a problem, sailor?” She knew they were SEALs, even without identifying insignia.
“No, sir,” Rhys said. “I mean, ma’am.”
She rolled her eyes before facing Jake. “My team can handle this from here. Get on the bird.”
Jake shook his head in confusion, pain making his thinking slow. “You’re a woman.”
Her voice hardened. “I’m a captain, and you’re done here. This is now my mission.”
“You’re not spec ops.” Jake’s leg might be screaming at him, but no American woman was allowed in special operations.
“We’re better than spec ops,” she said. “We’re E.D.G.E. operators. Now get your ass onboard.” She walked away.
“I think I’m in love,” Rhys said, staring after her.
”
”