#jackdaltonlives

Thicker than Blood chapter one

It took several seconds for Jack to clear away the cobwebs and focus on the watery blue eyes in front of him. Jack furrowed his brow in confusion. Not sure if he could believe what his eyes were telling him. “Mac?” The Delta rasped out weakly. “Yeah brother, it’s me.” Mac answered with a tearful laugh. “Are you real?” Jack's hoarse voice broke on the last word and tears began to well up in his pain filled hopeful eyes. Mac's freshly mended heart fractured a little with that question. It suddenly dawned on Mac that the whole time he had thought Jack was dead he was actually being held captive tortured the whole time. Mac’s stomach plummeted and guilt replaced the grief he had been consumed with. For ten weeks Jack was being tortured and no one knew. No one had been searching for him or trying to rescue him. Everyone had just accepted the news of his death and went on with their lives. “Yeah, Big Guy, I’m real. I’m here.” Warm tears of guilt and happiness vied for control in the younger man. “You ‘kay?” Jack asked, concerned. His partner was usually more stoic than himself. Jack had never been afraid of showing his emotions. Mac on the other hand had been taught that emotions clouded his judgment and showed weakness. Tears streamed steadily down his young friend's face. It worried Jack, making him think that the kid was hurt or something. Mac choked out another laugh that was more like a sob. “Yeah, I’m okay, Jack. Never better.” Mac answered. Jack looked relieved for a moment and then fear shot through his eyes. “Mac, you gotta get outta here!”

He’s hotter when he’s bleeding. Must be something wrong with me

Mac may have had enough of him and Riley may hate him for leaving the way he did, but the safety of his kids would always come first. Just like a true parent, Jack’s love and fierce protectiveness was unconditional. The blindsided look on Mac’s face when Jack had told him he was accepting the Kovacs mission had Jack second guessing. Maybe Mac would be bothered by him leaving. The last thing Jack wanted was to let Mac down. As soon as he had walked out of the War Room those eight months ago, he felt like that’s exactly what he had done. He suddenly had a sickening feeling like he had been played, like Oversight had masterfully manipulated him into accepting this mission. Now Jack was being paranoid. There’s no reason why Oversight would’ve done that. Was there? This mission was really starting to get to him. Everything about it felt wrong. No, the only one responsible for him being here and not there with his kids, was him. Jack scrubbed a hand over his face, in frustration. Jack pushed down the guilt replacing the emotion with anger, anger at himself and all his failings. Moisture gathered in his eyes until a tear broke free and slid down his cheek. “I’m so sorry, kid.” Jack whispered to the cool gentle Croatian breeze.