Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out the key and unlocked the front door. He walked in first, scenting the air. When there appeared to be no sign of anyone else inside his house, he allowed Brock to come in. Shaw closed the door and clicked the locks into place before turning on the light.
The warm glow lit up the living room and kitchen.
A rock fireplace stood in the corner of the living room surrounded by a couch and two chairs. There was a soft rug lying in front, and an image of Brock bucked naked in the throes of passion flashed inside his mind. Reaching down, he adjusted his cock before walking past Brock and going into the bedroom. He placed the man’s bag on the bed before heading back into the kitchen.
The small home was only a one bedroom, one bathroom, but it was enough for the two of them.
“Are you hungry?”
“No.” Brock yawned. “Tired.”
“Let me tuck you into bed.” Shaw held out his hand and Brock immediately took it.
He led his mate back toward the bedroom. Once inside, he turned Brock and started slowly stripping off his clothing. He dropped each article to the floor until Brock was gloriously naked. Pulling back the comforter and sheet, he put his mate in bed and covered him. Leaning down, Shaw wrapped his arms around Brock, holding him tight before placing gentle kisses along his face and neck.
“Come to bed with me,” Brock moaned.
“I’ll be back in a couple minutes. I haven’t been here for a while and I need to check on our supplies and make a list. Get some sleep, lover.”
“Wake me up when you come back.” Brock yawned as he rolled over onto his side.
Smiling, Shaw left the bedroom and went out to the kitchen. He looked through all the cupboards, making a list of groceries and supplies they would need. He turned on the sink and checked the water pressure.
Shaw saw a flash of color from the corner of his eye and immediately shut off the water.
Shit, they found us.
Looking around for a weapon, he grabbed two knives off the butcher block and prepared for battle. He didn’t want to hurt his friends, fellow agents he’d worked with for years, but his job was to protect Brock. Dropping to the ground, Shaw made his way around the house, shutting the lights off.
He moved toward the bedroom and checked on Brock. The man was sleeping peacefully, unaware of what was about to happen. Kissing his forehead, Shaw quietly made his way to the front door.
He turned the knob and stepped out into the pitch-black night. The only light came from the moon overhead, but he didn’t need it, not with his senses. Masking his own scent, Shaw went to investigate. He glided around the house, watching each step so not to make a noise. A breeze blew and Shaw lifted his face, scenting the air.
He knew the agent’s scent immediately. It was Max Lumeria, black mamba shifter, and a man Shaw had trained.
Why didn’t he hide his scent?
It was surprising, considering Max was here to confront him and possible finish the job of punishing Brock.
Making his way around the small house, he found Max easily.
This is too easy.
Leaning back against the wooden slats, Shaw looked around, hoping to spot another agent. He wouldn’t be surprised if it was an ambush. When he didn’t pick up any other agents, he went with plan A.
Rushing Max, Shaw shoved one of the knives against the man’s throat and with the other, pushed it against Max’s back.
Max went limp, not fighting, “What’s going on, Shaw?”
“What are you doing here? How’d you find me?” He’d been careful not to leave a single trace.
“Abram knows everything, man.” He chuckled lightly. “Did you really think this place was a secret?”
“What are you doing here?” He repeated the question, putting pressure on the blade at the man’s throat, proving that this situation wasn’t a laughing matter.
“I’m following orders, Iza.”
“What exactly are your fuckin’ orders?”
“Abram sent me to check on you. Your phone’s off. You sent Ranger back to the compound without following protocol. He just wants to know what’s happening.”
“I needed a vacation.” He shrugged, going for casual and nonchalant.
“A vacation, huh? That’s why you have a blade at my throat? I’m assuming the suspect is your mate.” Shaw stiffened at the man’s words. “As if I couldn’t scent the man all over you and a mating mark on your shoulder.”
“How long have you been here?” Shaw asked.
“Just arrived,” he muttered.
“If you came here to cause harm to my mate, I’ll kill you. Don’t forget that I trained you, I know all your moves.”
“Jesus, Iza, calm down. Go call Abram. I don’t know what your problem is, but I’m not here to do anything to you or your mate. Use your senses, I’m telling the truth.”