of rage brewing in his heart.
“When we first met they refused to introduce themselves or speak to me, so I made up names for them.
My personal favorites were Hickory, Dick and Dock,” Roman looked over the letter.
“Generic paper, no scent, not even of the human who would have delivered this nor the scents from
other mail. This was hand delivered. There’s nothing else to indicate where it came from. Since it was hand
delivered I’ll get Frick and Frack to check the video surveillance,” Roman said, going to his desk and
sending an email to the twins.
“Sir, you needed to see us?” Baptista asked as all four men stepped into the office.
“Ashby will have a guard twenty-four hours a day, including the time he is with me. Post a guard
outside our apartments during the day when we sleep.” Gabriel stood and began to pace behind his desk.
“Sir?” Baptista asked.
“Show him, Roman.” Gabriel said growling. Roman stepped forward and passed the letter to Baptista.
He read it over and his fangs dropped, he released a slow hiss. Montana’s eyes widened.
“It’s a threat that reads ‘ Back off or die,’” Baptista said, thrusting the note into Kurt’s hands.
“The drug ring?” Kurt asked.
“They feel like they are untouchable.” Gabriel looked into the men’s eyes.
“Prove them wrong,” Gabriel said. Baptista nodded.
“Lauri, Kurt, Montana, we’re going to do twelve-hour rotations. Lauri you’re with Montana on tracking
this note down. Kurt you’re with me on protection detail. Dismissed,” Baptista said and the three mountains
left the office. Baptista hung back.
“If they are unafraid to threaten you, what must other covens be going through?” Baptista asked.
Gabriel froze in place and turned to face one of his oldest friends.
“They are scared to leave their homes,” Gabriel said quietly. “We need to find this ring and destroy
them, before anyone else is hurt.” Gabriel slammed his hand down on the wooden desk.
“Gabriel?” A soft voice asked from the doorway. Gabriel looked up and saw his angel standing in the
doorway wrapped up in his penguin blanket, his blue eyes wide. Their earlier argument seemed so trivial
now. Unable to speak he simply held out his hand and Ashby ran forward and wrapped his blanket-covered
arms around Gabriel’s waist.
“We’ll head downstairs to start checking on things,” Roman said, smiling at the way Ashby was rubbing
his cheek up and down on Gabriel’s chest. He didn’t miss the way his prince’s eyes melted when looking at
his mate. He had never seen his prince so open with his affections.
“I’ll be right outside sir,” Baptista said, smiling, and both left the office closing the door.
“What upset you?” Ashby asked, pushing his mate into his leather chair and then carefully climbing into
his lap.
“I received a distressing letter today. The men that I am investigating concerning the drug I told you
about, Shifted Death, have threatened us. They may go after you to get to me.” Gabriel wrapped his arms
around Ashby’s shoulders and pulled him close to his body.
“They won’t get me, you won’t let them. When I became your mate I knew there would be risks, but it’s
worth it to be with you.” Ashby said wrapping his arms around Gabriel’s neck.
“Any risk is unacceptable. Mikhail has been trying to track them down for months. Every time we take
one step forward we are pushed back five. You won’t be safe until they’re dead, but right now there’s no
end in sight. What kind of life is that for you?” Gabriel said, turning his head to stare at the wall of
monitors. Ashby leaned back away from Gabriel’s chest and placed both hands on either side of his face.
Gently he turned his lover’s face and looked up into his eyes.
“Just as any risk to me is unacceptable to you, being without you is painful to me. If it takes the rest of
our long lives to see this through then so be it. I’m your mate and no matter what happens you are my life.”
Ashby leaned forward and gently touched his lips to Gabriel’s. Softly he rubbed his nose back and forth
against his mate’s.
“I’m sorry about earlier, I didn’t mean to upset you.” Gabriel nibbled on Ashby’s lower lip. Ashby
pulled back resting his hands on Gabriel’s chest his eyes looked downward.
“It wasn’t you, it was me. I told you about my ex-boyfriend, Roger, but what I didn’t tell you is that
because of what he did, I have a hard time letting others make decisions for me. Your innocent comment