It was the right thing to say. Horvan nodded. “Once we’re wherever we end up, I’ll be sending Roadkill to pick up Doc Tranter. Maybe he’ll be able to help.”
Hashtag gave him an inquiring glance. “What does the doc know about tigers?”
Roadkill laughed. “See what happens when you miss a briefing?” He leaned toward Hashtag and whispered, “Another shifter.”
“Holy Christ, they’re everywhere.” Hashtag shook his head. “This mission is certainly turning into an eye-opener.”
“I might have an idea where we can take him,” Rael said suddenly. All heads turned in his direction. “I live in Salmon, Idaho. It’s a little place with only around three thousand inhabitants. But I chose to live there because the Salmon-Challis National Forest is right on my doorstep. That’s where I go to shift. But there are cabins in the forest that you can rent. Some of them are pretty big. Plus it’s kinda isolated in places.”
Horvan considered the proposal. “Wherever we change vehicles, we’re talking about a day’s drive to Idaho if we intend avoiding tolls. That works. They won’t be looking for a motor home.”
“They? Who is ‘they’?” Crank inquired.
Horvan sighed. “Someone has gone to a lot of trouble with Dellan. You think they’re just going to let him go?” He shook his head. “I think it’s likely they’ll pursue us. And we have to be prepared for that.” He couldn’t help noticing how Rael’s gaze kept returning to the laptop.
Apparently, Hashtag had noticed it too. “Rael?” When he had Rael’s attention, Hashtag tapped the laptop. “I’m going leave this logged in to their video feed, all right? Anytime you wanna look at it, day or night, it’ll be here. I’ll put my log-in details right by the laptop so you can get back in if it logs you out.” His eyes were warm.
Rael swallowed. “Thanks.” He got to his feet. “I’m gonna make some coffee. Anyone interested? Or do you want to stick with beer?” A chorus of voices clamored for coffee, and he went into the kitchen area.
Roadkill met Horvan’s gaze. “Well, go after him. I might not be his mate, but even I know he’s upset right now.”
Horvan didn’t need telling—Rael’s distress was coming off him in waves. He walked into the kitchen to find Rael leaning against the sink, head bowed. Horvan went over to him and put his arms around Rael’s waist. “Hey,” he said softly. “It’s going to be okay.”
“You don’t know that.” Rael didn’t turn to look at him. “What if… what if we’re too late?”
Gently but firmly, Horvan turned him around. He put his hand under Rael’s chin and lifted that sweet face to look Rael in the eye. “We have to stay positive, sweetheart. We have to trust this is going to work.”
Rael smiled. “I do like it when you call me that.”
Horvan chuckled. “You’re the first guy I ever called sweetheart. And I guess you’ll be the last, with one important exception.”
“Hey, there’s something we haven’t discussed,” Crank called out from the living area. “Something fairly major, so get your bear butt in here.”
Horvan sighed. “Make the coffee. I’ll go see what His Majesty wants.”
Rael laughed quietly. “I do like your friends. They’re good guys.”
Horvan kissed him on the mouth, a chaste, lingering kiss that warmed him. Then he walked back into the living area. “Which bear butt were you referring to?” He unfastened his jeans and turned around, waggling his ass.
“Don’t you dare,” Crank warned. “There isn’t enough room in the whole damn apartment for that ass.” Horvan glared at him, but Crank merely huffed. “I get that Rael will be sleeping with you, but what about the rest of us? Because all I see is one couch.”
“And you can fight it out for who gets it, because the other two will be on the floor. I got plenty of blankets and pillows.” He peered intently at Crank. “Besides, weren’t you the one who was always telling us you could fall asleep on a rope?” Cackles erupted from the others. “Granted, my floor might be a little uncomfortable, but it beats sleeping on the hard ground. Something we four have done a lot of in our past.”
“He’s got you there, Crank.” Roadkill snickered. “And I vote Hashtag gets the couch. He’s earned it.” Hashtag bumped fists with him.
“Fine,” Crank grumbled. “We’ll take it in turns. But I am not sleeping in the tub. Had to do that once after a date, and I swore I’d never do it again.”
Roadkill arched his eyebrows. “Doesn’t sound like it was all that good a date.”
Rael walked in with the tray of mugs. “I’ve been thinking. What if I want to look at the laptop during the night? I might disturb you guys if you’re in here.”
Hashtag smiled. “Then take it with you to the bedroom. I’m not gonna need it tonight.”
Rael’s look of gratitude made Horvan’s chest tighten. Horvan mouthed thank you to Hashtag, who merely nodded.
“Okay, what are we playing?” Crank picked up the pack of cards he and Roadkill had been playing with earlier. “I vote for strip poker.”
Roadkill snorted. “Hell no. You always play to lose, and I for one do not wanna see your dick again. Or your bubble butt, for that matter.” He peered closely at Crank. “You sure you’re not bi? ’Cause you seem awful fond of getting nekkid in front of us.”
In Horvan’s head, Rael laughed, and the sound made him feel a little lighter.
Maybe a game or two is just what we need. You know, to keep our mind off… things. Horvan knew Crank was trying to keep the tone light to help bolster their spirits. He’d worried Rael might be upset by the jocularity from his friends, but it seemed he was concerned over nothing.
No, I’m not upset, not at all. I understand why he’s doing it. I might not show it, but I really appreciate the way he’s looking out for you. Well, us. Rael’s eyes sparkled. As long as I don’t end up naked. They do not get to see my bits and bobs.
Horvan chuckled. But you have such lovely bits and bobs. Then reality hit home. Hey. Maybe I don’t want you seeing their bits and bobs.
Rael’s lips twitched. You forget. I’ve already seen what you’re packing. They can’t even begin to compete.
Damn, that made him feel good.
“Does anyone here get the feeling we’re missing out on something?” Roadkill was regarding him and Rael with obvious amusement. “I mean, please, don’t let us interrupt your mental sexy shenanigans.”
“Yeah, if you two lovebirds wanna go somewhere and… commune, that’s fine by us,” Crank added with a grin.
“I think you mean mate, don’t you?” Hashtag was grinning too.
Horvan rolled his eyes. “Deal the cards.”
Don’t worry. We can commune later. Rael flashed him a smile. When we’re alone.
Horvan knew it wouldn’t amount to more than cuddling and caressing, but damn, that sounded good. You know it. Then Rael’s smile faded, and an image flashed through Horvan’s mind.