Primal Law (Alpha Pack #1)(83)

So Kalen was in. That was news, but Jax thought he'd fit in well. Whether their boss would offer a spot on the team to A.J. remained to be seen. He was human, after all.

Put in his place, Aric flushed and nodded. "Yes, sir. Sorry, witch."

"Sorcerer. Witches are female," Kalen said stiffly, expression pissed.

"Hey, couldn't tell through all the makeup. My bad."

Nick closed his eyes briefly as though he was getting a headache, and then returned his attention to group. "Tomorrow morning is soon enough to head out. Both teams, come by my office before you leave and get the city maps showing the NewLife buildings and the structures around them so you can plan where to set up surveillance. Check in with me daily whether you see anything or not. Questions? Good. Scram."

As the others guys filed out, Jax approached Nick. "Is there anything specific you want me to do while I'm hanging around here?"

"Yeah." His boss gave him a smile that seemed sad for a moment. "Get to know your mate and recover your strength. Life's too short to spend it working all the time."

Jax stared at him for a moment. It was so odd, the way he said that. But the weird feeling passed and he shrugged. "I can do that. And hopefully by the time we're ready to move, I'll be at full speed."

"I'm sure you will."

Turning, he walked to the door where Kira waited, and took her hand. "Back to the living room?"

A seductive smile curved her mouth. "Suddenly I'm not interested in television anymore."

"I love your devious little mind. And you look so sweet on the outside, too."

"It's part of the disguise."

"Let's go somewhere private so I can strip it off."

Laughing like teenagers, they stumbled to his quarters and practically fell inside, leaving a trail of clothes to his bedroom. He made love to her until they were exhausted and sated, and fell asleep wrapped in each other.

He awoke in the night, heart pounding, terrified by something. Not a nightmare, but what?

Shadows. The awful sensation of falling.

But the bedroom was quiet, only the gentle sounds of Kira's breathing next to him. Her warmth snuggled in, where she belonged.

It was nothing. Spooning, he pulled her close.

They were together, and he wouldn't let anyone tear them apart.

Holding Chup in her lap, Kira giggled, thinking if she could sell tickets to this show, she'd be rich.

Watching shifters, a handful of humans, and a faery play football-correction, make that attempting to play football-was the funniest damned thing she'd ever seen. The shifters weren't half-bad, though, and it was a good thing the NFL didn't know about them. Humans would never again stand a chance in the world of sports.

Mac blocked A.J., who tried to tackle Nick, the quarterback for her side. Nick drew back his arm and fired the ball at Sariel in the end zone. His pass was way too high, but the Fae prince spread his azure wings and leaped, catching the ball and floating to the ground in an impressive move.

"Flag!" Aric yelled, pointing an accusing finger at the receiver. "That's cheating, ass**le!"

Sariel arched a brow and spiked the ball. "Whatever works."

Kira busted up laughing and got a glare from the redhead, but she couldn't help it. The whole thing was hysterical: Sariel strutting around like he'd won the Super Bowl and Aric pissed as hell, his competitive nature coming to the fore. She should've felt bad and would have if the red wolf wasn't such a pain in the butt. He had to learn to take it if he was gonna dish it out.

Jax playfully ruffled Aric's hair. "It's just a game, man. Lighten up."

"You lighten up." His friend swatted his hand away and stalked off to rejoin the game.

They watched him go, and Jax shook his head. "That guy's a trip. Always has been, even in the military."

"I can't imagine him being disciplined enough to last in the SEALs," she commented. "He's got a great sense of humor that comes through, but most of the time he's so snarky and sarcastic."

"Well, on that score he's changed a lot," Jax said quietly. "But then, we all have."

"I can only imagine." Her stomach lurched, but she put it down to being reminded of what had happened to Jax and his team.

Clearing his throat, he changed the subject, she suspected, before sadness could dampen the mood. "Don't know what we're going to do with all these displaced shifters, not to mention Sariel. Before long, we'll be running a home for wayward outcasts of the supernatural world."

They both looked to the Fae prince, who was still cheating at football, him and Nick against the doctors and Aric.

The idea had merit and she looked at Jax, wondering what he'd think when he learned she was way ahead of him. "So? Why not?"

"A home for paranormal outcasts? For real? You're kidding."

"No, and what's wrong with that? You guys go out and destroy the dangerous, evil creatures, but what about the good ones? You've already got the holding cells for those who need rehabbing, the clinic for sick ones, extra apartments, and now the personnel starting with me and Sariel."

"Why do I get the feeling you've already discussed this with Nick?"

"Because I have." He didn't appear particularly happy, and she bit her lip. Her stomach lurched again, and she started to feel hot.