Bob helped Joe’s guys secure the perimeter and talked over their plans one more time with John. The wolf Alpha wasn’t as familiar with military lingo as Bob was. Strangely, Bob felt a sort of kinship with Joe and his team. Having grown up with two brothers who were almost legends in military circles, it was easy to fall into old patterns with the lieutenant and his subordinates. Somehow, that was reassuring.

They were up against evil forces and they had no choice but to stand and fight. In fact, they had to take the fight to the enemy, so to speak, venturing into enemy territory to rescue Jezza. With any luck, and perhaps a little divine intervention, they might be able to pull off the rescue without a major battle erupting. That would be best, of course. Jezza knew the most about the enemy at the moment. He had been with them for almost a full day and would have observed his captors’ behaviors, numbers and words. He could be of great help in identifying the key players and strategizing the best way to bring about the group’s downfall—if he was still conscious.

They didn’t even know for sure that he was still alive. He had been when Joe had last seen him, during Joe’s silent reconnaissance the night before. That was no guarantee that Jezza was still among the living all these hours later. Bob knew they had to find out for sure. They were operating under the assumption that this was a rescue mission, but the moment Jezza’s status was confirmed from alive to dead, everything would change.

They had planned for that contingency too. Joe was thorough and Bob was inclined to respect the man. He was proving himself to be a capable leader and he had his men’s loyalty and respect. Bob knew such things were not given lightly among shifters, even with Pack creatures like wolves. Although they loved working, traveling and living as a group, Bob knew they didn’t suffer fools gladly. At the first sign of ineptitude, they would’ve taken Joe out as leader and replaced him with someone better, stronger and more capable.

It didn’t take long to set up camp, so to speak. The military guys were posting a watch and Chico’s electronic net was up and running, making it easier to keep an eye on the perimeter remotely. Bob wanted to stand watch with the rest of the men, but Joe convinced him that he needed to grab at least a few hours of rest before their night mission began.

John was already asleep in the second small bedroom upstairs when Bob crept up to join Serena. The rest of the guys would sack out on the ground floor. The couch was up for grabs as were the two recliners in front of the television and even the sheepskin rug in front of the fireplace. Even as Bob left them, half the platoon was already napping in various spots around the house. Military men knew how to make the most of any opportunity to grab some rest. They knew they needed to be at their peak of performance when called upon, and sleep was a big part of maintaining optimum levels.

When Bob arrived at the slightly larger bedroom of the two on the top floor, he found Serena stretched out under a light quilt, breathing softly. His very own Sleeping Beauty.

He wanted like hell to kiss her awake and then just keep kissing her and loving her until they both found blissful oblivion, but he knew she really needed the rest. So did he. They hadn’t had the most comfortable of nights in the back of the SUV and he knew being on the run took a toll on both the nerves and the body.

He kicked off his shoes and climbed under the quilt with her. She rolled into him, seeking his warmth and he opened his arms to her, a smile on his face. There was nothing like the welcome of one’s mate. How he had lived without her for so long, he would never understand. He thought maybe the only reason he’d survived was that he hadn’t known exactly what he had been missing. Now that he’d found her, he would never let her go. Not in this life, or the next.

 

Serena woke slowly, aware of a feeling of safety and warmth…and a trail of kisses leading up her bare arm. She realized quickly that she was naked under the covers. She hadn’t gone to bed that way, but apparently Bob had taken it upon himself to undress her while she slept. That she hadn’t woken up during the disrobing was an interesting point. It indicated she trusted him so implicitly that none of her self-protective instincts had been aroused by his actions.

“You are so beautiful,” Bob whispered in her ear when he made his way up that far.

His warm breath in her ear made her shiver. The rough skin of his hand stroking her arm sent tingles up her spine. She turned to face him, twisting around so that she was facing him, only to find he was naked too. She felt his warmth against her, the hard evidence of his arousal rubbing against her thigh. She wanted this. She wanted him. If they only had this short time together, she wanted to grab it with both hands and hang on for all she was worth.

“Do we have time for this?” She fought back the mindless desire that threatened to take over. She had to be at least a little practical about this situation. There was danger all around and this calm before the storm could end at any moment.

“We’ll make time,” Bob answered in a voice already gruff with passion. His mouth was only an inch from hers.

She closed the distance, unable to maintain a level head. Desire ruled the moment. Hunger drove them both. The bobcat within her wanted to feel the possession of its chosen mate. The human heart of her wanted to forget the troubles that faced them for a short time and revel in the love of her man.

She knew in her heart that he loved her. The bond between them was strong and had only gotten stronger as time went on. She had been half afraid that coming back to the Cascades would tear them apart, but it had done the opposite. It had made her love him more, if that was even possible.

His mouth was warm and welcoming, his tongue continuing to teach her new things about kissing. She was totally addicted to his kisses now, willing to follow wherever he led in all things passionate. She felt a rumbling against her chest and knew he was purring. A sure sign he was her true mate.

Just as she could make him purr in human form, he did the same to her. She felt the quiet rumble in her chest and knew he felt it when his lips curved upward against hers. He drew back and she could see the smile she had felt. It was knowing. Loving.

Bob’s hand stroked over her hair. “I never knew how it could be between mates.”

“Me neither.” She was more than a little breathless.

“I’m glad you’re a cat. Even if you’re a cute, little cat.”

She knew he was teasing and it charmed her. “I’m only little compared to you, big guy.”

He nodded, still smiling. “As it should be.”

“Sexist pig.” She batted at his shoulder and he oinked at her. She loved this playful side of him. In fact, she loved every aspect of him she’d seen so far and looked forward to learning more about him as they aged. If they had the chance.

“Fluffy little kitten,” he countered, petting her hair, then ratcheting up the intensity as he wrapped both hands around her waist and pulled her right up against him. Oh yeah.

She knew they didn’t have a whole lot of time, despite what he’d said, but it didn’t matter. She was ready, willing and able. Gung ho, in fact. Almost all he had to do was crook his little finger and she was wet for him, ready to go.

She gasped as his hard cock slid against her thighs. He kissed her again, taking the kiss deeper this time. Licking his way downward over the sensitive spots on her neck, he paused at her breasts, paying special attention to the hardened nipples, plucking, stroking and enticing her into an even higher level of excitement.

One of his hands played over one of her breasts while his mouth tugged hard enough on the other to make her gasp with pleasure. His other hand went between her legs and slid into the warmth hidden there, teasing the nub of her desire. She clutched at his shoulders when one of his fingers slid inside her. When he added another finger, her fingers morphed a bit, her fingernails sharpening just enough to leave scratches.

He growled as her hands went to his back and her thighs opened wide, showing him how ready she was for his possession. She didn’t want to wait and thank the Goddess, he didn’t have time to make her wait much longer.

Two fingers slid in and out, evoking even more of a response from her body. She was so ready for him she could have cried. She’d beg if she had to, but she knew his care for her showed in every motion of his body and talented hands. He was taking care of her. Making sure she was truly ready.

“Don’t make me wait.” She gasped, her arms clinging to his back, claws digging in just a little.

He seemed to hesitate, pulling back to look down into her eyes. “I wanted to take this slow.”

“Next time,” she whispered, straining upward to match her lips to his.

He growled as he positioned his hips between her accommodating thighs. Still, he held back, not quite making the contact she so desperately needed.

“I’m sorry we don’t have more time.” The regret in his eyes touched her deeply. “I wanted to see you come again and again before I joined you. I want to give you so much, kitten. I wanted this to be perfect.”

His words and gentle tone crept right into her heart and took up residence. He was showing his care in every motion, every thought, every word.

“You’re perfect,” she reached around to stroke his cheek, letting her sharp fingernails trail into his hair, away from his sensitive skin. “I love you, Bob. That is perfect.”

The change in his expression echoed the love that flowed through her heart. “I love you so much.” His voice trailed off as he moved into position, thrusting deeply in one strong move that made her squeak in surprise. Nothing hurt. In fact, everything was right with her world now that her lover was inside her once more.

It was still new, but it was also achingly familiar. Not the exact sequence of events, but the feelings of love. The emotional ties going from her heart to his and back again. She’d never felt closer to another being. She didn’t think she ever would, and that was okay. This incredible connection was meant for Bob alone. Her mate. Her one true love.

Then he began to move. His gaze held hers as their bodies began to a slow groove…like dancing…naked…in bed. Yeah, her disjointed thoughts probably wouldn’t make a lot of sense to anyone else, but she knew what she meant. She knew nothing had ever felt this good, this perfect, to use Bob’s word.

His pace accelerated and her fingernails sharpened on his back. He seemed to like it and she knew the cat within him didn’t mind. Mating between shifters often got animalistic. In fact, Bob’s hands were digging into the bedding on either side of her head. She wanted to feel them on her skin and she wouldn’t mind if he went clawed. In fact, the cat inside her craved it.

She ran her fingernails down his back and he growled, moving even faster. She was whimpering now, little mewls from her inner bobcat spurring him on as her passion rose higher and higher. She came with a little yowl she tried to suppress, scratching him, which only made him seem more determined to drive her wild. Another climax took her by surprise, followed by another. One long orgasm had her in its thrall for long, long moments as he finally came deep within her, growling and allowing his clawed hands to pull her close.

He crushed her to him while they both shook with the most amazing pleasure. She hadn’t known her body was capable of such a thing. Maybe it was the desperate situation they were in. Maybe it was the threat that this could very well be their last time being together. Maybe it just was the way they were learning each other and the fact that she’d never had sex with her true mate before she met Bob. As they got to know each other better and made love over and over, maybe it would continue to get better.

So far, that had been the trend. Each and every time they’d been together, they’d gotten better at knowing what each other wanted and needed. This time the claws had come out early. She loved the feel of the little pinpricks of his sharp digits against her back. And she liked the way he responded to her scratching. Judging by what had just happened, he really liked it.

“I hope I didn’t hurt you,” she thought aloud. “I didn’t mean to claw you.” Maybe he hadn’t liked it as much as she’d thought in the moment? As her head cleared, doubts came into her mind.

“Hurt me?” He gasped as he disengaged from her body and rolled to the side. Even as he separated them, he kept his hold on her sated body, keeping her close to his side. “Honey, you can hurt me like that any time you want. I loved your little claws. I want to feel them more often. Every day for the rest of our lives wouldn’t be too often for me.”

“You’re sure?” She was worried she’d drawn blood, carefully inspecting her fingers. No blood. Thank the Goddess. “I didn’t mean to get so carried away.”

He leaned in and kissed her cheek, still breathing hard. “I loved it. I love you, kitten.”

A knock on the door to the bedroom broke the blissful silence.

“Time to roll,” Joe called through the door. “That is, if you two can tear yourselves away from each other for a few minutes.” They could hear him chuckling as he walked away.

“I’m going to kill that fucking wolf,” Bob mumbled at her side, sending Serena into a fit of giggles. They were both wiped out by their amazing climax, but they also both knew it was time to get going.

 

Smells wafting from the kitchen drew Bob’s attention the moment he opened the bedroom door. Somebody was cooking and from the quiet clank of dishes and the water rushing through the pipes of the old house, it sounded like the platoon had turned the old folks’ kitchen into a makeshift mess hall.

“Smells yummy,” Serena said, popping up beside him.

He could hear her stomach grumbling, even as his did. Food had been both scarce and cold the past couple of days and he was more than ready for a hot dish of whatever they were cooking up.

When they entered the kitchen, they found half the platoon eating off of flowery china from the kitchen cupboard. One of the men was frying fish on the stove while another was gutting more of them near the sink. Where they’d gotten the fresh fish, Bob didn’t know, but it was likely there was a stream nearby. Apparently werewolves also made good fishermen.

“You guys certainly made yourselves at home,” Serena commented with a raised eyebrow and a smile.

“A soldier needs fuel in his body and ammo in his weapon,” Joe said unapologetically. “When this is all over, we’ll thank the owners of this house properly. If they’re still around.”

“Do you think they’re dead?” Serena looked worried.

“No sign of anything like that, ma’am,” Joe was quick to reassure her. “Could be they just packed up and left when the trouble started. Or maybe they’re on a conveniently timed vacation.”

“Where did the fish come from?” Serena asked, seeming to want to change the subject.

“There’s a pond out back full of ‘em. Looks like the fella who lives here set it up for just that purpose.” Joe stood up. “I’m going to do a final check outside. Sit down and have something to eat. We’ll be moving out soon. The rest of my guys have already eaten. As soon as these guys are done, we’re out of here.”

“What’s up?” Bob asked, not sure what had been discovered since he and Serena went to bed.

John walked into the crowded kitchen at that moment. “The Alpha will fill you in on what we found,” Joe replied. I’ll be back in five and we can discuss the plan of attack.”

John sat down at the table opposite Bob. “There’s a back tunnel into the mine.”

“Where?” Bob was surprised.

“In the basement of this very house. Joe’s guys explored it a bit. It leads to a disused side passage in the old mine.”

“You’re kidding.” Bob was astounded. Was this some kind of trick or was the Goddess smiling on them to put them in exactly the right place at the right time? “Is it safe?”

“We think so. I took a look at the setup. Old Jerimiah is a neat bugger. He had an old map of the mine next to a set of slightly rusty keys and a can of oil down by the locked iron door in the basement. There are a series of heavy doors in the tunnel, each locked. I examined the locks. Looks like nobody has used any of them in years. We oiled the hinges and opened a few to explore. Heavy dust coats everything and hadn’t been disturbed until we walked there. The tunnel structure seems sound enough. It’s shored up with old timbers, but the engineering is thorough and the beams aren’t in bad shape.”

“So we have a backdoor into the mine and the keys to the kingdom?” Serena asked, sounding as amazed as Bob was himself.

“Looks that way,” John answered.

“Do you think it’s a trap?” Bob asked, thinking hard about this startling change in their circumstances.

“It could be, but I don’t think so. Joe agrees, though he’s cautious too. It all looks legit and we think it would’ve been hard to set all this up on the off-chance that we would be here, doing what we’re doing.” John ran one hand through his long hair. “I don’t think the Venifucus expects resistance. They’re probably counting on the bobcat leadership to keep everybody in line and they’ve got my people on the run. They probably think we’re happy just to have escaped with our lives.”

Joe came back in and sat at the only open spot at the small table. John, Joe, Serena and Bob were at the little table. A few of Joe’s guys were perched on counters or leaning against appliances, eating. One was even sitting on the floor.

Plates were set down in front of Serena and Joe with sizzling fish and what had to have been canned green beans borrowed from the kitchen cabinets. The guy at the stove, shut off the burner and began to clean up, putting things away and passing the dirty pots to the guy at the sink. They worked like a well-oiled machine, as if they had done this before. Bob supposed they had. Soldiers lived and fought as a unit, and wolves were Pack animals by their very nature. They worked well in groups—better than cats in a lot of cases.

They ate as Joe sat and unfolded an old, dusty map, placing it in the center of the table. “This was in the basement, near the hidden door.”

“Hidden?” Serena asked, eating daintily.

“Yeah, the door to the mine wasn’t exactly easy to find. In fact, we didn’t see it on our first sweep through the house. It was cleverly concealed behind a false panel. Waldo there knocked on the wall and heard it ring hollow,” he gestured toward the man just finishing cleaning up the stove. Waldo turned, saluting them with a dish towel and gave a lopsided grin before turning back to his work.

Bob looked at the map as he ate, noting the markings for doors, passageways and one particularly ominous marking at the back of one of the larger branches off the main tunnel. That one might come in handy. He was familiar with old mine maps, having been involved with more than a few building projects in California where old gold rush mines were either on or near the existing property.

In such cases, the old maps were carefully studied to see if the old tunnels could be used in the new designs—some shifters liked to have underground dens or escape tunnels. If the building site was meant for humans, the danger posed by the old mine site was also weighed carefully. Redstone Construction wasn’t in the business of building anywhere children of any species might get into trouble.

“Behind the false panel was a little vestibule of sorts,” Joe went on with his informal briefing. “Old Jeremiah had built a small shelf where we found the map and that oil for the hinges. Looks like he had it all set up to use as an escape tunnel but didn’t get the chance when the Venifucus moved into the mine.”

“Suits our purposes to a T, though,” John put in. “If this is viable, we can sneak up on them. They probably won’t be expecting someone approaching from within the mine.”

Bob was looking at the map, turning it toward himself to see if he could read some of the markings a little better. He tried to put his brothers’ lessons to good use, thinking of the setup from the enemy’s point of view.

“If they have any forces in reserve, they’ll probably be either here or here.” Bob pointed to a specific notation on the map. “This sign indicates larger caverns with airshafts.”

Joe cocked his head and narrowed his gaze on the map. “What’s this one mean?”

Bob smiled and he knew it was a little bit of an evil grin. “On the old gold rush maps I’ve seen in California, that’s the symbol for a bottomless pit. There’s probably a barricade of some sort in front of it. If we’re lucky, it’ll be one of those doors we have the key to. Open that and herd any enemies toward it…” He didn’t have to finish the thought as Joe’s mouth turned up in a grim smile. John looked a little more cautious about the idea of herding the enemy to their deaths, but he was still a predator and an Alpha protecting his Pack.

“I sent two men out to do recon,” Joe said after a moment. “They should be back shortly. If things are still as they were when I went up there yesterday, I think the tunnel through the mine is our best way in. They’ve got the front entrance too well fortified.”

Bob finished his meal and handed the empty plate off to the guy still manning the sink. The back door opened and the men who had finished eating went out while two more men came in. The recon team was back and reported what they’d seen. Sure enough, the front entrance to the mine was as heavily guarded as Joe had seen the day before.

Jezza was still in the front chamber, tied to a chair, set up like bait. There was even a spotlight set up to shine in his face—probably both to help interrogation and showcase their prisoner to anyone who might be watching.

One of the men had taken photos with his phone and Serena was able to identify two of the bobcat captors as guys who were definitely couriers for the drug trade. They spent about fifteen minutes revising their plan to utilize the sneak attack from within the mine and then it was time to move.