03-Strength of the Mate (22 page)

“That was a good idea,” Dawson said. “I emailed Noah a sit-rep of last night’s events, but I’m sure the major appreciated seeing and hearing from you, first hand. Are there any questions you have, that the major wasn’t able to answer?”

Adam chuckled. “It’s really strange to hear him called ‘the major’. He’s just my brother. Why don’t you just call him Tim from now on?”

Dawson’s expression became serious. If Adam didn’t know better, he’d think Dawson was scared.

“I doubt that will happen,” Dawson said stiffly. “He’s a war hero. He’s my True Alpha’s commanding officer. He’s the werewolves’ greatest advocate.”

Adam stiffened. He should have seen that coming. Tim inspired awe in almost everyone he met. He started to pull out of Dawson’s embrace.

“Mostly, I’m an enlisted Marine, he is a major, and I shouldn’t refer to him by his given name,” Dawson said hastily, keeping his arms firmly around Adam. He looked worried. “I like your brother,” he blurted. “But he’s not you.”

Adam froze, staring at Dawson in surprise. It sounded like Dawson didn’t think Adam was a lesser version of Tim. That had to be a first. “If you’re expecting a civilian version of my brother, you’re in for a huge disappointment.”

Dawson burst into laughter. The laugh lines at the corners of his eyes and his mouth made him even more handsome. Adam stopped breathing.

“I’m not dumb. Figuring you out isn’t that simple, or that boring.” Dawson leaned close again. He took long, steady breaths as he nuzzled behind Adam’s other ear. “Mmm. You didn’t shower this morning,” he whispered.

“Do I need to?” Adam tried to break the embrace again. He’d forgotten about werewolf senses, and the fact he might reek.

“No!” Dawson replied emphatically. “It’s subtle, but I can still smell us on your skin.”

“Us?” Adam’s brows drew together in confusion.

“Us.” Dawson whispered. He nipped lightly at Adam’s neck.

Another shiver of pleasure raced through Adam’s body when he actually thought about what Dawson meant. His cock stirred as he remembered coming hard that morning, Dawson buried inside him.

Adam swayed slightly as Dawson abruptly broke their embrace. He stepped away with a low growl, resuming his seat behind his desk. “I’m on duty, and my thoughts are becoming very inappropriate.”

It felt good to know someone like Dawson had that kind of reaction to Adam. “We can’t have that,” he said, biting back a smile. “Back to business, I guess. I’m going to head over to our offices. How are things on your end? Are we almost ready to resume the briefings? We need to start the convoys up again asap, before the backlog becomes unmanageable.”

“Affirmative,” replied Dawson, becoming the capable Marine right before Adam’s eyes. “I found it very easy to establish a rapport with Captain Murphy. He and Major Aceves are already back up to speed, this time with the appropriate and optimal regs for the deployment of the werewolves as resources.”

“I’m glad to hear that.” Adam’s mind raced over questions, and potential adjustments, to their standard operating procedures. “Let’s hope we can get the convoys moving in the next day or two. It’ll fuck with missions and operations if facilities start running out of critical supplies.”

“I’ll do what I can to facilitate getting the convoys back on the road.” Dawson picked up a file folder from beneath the binder he’d been reading. “Murphy had me revise the basic security procedures to reflect updated policy. I’ve forwarded them for the major’s approval.”

“I’ll see if Armando is able to get things moving on his end.” He’d recommend it, anyway. Adam didn’t have any real hope Mando would even reach out.

“In the meantime, I want your input on something.” Dawson gestured for Adam to join him behind the desk. “Base Logistics has a couple of double-width bunks in storage. The mattresses on the floor are fine if we’re talking about the occasional ritual. Considering how frequently the convoys come under fire, I anticipate having to accommodate adrenaline spikes several times a week.”

“So what do you need from me?” Adam glanced over the inventory list in Dawson’s hand, without comprehension.

“Any thoughts or opinions on the change,” he replied. “I assume sleeping on the floor isn’t your idea of a permanent arrangement.”

Adam kept his gaze on the inventory list. “I’m fine with whatever. It’s your hooch. I doubt other Marines would be fussy, either. You guys take pride in your ability to rough it.” His laughter sounded hollow to his own ears.

He sensed Dawson tense beside him. Adam felt Dawson’s gaze on him like a physical touch, but he couldn’t meet Dawson’s eyes.

Adam gasped, his heart thundering in his ears when Dawson grasped his throat. He reached for Dawson’s fingers, even though he didn’t have a chance in hell of prying them off. Adam’s fear gave way to surprise when he finally forced himself to meet Dawson’s gaze.

“I marked you.” Dawson’s voice was raw, his expression imploring Adam to believe. “I only marked you.” His grip on Adam’s throat was light, his fingertips subtly tracing the dark purple bruises that Adam knew decorated his skin. “Your opinion is the only one I want on this. You’re the only one sharing my room, my bed, and my body.”

Adam stared, wide-eyed, at Dawson. He swallowed against the sudden tightness in his throat. Dawson’s lavender eyes were bright and clear. He held Adam’s gaze, unblinking, his thumbs brushing delicately over Adam’s pulse. Adam knew it was the truth. He knew it like he knew his own thoughts.

“I don’t mind sleeping on the floor with you. But it doesn’t make sense to have two sets of bedding.” Adam couldn’t hide the tremor in his voice. “The double bunk makes more sense.”

Dawson smiled, his relief obvious. He leaned down, pressing their foreheads together. Adam closed his eyes, letting himself just enjoy the caress of Dawson’s thumbs.

“I’ll requisition everything today,” Dawson whispered. “And you definitely don’t have to wait for a ritual to share it with me.”

Adam was ready for Dawson to kiss him. He moistened his lips in anticipation. The longer he waited, the more he craved Dawson’s kiss. It would be easy for Adam to tilt his head, and press his lips to Dawson’s.

So why didn’t Dawson kiss him?

“I’m glad you stopped by,” Dawson said, slowly pulling back and releasing Adam. “I wish you could hang out with me all day.”

Adam blinked rapidly, struggling to get back onto even ground. “But, we both have work to do. We’re in a war zone, after all.” He snorted a laugh.

To his relief, Dawson returned his smile. He looked oblivious to Adam’s emotional turmoil. “You’re right about that. If you guys need my help to get the convoys started up again in the next couple of days, let me know.”

“Sure.” Adam gave Dawson a brief wave as he closed the door behind him.

CHAPTER TWELVE

The truck lot was a hive of activity. It was controlled chaos. Agent Reyes and the Recon Marines were still picking up intel that the convoys were going to be targeted heavily. They expected ambushes to be more frequent and more aggressive than usual. Major Aceves ordered the security details increased in both size and armament.

There were a hell of a lot more military vehicles being prepped today. Aceves had tripled the number of Marines assigned to protection details. Adam glanced around, seeing nothing but digital camo now.

He strode down the line of parked tankers, looking for his assigned vehicle. A huge red wolf startled him when it ran past. He watched the wolf slow to a jog, turn around, and head back toward him. The giant animal was grinning, his tongue hanging from his mouth, flopping with every stride.

“Jason?” Adam asked.

The wolf barked in reply. He trotted in a circle around Adam, finally falling into step beside him. Each werewolf now wore a brand new ballistic vest. “Rodriguez” was stitched into a large patch, affixed with Velcro to the shoulders of the vest. It was definitely Jason.

“Your new body armor looks badass,” Adam said.

Jason gave his massive body a shake. The armor stayed firmly in place.

“This is us.” Adam gestured toward the tanker just ahead.

He unlocked and opened the passenger door of the cab for Jason. The wolf sprang up onto the seat, sniffing all around the interior. Opening the driver’s door, Adam pulled the gear he needed from inside his duffel before stuffing it behind his seat.

Jason jumped down out of the tractor. He came around to accompany Adam on his pre-mission inspection. These convoys were dangerous enough. The last thing Adam needed was for his brakes to lock, or hydraulics to fail, right in the middle of an ambush. Jason waited patiently on the ground when Adam climbed up to inspect the top of the tanker.

Climbing down the ladder, Adam jumped the final couple yards. He landed easily on his feet. Turning to head for the cab, he almost slammed into Dawson’s broad, camouflage covered chest.

Adam stumbled backward a few inches. “Christ, you startled me.”

Dawson chuckled. His brilliant smile made Adam’s stomach flutter, like he was a teenager with a first crush. Dark sunglasses hid Dawson’s eyes. That disappointed Adam. Not only were Dawson’s eyes expressive, Adam thought they were damn sexy.

“Sorry about that,” replied Dawson. “But I couldn’t help myself. I had to stop and admire the way your ass looked as you came down that ladder.”

Adam’s face warmed. He chuffed an embarrassed laugh, even as pleasure at the compliment flooded his chest. “So, how long has body armor been available for wolves?” He’d always thought it was strange none of the wolves wore protection from bullets. He was sure he remembered Tim making them standard issue in combat zones.

“For nearly a year,” Dawson answered sourly. “Not that Granger ever read any memos, let alone the one telling him how to keep his weres from dying of gunshot wounds.”

From behind Adam, Jason’s angry growl was easy to hear.

“I agree, Rodriguez,” Dawson said, looking past Adam toward the wolf.

“Do I want to know what Noah had to say about needlessly endangering his pack members?” asked Adam.

With a slow, emphatic shake of his head, Dawson silently mouthed the word “no”.

Adam smiled. “I didn’t think so. Anyway, I should finish my inspection so we can step off on time.” Adam gestured toward the rig.

“Step off?” Dawson gave him a teasing smile. “Listen to you, using jargon like a Marine.”

Adam snorted, shaking his head. He turned to finish his inspection, Jason on his heels.

“Are you still traveling at the front of the convoy?” Dawson called.

“Yeah. Why?” Adam walked backward so he could see Dawson.

“Just wondered. Be careful. I’ll see you in Fallujah.” Dawson continued down the line of rigs, his stride looking relaxed.

Adam frowned at his back. Something told him Dawson wasn’t as relaxed and unconcerned as he wanted Adam to think. Was Dawson worried about Adam? It was kind of nice to think he was.

Satisfied with his inspection, Adam climbed up into the cab. The diesel engine started up on the first try. It settled into a familiar rumbling idle. Adam checked all the gauges in his instrument cluster, making sure they were working correctly. All the switches did what they were meant to, the pedals operated smoothly. The rig was ready to go.

Jason leaped into the passenger seat as Adam climbed down. He went through his ritual of putting on his body armor, and stashing his sat-phone in its usual cubby. He tossed his Kevlar onto his seat when the yard supervisor came around to verify Adam had the correct rig.

Minutes later, Adam was in his seat. He settled his Kevlar on his head as the ground crew asked for a thumbs up so he could shut Jason’s cab door. Lieutenant Wilkins ordered Sergeant Brandt to conduct a radio check for all the Marine vehicles in the convoy. After they all answered up successfully, Wilkins hailed Adam.

This was Adam’s first mission as convoy commander, but he was a veteran driver. He already knew what his responsibilities were. His first task was to conduct a radio roll call of all drivers in today’s convoy. They had to make sure the radios were all operational.

Adam couldn’t help being proud of the fact the lead Marines pulled out of the truck yard right on time. There were some convoy commanders who routinely ran hours behind schedule. Adam didn’t need to be told that no one could afford a delay today. Not only that, but they couldn’t afford to drop too far behind the team of Marines who had gone ahead to scout the route.

“Aren’t you tired of riding with me yet?” he asked Jason, knowing he wouldn’t get an answer.

Jason swung his large head around to regard Adam with intense brown eyes.

“My feelings won’t be hurt if you ever want to be part of the advance team.”

Jason sneezed. Adam thought it sounded a lot like a snort. He grinned at Jason’s obvious dismissal of the idea.

“It would be a shame if Borovec and Allen had all the fun, sneakin’ around, lookin’ for insurgents, and detecting IEDs.”

Jason turned in his seat, obviously giving Adam his back. Adam laughed. It was satisfying to be able to fuck with Jason. Especially since he seemed to enjoy Adam’s reactions whenever the conversation turned to the night of Dawson’s Challenge.

Adam’s attention was captured by the increased radio chatter. The Marines exchanged info in rapid transmission bursts. A device was located up ahead. The werewolves picked up several human scent signatures. Everyone’s focus spiked, including Adam’s. He was responsible for the convoy drivers. He was also worried for his friends.

Not that Adam would tell them that. They’d scoff at him for his concern. They were badass Marines, after all.

Adam turned all his attention to the radio, when the Marines announced a controlled det. As they destroyed the first explosive device they found, Adam was pretty sure they were going to come across more. He checked his mirrors and used his radio to tighten up the grouping of the rigs. If they were lucky, the Marines would detect all the IEDs. But there was still a chance they’d roll right into a live ambush.

There was more rapid chatter between the Marines. Adam lost track of who said what. He thought he heard them say they found another IED, but he wasn’t sure. Someone was tracking the scent signatures of several armed humans, but Adam couldn’t tell if that was to the front, or to the rear of the convoy.