***
“Still not talking to me?” Ryan reached out to rub Jeremy’s chest.
“I just think you should have at least talked to me before making such a decision,” Jeremy said gruffly. “You’re my responsibility. And I hate that I have to stay back as you walk into danger alone.”
“I’m not alone and you know it.” Ryan got back into the bed and placed his head on Jeremy’s chest. “I really should take offense that you have no faith in your child and your mate.” He purred, trying to lighten Jeremy’s mood.
“I really don’t care if you do,” Jeremy muttered as his fingers slipped into Ryan’s white tresses. “What you did wasn’t right. And I need to point it out.”
“I’m sorry,” Ryan said.
“You don’t even sound sincere.” Jeremy snorted.
“Of course I’m not.” Ryan sat up and stared down at his mate.
“I’m scared, Ryan,” Jeremy whispered shakily. “I don’t want you out there alone without me to protect you.”
“You’re the target.” Ryan countered. “Not advisable. Besides, it won’t do anyone any good if my red-eyed sexy Ojah decides to show up in the middle of me trying to find out who’s behind all this. Like I’m told he did some years ago during the alpha conference.” He drawled, referring to how Jeremy’s Ojah had once vanquished about thirty warlocks sent by Reynard Wyatt to capture alphas during an alpha conference.
“You were told huh?” Jeremy chuckled. “Let’s just say in the midst of such a threat, no one…sane or insane, would pause to think about Intel.”
“Well, sometimes intel is very important because it helps you tackle the problem from the root.” Ryan retorted. “And we need that now. Not my Crazy-Sexy Red.”
“How about I go with you and promise not to allow him to take over no matter what?” Jeremy groaned.
“It’s kind of hilarious hearing you say you can prevent him from taking over.” Ryan laughed. “We’ll be fine.” He leaned down and placed a tender kiss on Jeremy’s lips.
“So stubborn,” Jeremy muttered against Ryan’s mouth.
“How do you think I feel about the fact that someone is out to get you?” Ryan muttered. “What makes it even worse is that it’s my clan that wants my mate dead.”
“They’re not your clan.” Jeremy rasped. “Stanwood is your pack and clan and family.”
“I know.” Ryan sighed. “But you know what I mean. I just want all of this to go away. I think their current leader, Mary, means something to your brother, Jer.” Ryan laid his head back on Jeremy’s chest. “It hit him very hard when Amber told us, at his behest, that Mary was the one calling the shots.”
“Oh, shit.” Jeremy breathed. “That was his guardian. He told me about her once. He thought she died during the battle. Think she knows he’s here and is trying to get him back?”
“By killing you?” Ryan raised an eyebrow. “How’s that going to achieve anything?”
“Maybe they think I’m a threat because of my Ojah.” Jeremy pointed out. “So if they get me out of the way, it will make their work easier.”
“Or they just want to avenge the death of their clan members,” Ryan said. “Hopefully when I bring Paul back, he can give us something to work with.”
“Think they’ll be silly enough to let him know what their plan is?” Jeremy snorted just as someone rang the doorbell. “Who the hell is… A. G.” Jeremy grunted as he pressed a kiss to Ryan’s head and then rolled out of bed.
“It’s three a. m.” Ryan stated the obvious as he grabbed his long hooded sweatshirt and followed Jeremy out of the sleeping area. The only reason he was up at that time was that he was waiting on Deloris to complete her location spell. “Hope he’s okay.”
“I can take a good guess why he’s here,” Jeremy said as he opened the door to let his friend in.
“I’m going with you, Ryan,” Agyemang stated as soon as he entered the suite. In black jeans, a tight black t-shirt, combat boots, and a black baseball cap, he looked like an assassin on a mission.
“And a good morning to you too.” Jeremy drawled, not in the least surprised at his friend’s words.
“Nothing you can say will stop me so don’t waste your breath,” Agyemang muttered as he folded his arms across his broad chest and stared Ryan down. “What time are we leaving?”
Ryan stared back at Agyemang, clearly too shocked for words. “A. G…”
“Don’t bother, baby.” Jeremy dropped onto the couch and reached for the TV remote. “He’s going.” He muttered as he turned on the TV. “At least I’ll feel better knowing you have A. G. with you.”
“I can’t believe this.” Ryan pulled on his sweatshirt and then dropped into the couch beside his mate, staring at him as if he’d just sprouted horns. “Did you ask A. G. to…”
“Don’t insult me, Ryan,” Agyemang growled. “Your mate didn’t have to tell me to demand you go with me. Paul’s my mate. If he’s missing, I should be out there looking for him. Not sitting back waiting whilst others do that. Jeremy understands because he can relate. If you were out there kidnapped, he wouldn’t sit on his arse. I’ve not marked Paul yet but that doesn’t change the fact that he’s my mate and I care very much for him.”
“Preach…” Jeremy drawled his eyes intently on the news anchor on the screen.
“I understand, A. G.” Ryan nodded. “I’m sorry I said that.” He turned his head to look at his mate. “You’re so annoying, you know that?”
“Bite me.” The alpha of alphas actually sounded amused. Knowing that a fierce alpha such as Agyemang was going to be with Ryan on his quest brought him great relief.
“Remember the last time I said you were cool, Jeremy?” Ryan asked sweetly. At Jeremy’s proud grin, Ryan went on… “I lied.” The look on Jeremy’s face at his mate’s words was so comical even Agyemang couldn’t stifle his amused chuckle. “Deloris is ready,” Ryan said, getting to his feet. “Shall we?” He covered his white hair with his hoodie and then extended a hand towards Agyemang.
“Hey…” Jeremy threw the remote onto the center table and went to his mate. “You can’t just leave without… Angry?” He looked down at his mate with eyes filled with so much concern and love. And as usual, that special look melted Ryan.
“I wish I were.” Ryan sighed as he stepped into Jeremy’s arms. He really didn’t know why he couldn’t seem to stay angry at Jeremy of late. “I think your kid has something to do with why I can’t stay angry at you.” He mumbled as he reached up to cup Jeremy’s face. Then he took his mouth in a sweet toe-curling kiss. “Enjoy it while it lasts,” Ryan murmured against Jeremy’s lips when he broke off the kiss. “Go back to bed.”
“As if I could.” Jeremy chuckled as he watched his sweet, pregnant mate take Agyemang’s hand. “Wait!” He ran to the sleeping area and came out with Ryan’s cell phone. “For when it becomes necessary to get in touch whilst you’re out there.” He said as he pushed the phone into Ryan’s back pocket. “Take care.” He whispered and then grinned when Ryan gave him a slow sexy wink just before disappearing with Agyemang.