Page 23 of Mated to Team Shadow

Damon stared at Kane for a long second until it sunk into his head.

"Yeah, right," he said. "You don't know how to keep your mouth shut, do you, Doc? What about doctor/patient confidentiality?"

"That's for real doctors and real patients," snorted Kane. "Besides, it was Gunner who ratted you out."

"Nothing's sacred." He sat up and looked out over the water and the sinking sun spreading pink on the horizon. "Looks like calm seas tonight."

"How do you get that?" said Jeanine.

"Red in the morning and all," offered Kane.

"Is that true?"

"In middle latitudes, yes," said Kane. "And we are in a middle latitude. Lower latitudes, not so much."

"So what will we do?" asked Jeanine.

"Drift and wait for rescue," said Ryker.

"That doesn't sound like much of a plan."

"If we find an island, we'll land," said Damon.

"We've got water for a few days if we are careful and food," said Ryker.

"And we have each other," said Kane.

Jeanine looked at the water that collected in the raft's bottom. "Is this plastic monstrosity leaking?"

"Nah," I said. "This is usual. Waves splashing over the side—spray."

"Can you get rid of it?"

"Do you see a pail here?"

Jeanine threw her head back to the edge of the raft. "Wonderful. In a wet raft in the open water as night is falling." She shivered.

"You cold, doll?" said Damon.

"Tired," she said.

"Yeah," I said. "It's been a tough day."

"You think?" she said.

"Well, let's do this," said Damon. He slid next to her. "Let's share body heat."

"Damon," growled Kane.

"No, wait," said Ryker. "Kane you take the other side, and, Gunner, get some shut-eye, and I will take the first lookout."

"Hey," I objected.

"Then Damon will take next watch, you help keep Jeanine warm. Then I'll switch out with Kane. By the time morning comes we'll see where the tide is taking us."

I scooted over to Ryker.

"What are you doing?" I said in a low whisper. Damon and Kane's ears were as good as mine, but they were preoccupied in settling next to Jeanine.

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