Page 25 of Mated to Team Shadow

Ryker chuckled.

"So back to the myths," I said. "All the animal-formed gods and goddess live in the underworld?"

"Not all, but it's a theme."

"But they are warriors and protectors?"

"Yes and tied to the medical arts."

He nodded toward our medic Kane who moved to snuggle closer to Jeanine.

"But what's Jeanine's part in all this?" I said. "Why would one woman be the mate for four shifters?"

"I do not know. When we get out of this mess, we should try to find some other shifters."

"I don't know, Ryker. If the government knows about them and hasn't told us, there must be a good reason."

"There you go again, trusting the brass. How many times did I tell you to keep one eye open around those guys?"

"They haven't done wrong by us."

"Not yet," said Ryker. "It's possible they haven't figured out what to do with us. Or they might have other plans that we might not approve."

"One thing that's reliable about you, Ryker, is your healthy sense of paranoia."

"It's kept us alive, hasn't it?"

That's true. Ryker watched our six and kept us out of deep trouble most times.

My eyes strayed to Jeanine again. My breath hitched, and my jaguar stirred within uneasy about watching my brothers-in-arms spooning her. I wondered just how this could work out without four jaguar shifters killing each other.

Kane

"Hey," said a voice in the dark with a hiss. "Time for your watch."

What the hell? No. I did not want to move from this warm spot with Jeanine next to me. I hadn't had such a good sleep in ages, and I would defend to the death my current position.

"Go away," I said waving my arm to ward off the person assaulting my sleep.

"Kane, get the fuck up. Rise and shine."

Oh hell, it's Ryker. I don't know why I listen to that cranky old bastard, especially since he wants me to get up and go to work.

"Let me finish my wellness check of Jeanine," I mumbled.

"Get up," said Ryker. He yanked at my collar which then cut into my throat.

"Okay, okay," I choked out, as I rolled on the raft away from Jeanine. This just wasn't fair. And my jaguar agreed, but hell, as we say in the SEALs the only easy day was yesterday.

"What's the sit-rep?" I asked.

"Do you see a change?" growled Ryker. "Still in the middle of the ocean. Still, haven't seen another ship." He pushed a flare gun in my hands. "You know what to do with this."

"Light up my world?"

"Don't stick your pecker too far over the side. The sharks are looking for a little snack."

"Yeah, yeah," I groused as I watched Ryker settle in next to Jeanine and wished it was me instead of him. Damon sat at the other end of the raft with his head lolled to the side. He was out for the duration leaving me alone with my thoughts.

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