Page 57 of Echo and the Homicidal Sea Panda

“Okay,”Echo murmured. His smile faded. “I just hope we get time. I fear our pods, or his mother, might ultimately pull us apart.”

“If Mael and crew help you find this cave and a bunch of priceless dolphin artifacts, that might be a great way to introduce them to our pod. And get on the council’s good side,” Diego said.“Ifit’s down there, of course. I assume you didn’t find anything, because you would’ve been jumping for joy as soon as you were out of the water.”

“A might’ve found a chamber of some kind, but I’m not sure. We’re coming back next Saturday. Possibly Sunday, too, from the sounds of it. You’re welcome to come.”

“You just need my boat,” Diego joked.

“I don’t know how long Hank’s going to be with mine, but I’m sure I can borrow someone else’s. Don’t feel like you have to come.”

“I’ll be there,” Diego said. “I wish I knew how to dive, or I’d help you down there.”

“Luckily, I know someone who offers classes.”

Diego fought a smile. “Really? Me, too.” He rose and restarted the engine. “Maybe I need to sign up for a class.”

“And some ask for extra one-on-one help,” Echo suggested, waggling his eyebrows.

“Ugh,” Diego said before propelling the boat toward Dolphin Bay.

* * *

Mael slowedhis bike before pulling into Echo’s driveway and then drove up to the back door. He climbed off and spun to find Echo waiting at the backdoor for him in his sweater and what appeared to be nothing else. He grinned as he peeled off his gloves and helmet and marched up the back steps. Dragging Echo closer, he inhaled his omega’s sweet, clean scent.

“You look good enough to eat.” He slid his hands under the hem of his sweater and was disappointed to find shorts. “Couldn’t make it easy on me, hmm?”

“Nope,” Echo said, shaking his damp hair. “If I was naked under here, we might’ve skipped dinner—and I’m starving.”

“Me, too,” Mael murmured, scanning the inside of the kitchen. Whatever Echo had cooked, it smelled amazing.

“God,you smell so good,” Echo whispered before pressing his nose against Mael’s chest.

Mael fought the need rising. Echo said he was hungry, so they needed to eat first. Not matter if both of them were starved for something else, too.

“Come on,” Echo said, backing away from the door to make room. “I was tired, so I went basic. I hope pasta, salad, and garlic bread will do.”

“Sounds perfect.”

“Hopefully I made enough. I figured your appetite is likely bigger than mine, so I made extra. I can make you something else after we eat if you need me to.”

“I’m sure it’s fine,” Mael said. “What can I do to help?”

“Everything’s done. Table’s set. I just need to carry the salad and bread out.” Echo headed for the stove and looked over his shoulder. “Want some wine with dinner?”

“I’d rather a beer if you have any.”

“Check the fridge. You can grab me one, too.”

Mael lowered his helmet to one of the stools at the island. “I’ll carry the bread and salads out. You’ve done plenty.” He wandered to the sink. “Just let me wash my hands.”

“Okay,” Echo said. “I’ll grab the beers, then.”

“Nope, I got that, too,” Mael said. “Go sit down. I’ll be right out.”

Echo scoffed. “I don’t think a couple of bottles are going to exhaust me.” Before the last word came out of his mouth, he yawned. “Ignore that.”

“Nope. Go sit. Now,” Mael said, shoving his hands under the kitchen sink.

Echo padded off barefoot. After washing up, Mael gathered the beers and put them under one arm. He snatched the salad and bread and headed toward the dining room, where he assumed they’d eat—but it was empty.

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