Page 95 of Visions, Paws, and Claws

Seth wandered over to where pieces of driftwood lay in a heap and perched on a sturdy one. “How many camps are there?”

“A couple of hundred, maybe?”

He nodded. “Exactly. Who knows how long it will take to bring them all down? And I want to be a part of that.”

Brick’s heartbeat raced. “You want to fight?”

Seth shrugged. “Maybe not fight, but I want to work in Intelligence. I can be useful.” He cocked his head to one side. “Willyougive up fighting then? After everything they’ve done?”

Brick didn’t hesitate. “Fuck no.”

He nodded, smiling. “So we both want to do our part.”

“And what about me?”

Seth laughed. “About time you joined us.” Aric ran to him, and they hugged. “Hi, honey.”

Aric took a step back. “I’m not a fighter. I don’t have your gifts, so what doIdo when you two are off God knows where?”

Seth put his arms around Aric. “You give us something to fight for.”

Brick enveloped both of them and kissed Aric’s head. “You give us something to come home for.”

Then Seth smiled. “Besides, you’ll have your hands full taking care of our kids.”

Brick blinked. “Excuse me?”

Aric’s smile reached his eyes. “We used to talk about having kids.”

Seth kissed him. “You’ll make an amazing Mom and Dad all rolled into one. So maybe this is something we should discuss—when Brick brings me home.”

Aric peered at Brick. “I’m not going to wait that long. I need to knownowif you like the idea.”

Brick’s head was full of the most delightful images: the cutest little polar bear cubs, tiger cubs rolling around on the grass, and adorable kittens mewling, all soft fur and huge eyes.

Seth grinned. “I think we just got our answer.”

THERON ANSWEREDthe call on the second ring, and waited for the caller to speak.

“Vic Ryder is going back to Rome. To the archive.”

He frowned. “Do you have any information as to why he needs a repeat visit?”

“No, sir. He got a call. That’s all I know.”

Theron didn’t like this at all, not when it came hot on the heels of disturbing news from Germany. The tomb of Berengar, discovered only weeks ago. He didn’t want to think about what would happen if word got out about what lay in that noble and ancient shifter’s tomb, apart from his bones.

What I need is a distraction.

Then it came to him.

Theron smiled. “Vic Ryder is not going to make it back to his mates or his friends, do I make myself clear?”

“Understood, sir.”

“I don’t want him harmed, okay? He’s far too valuable for that. Let me know when you have him and you’ll receive more instructions.”

“Yes, sir.”

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