Page 6 of Relentless Touch

Rio moved along the lot’s edge, scenting the air. Wolf, faint but there, threading through the pine. They hadn’t come in close.

He checked the alley, as well as the road. Nothing moving, nothing watching from the tree line that he could detect.

When he came back around to the side door, Kevin wasn’t in the kitchen where he’d left him. Rio stood there, taking everything in.

The plate was empty and pushed to the side. The container of garlic spread wasn’t where Rio had set it, which meant Kevin had gone back for more of it. Showed his good taste.

Rio followed the sound of someone moving through the dining room.

His mate had claimed the window seat, the long bench beneath the glass that looked out over the street. He sat sideways with his knees pulled up, watching the empty road. The T-shirt was a size too big, slipping off one shoulder.

As Rio approached, he noticed Kevin tracking him through the refection in the window.

“All clear?” his mate asked.

“For now.” Rio pulled out a chair at the nearest table and sat. “They came close, but their scent was far enough away not to sound any warnings.”

Kevin nodded, still watching the street. “They’ll come. Izan doesn’t seem the type to let things go.”

“Izan?”

“The one who assaulted me.” Kevin’s fingers brushed absently over his cheek.

Rio curled his hand around his mate’s, his snow leopard growling for revenge.

Chapter Two

“The guy you mentioned. He your ex?”

“God, no.” Kevin turned from the window, facing Rio fully. “Just some asshole who thought four dollars of water bought him ownership papers.”

Standing, Rio moved closer to the window seat. Kevin watched him.

“You need anything?” he asked, knowing it was a broad question.

“I need a lot of things.”

Rio waited for his mate to gather his thoughts.

Kevin looked at him for a long moment. “Honestly? A place to crash that doesn’t involve going back to my apartment where they might be waiting.”

“My office has a couch,” Rio said.

“Your office.” Kevin’s eyebrows rose. “Not your house?”

“You looked exhausted. I was only trying to make things as easy as possible for you.” Rio gazed out the window. The moment felt too surreal. He still couldn’t get over the fact his mate was sitting a few feet away.

Kevin slid off the window seat, the scent of warm summer rain enveloping Rio. He inhaled deeply as his mate stood next to him. His snow leopard pressed closer, purring softly at the smell.

“Lead the way, boss,” Kevin said.

Rio turned from the window. Behind him, Kevin’s bare feet padded against the hardwood floor. He’d noticed the sweatpants sat low on Kevin’s hips, though he’d tried not to notice.

His office occupied the corner of the second floor, windows on two walls, one overlooking the main street and the other facing the mountains. During the day, light flooded the space. At night, it felt suspended above the town, separate from everything below.

Kevin walked straight to the windows overlooking the street, hands sliding into the pockets of the sweatpants. “Nice view.”

“It serves its purpose.”