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"Of course, boss. It's your life. Just know I've got your back, yeah? You need anything, I'm there."
I took a deep breath and stood up. "I know. It's why you still work for me, cause you're annoying as hell most of the time."
Theo grinned. "Yeah yeah, you love me really. Now, let's go meet this angel. I want to see what kind of woman finally got you all hot and bothered."
Chapter Six
ALASTOR
As I walked out of the tent, the hot desert air hit me like a slap in the face, and I took a deep breath. There was something about the heat that seemed to heighten my senses, making me feel more alive and awake. The sun was high in the sky, casting harsh shadows across the sand, and I knew we had a lot of work to do. I surveyed the camp, taking in the various tents and makeshift shelters, and I could sense the tension in the air. Everyone was anxious to get started, and I could feel the weight of responsibility on my shoulders. Throwing myself into work to cope with something emotional wasn't exactly a new tactic for me, and as Theo summoned the other team members, Isoon found the raging emotions taking a backseat, and my focus shifted. Thankfully, my dick was cooperating too.
The others gathered around between the tents, and I looked them all over, judging how they were all doing. Theo was talking into his radio, likely to one of his betas. I'd requested only my immediate team at this first meeting, mainly to make everyone aware of Sariel's presence, which was need to know only.
Carlisle stood slightly off to one side. My team all got on well, and I tried to encourage socialisation between everyone. I believed that led to good team dynamics if team members were friends as well as colleagues, but even after three years, Carlisle still seemed to be on the fringe. He'd had a hell of a time and been through a lot of shit, but he was warming to us. As the only human, I guessed he felt a little separate from us, and I made the decision to try and include him more in the team during this trip. I might try and persuade Theo to have a go too. Most people couldn't resist Theo's easy-going nature and Carlisle could do with just relaxing and having a laugh for once.
Cole sat up straight in his wheelchair, laptop open on his knees as usual, his dark brows furrowed slightly as he read something on the screen. Longish dark hair, dark eyes, and cheekbones to die for, his simple elegance meant that even in the middle of the desert, he made a pale blue shirt and chinos look like he was posing for a catalogue shoot, not participating in an important mission.
Out of all my team, I'd know Cole the longest. When it came down to it, he was the only person in the world that I completely trusted. Centuries of crazy schemes, drunken bar fights, and random adventures had led to a strong friendship, as well as other benefits that came with having an incubus demon as a friend.
My eyes dropped to the curve of his lips, and recent memories flashed across my mind in a way that made my dick start totwitch again. Cole looked up and dark eyes locked onto mine, as those lips curved into a wicked smile that let me know he knew exactly what I was thinking about. With his wheelchair leaving him at a disadvantage, Cole had arranged for a trailer to be delivered to the site for his use, and the way my body was reacting today, I had every intention of sharing it with him tonight. Theo could sleep alone. I needed some kind of release, and Cole was exactly the man who could give it to me. I wondered what he would think of Sariel. No doubt, he'd go after her in a heartbeat, until he found out she was an angel. Cole hated angels, and with good reason. I hoped it wouldn't be a problem. I gave Cole the slightest nod in acknowledgement, but then I paused. The sweetest scent drifted through the heavy air of the desert, a scent I had only encountered once before but now was as familiar to me as my own soul. Jasmine and rose, with a hint of deep musk below that sent my senses spiralling once again. I felt the hairs rise on the back of my neck, and inside my head, my hound barked joyfully. Before I even turned around, I knew she would be standing there. Steeling myself, I turned my head to look at her, meeting her eyes briefly, before moving my gaze to Lily, a much safer alternative. Even that brief connection had my head reeling. I nodded at Lily, giving myself a moment to get a grip, then cleared my throat and addressed the team.
"Ok, team. Most of you already know the briefing for this mission, but just to clarify. We are to provide security for this dig that Dr Taylor assures me could be a major thing in the archaeological world. I want perimeters formed, and a constant watch on the site. Anyone comes in or out needs permission from myself or Dr Taylor and his subordinates. He's assured me he will be contactable at all times, so if you're not sure, check in with him or me. Theo, are you sorted?"
Theo nodded. "Sure boss, we've got three teams of... security detail... on rotation. One team will form a perimeter around thecamp and the main site, another will do the same for the second dig site, one will be on rest. I'll check in regularly with all three teams, and Cole's setting up the drones for me to keep a remote view on any approaching traffic."
I raised an eyebrow. "Are we clear with air traffic for these drones? I know you cleared the earlier one."
Cole grinned up at me. "Air traffic won't see them, neither will anyone else from the ground. They're cutting edge."
"Ok, let's keep it that way. Unseen. Any other magic tricks you got up your sleeve there, Cole?"
Cole glanced over at Theo. "Not for security."
"I've got a perimeter around this meeting too," Theo said quietly in response to Cole's unasked question. "Most people are at the site, and the remaining workers aren't anywhere near us. We're good."
Cole looked back at me. "I've got thermal scanners, radiation scanners, sat phones and GPS trackers for the main team members. Basic weaponry, and equipment for climbing, diving and survival gear."
"Great, I'll come over and have a quick look after this meeting," I said, turning to Carlisle.
"Has your equipment arrived, Carlisle?"
"I brought the preliminary first aid stuff with me," he replied. "But the heavy-duty stuff won't be here for a couple of days, so no one break a leg before then."
I knew Carlisle well enough to realise this was him making a joke, but you'd never know it by his serious demeanour. I gave him a quick smile to acknowledge the effort and Theo grinned.
"What about an arm? Can I break an arm? Or a wrist? What about a finger?"
Carlisle rolled his eyes. "Just try not to break anything Theo. And check your boots every morning. I've only got limited scorpion anti-venom with me."
"Scorpions?" Lily's voice came from behind me, slightly higher pitched than normal.
Carlisle nodded. "Scorpions, snakes, spiders... we're in the desert. Pretty much everything here wants to kill you, and if it doesn't, trust me, there will be something that looks very similar that does, so don't take the risk. If it moves, stay away from it. No sandals or flimsy shoes, you need sturdy boots.'' He fixed her with a stern expression, then turned the same expression on Sariel, who still stood there silently. She'd heard every word though.
I could almost hear the wheels turning in her mind, and I could see how she carefully studied each member of the team surreptitiously. I wonder what assumptions she was making about each of them. Whether she was any decent judge of character, or whether she'd be as judgemental and shallow as every other angel I'd met. I found myself hoping she was different, and not just because she had to work in my team.
Despite what I'd told Theo, there was still the slightest hope deep down inside that she wouldn't be able to refuse the mate bond that there was between us. I wasn't sure how it worked on other races, but for hounds, the drive to mate, to claim the other fated one would be strong until the bond was complete. It was going to be one hell of a struggle for me, and it didn't help that she was sexy as fuck. Stood there in the middle of the desert looking clean, and business-like, not a hair out of place, just made my primal side want to chase her down and make a mess of her. I wanted that hair loose and wild, and her shirt hanging open, dirt on that perfect skin, to see those pale cheeks flushed with desire...
"Boss?" Lily's voice cut through my thoughts, and I hastily dragged myself back to the present. I looked round, but no one seemed to have noticed my little space out, except maybe Theo who was grinning at me like an idiot.
