“I bet.” Solomon hummed. “How do people not notice your lack of aging?”
“Many paranormals move around every thirty years, reinventing their identities,” Anthony explained. “Some live in reclusive packs or prides, so they rotate what members are seen by humans in any given decade.” Scoffing, he added, “I hear vampires will rotate covens, moving from state to state.”
“So they’re all very insular.”
Anthony nodded. “It’s by necessity. Can you imagine what would happen if word of our existence went through the general populace?”
Solomon growled softly. “I don’t even want to think it.” He tightened his hold on Anthony, his right hand rubbing down his side. “They certainly won’t hear it from me.”
While that thought hadn’t occurred to Anthony, he appreciated the obvious protectiveness displayed by his human. “Thank you.” Reaching up, he traced his fingertips over his lover’s full lips. “So what do you want to do with yourself now that you’re out of a job?”
Clearing his throat, Solomon cocked his head. “Well, I don’t want to go into business, if that’s what you’re asking. I really just didn’t know what else to study.” His cheeks took on a rosy hue as if embarrassed to admit that. “I like working outside. Being stuck indoors all the time would drive me nuts.”
Anthony nodded. “So no receptionist job working for me then, huh?” Seeing Solomon grimace, he winked and nipped at his shoulder, hoping to show he teased. “Actually, there are plenty of outdoor jobs at World of Aquatica. I’m certain we can find you something.”
Solomon’s brows shot up, a hopeful gleam in his eyes. “Really? You think so?”
“Of course,” Anthony replied. “You’re my mate. Now that we’ve found each other, we won’t want to be apart for long.” He rubbed his fingertips along Solomon’s jawline, enjoying the ever-so-light rasp on his chin. It seemed that his mate didn’t need to shave often. “It’s a paranormal thing. Being separated for long periods drives us nuts.”
“Oookay.” Solomon cleared his throat. “Guess I have a lot to learn, huh?”
“You do,” Anthony confirmed.
Before Anthony could continue, a long brownish gray tentacle appeared above the surface of the water. It swung toward them and slapped the sand ten feet away. Solomon scrambled backward, attempting to drag Anthony along with him as the appendage slowly slithered back into the water and out of sight.
“Holy shit!” Solomon cried. “What the fuck was that?”
Anthony couldn’t stop himself from barking a laugh as he pulled away from Solomon. “That was either William or Kaiser. Guess one of them—” The tentacle appeared again and whippet-fast, smacked Anthony on his bare ass. Grunting, Anthony rubbed his slightly stinging butt cheek. “Guess that’d be William then. His idea of funny.” Shaking his head, Anthony beckoned Solomon toward the water. “Let’s get rinsed off and then dressed. I bet William is keeping out others and is tired of waiting.”
“Th-That tentacle belonged to William?” Solomon’s brows were nearly to his hairline, and his eyes were wide. “He a shifter, too, then? And not a shark.”
“Yes to him being a shifter.”
Anthony led the way into the water, quickly rinsing the sand and traces of lube and seed from his body. He really should have thought about that before as he watched Solomon do the same. His human’s gaze continued to sweep over the dark surface of the lake.
As Anthony led the way up the beach and back to their clothes and picnic, he told him, “Only about a quarter of the shifters at World of Aquatica are types of sharks. There are turtles and octopuses and squid.” He paused to yank on his board shorts. “We have dolphins and porpoises, too, plus plenty of other creatures.” Grinning, he added, “The tiger shark show is put on by a few of our tiger shark shifters. Otherwise it’d never work.”
Solomon just gaped.
Pulling his mate into his arms, Anthony pecked a kiss to his lips before murmuring, “I’ll introduce you to everyone eventually.”
Chapter Seven
Solomon spent the next few days touring World of Aquatica and meeting dozens of new people. It was a good thing he’d always been good with names, or else he’d have been completely overwhelmed. Everyone was nice and welcoming, and most congratulated him and Anthony on their mating.
When Solomon had asked Anthony how they’d known, he’d smirked and explained that by allowing him to claim Solomon, their scents had subtly changed. Solomon hadn’t known how to respond to that. In truth, there didn’t seem to be much to say.
Paranormals could tell when people had fucked just by scent? Just damn!
Solomon’s life had been turned upside down, and he couldn’t say that he was sorry about it. If he hadn’t almost been killed, he would have thought being pitched into the sea had been the greatest thing to ever happen to him. He’d even been given a job as a security guard.
He didn’t have to start right away, however. The shifter bosses had advised him to take a week to enjoy as much time with Anthony as possible. Work could wait.
Solomon thought it was damn odd that strangers were encouraging him and Anthony to fuck like bunnies. That didn’t stop him from doing it, however. If his lover was with a patient, Solomon explored and enjoyed the sights and shows at World of Aquatica, making himself familiar with the place. Whenever Anthony was free, however, they did indeed screw on every surface in the doc’s home.
Having never had sex bare before, Solomon hadn’t known what he’d been missing. He couldn’t seem to get enough of Anthony’s hot, tight channel wrapped around his erection. Even just thinking about it caused his prick to lengthen in anticipation.
Solomon was practically living there, but he knew he needed to head back to his apartment soon. He couldn’t live in hand-me-down clothes forever. Besides, he had a few pictures and mementoes from his parents that he’d managed to salvage after the fire.
“Solomon, you got a minute?”
Pausing where he’d been wandering toward one of the park’s two cafes, intending to enjoy a light lunch, Solomon turned and spotted William Roush heading toward him. “Yes, sir,” he responded, shoving his hands into his pockets.
Solomon swept his gaze over the big, friendly green-eyed man, but all he could think about was the massive greyish-brown tentacle that had risen from the lake. He wondered what kind of octopus or squid the man shifted into, but didn’t have the balls to ask.
He figured it wasn’t really his business.
“Aww, you don’t have to call me sir, Sol,” William said, stopping and clapping him on the upper back in a friendly manner. His green eyes twinkled in the sunlight as he stated, “It makes me feel old.”
Before Solomon could think up a response, William barked a laugh and continued, “Well, hell! I am old.” Using his hold, he turned Solomon toward a path between a pair of buildings. The secluded area offered a measure of privacy. “Wanted to tell you we found those bastards who jumped you. They tried to lie, of course”—he grinned broadly, winking at him—”be we convinced them that telling the truth was the wiser course of action. Want to hear what they said?”
Solomon actually didn’t. “Just tell me if they confirmed my suspicions.” He rubbed a hand over the back of his neck, then over his jaw. “Any way I can have them arrested for trying to kill me? Any evidence? Or is it my word versus theirs?”
“There is proof, but we’re going to have to do some serious hacking in order to get it, so it’s taking a little longer.”
The way William said that, as if hacking into a secure server wasn’t a big deal, had Solomon’s jaw sagging open.
William laughed. “Aww, don’t look at me like that. We do what we must to take care of our own.” His expression hardened. “And we’ve been invested in dealing with Armando for weeks.” His lip curled. “He’s a controlling asshole.”
Solomon nodded slowly. He definitely was that. “Okay. Well, anything I can do to help?”
<
Nodding again, Solomon shoved his hands into his pockets. “I do need to run some errands, but Anthony is busy all afternoon. Is anyone available to drop me off at my apartment?”
William lifted his left brow as his head tipped a bit. “You’re not running, are you?”
Solomon scoffed. “Naw. I like Anthony. I wouldn’t hurt him by walking away,” he revealed, feeling his cheeks heat. It wasn’t like he’d ever tried to share his feelings with anyone. He sure wasn’t going to admit that he might be falling in love with the handsome doctor after less than a week together.
“I just really need to take care of a few errands and since my afternoon is free, I was gonna try to get as much done as possible.” Clearing his throat, Solomon lowered his gaze to the paved walkway. “Even want to put in my notice at my apartment. No sense paying rent when I’m not going to be living there anymore.”
William slapped him lightly on the back. “Glad to hear it. Let me take a look at the schedule, and I’ll find someone who’s off who can take ya.”
“I don’t want to inconvenience anyone on their day off.” Solomon grimaced. He hadn’t thought about that—someone having to drop everything to help him. “I could just call a cab.”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” William countered. “I’d do it myself but if I back out of doing payroll and leave it to Kaiser again, he’s gonna have my hide.” Rolling his eyes, he gave Solomon a crooked grin. “Brothers.”
Solomon couldn’t help but say, “Never had a brother. I suppose I woulda lost him in the fire anyway.”
“Well, ya got plenty of honorary brothers now.” William wrapped his arm around his shoulders and yanked him close in a tight one-armed hug. After releasing him, he stated, “I’m gonna head to the office. Do you have a phone, yet?”
Shaking his head, Solomon told him, “That’s on my to do list, too. New phone.”
William gave him a thumbs up. “Then follow me to the office, and I’ll find you a ride.”
“Give me twenty, then I’ll do just that. I was headed to grab a bite to eat.” As if to confirm his statement, Solomon’s stomach growled. “A little hungry.”
Chuckling, William nodded. “Right. See you in a few, then.”
Solomon’s relief filled him that he wasn’t putting William out. “Thanks.”
Forty-five minutes later, Solomon found himself tucked into a little sports coupe. The driver was a young-looking fellow who didn’t look like he weighed a buck twenty while soaking wet. His lean and slender form, plus dark-red hair with black highlights, sort of pegged him as a twink.
Solomon knew differently. Cuzco Judson was one hundred thirty-one years old and shared his soul with a coconut octopus. He was friendly, but shy and soft-spoken, offering quiet congratulations when William had introduced them.
“I want to thank you again for doing this for me,” Solomon commented quietly as they sped along the highway toward town. “I really am grateful you had the time.”
Cuzco smiled, his cheeks a little pink, but his focus remained on the road through the windshield. “I’m happy to help.” He glanced Solomon’s way for an instant before refocusing on his driving. “Anthony has been waiting a long time.” His cheeks darkened before he whispered, “Do you have any single brothers? I heard mates run in bloodlines.”
Solomon realized that Cuzco must have found him at least somewhat attractive for him to ask after a sibling. “Sorry, man.” He felt a little bad having to dash the little shifter’s obvious hopes. “I was an only child.” Thinking quickly, he decided to offer, “I have a couple buddies still in the military, but I’m not sure if they swing your way.” He offered the guy a wry smile. “I didn’t come out until I got out of the service a few years back.”
Cuzco’s smile became hopeful. “Well the only way to meet our mate is to meet new people, right? So—” He stopped talking, but Solomon understood.
He nodded.
“Uh, this is my exit,” Solomon said, catching sight of the street sign.
Turning on his blinker, Cuzco changed lanes and headed in the direction Solomon pointed. After a few more turns, he pulled into the apartment complex parking lot. Solomon pointed out where guest parking was.
As Solomon exited the vehicle, Cuzco called, “Hey, do you want help?”
Solomon paused, then resting one arm on top of the door and the other on the hood, he peered back into the vehicle. “Ya know, if you’re not busy, can I gather up a few bags of clothes and stick ‘em in here for you to take back to Aquatica?”
Cuzco grinned and nodded, turning off the car. “Oh, yeah. Sure.”
Just as Solomon straightened, he heard a man call his name.
“Solomon Lynch?”
Solomon turned to face the stranger, not recognizing the guy’s voice. His brows lifted as he spotted a man in jeans and a sports jacket with a detective’s badge attached to his belt. There were a couple uniformed officers behind him.
“Yes, sir?”
“You are Solomon Lynch of apartment two-twenty-eight-B, formerly a guard at Perisource Enterprises stationed at the home of the company’s owner, Armando Whitney?”
Wow. That was specific... and telling.
Solomon nodded once. “Yes. I used to work there. I was fired last Friday.”
“I’m Detective Grisham Canton.” He held up his handcuffs. “You’re going to have to come with me, Mister Lynch.”
“Okay.” Solomon knew better than to fight the cops. He turned and docilely allowed the detective to cuff him. “I’d like to know what I’m being charged with.” If handcuffs were involved, there had to be something specific.
As Solomon asked the question, he cast a warning look Cuzco’s way, who was looking on with wide eyes. The little shifter had his cell phone out. Solomon just bet he was about to call William.
Detective Canton started Solomon toward a squad car. “You’re under arrest for kidnapping, arson, and destruction of Perisource property.”
Solomon kept his mouth shut as the detective read him his rights. He was patient. He could wait for his phone call.
As that thought popped into his head, Solomon wondered who’d be the best person to call—his former captain in the military, his lover, or his lover’s alpha?
Huh. Isn’t that an odd thought?
* * * *
“Hi, sweetie. How are you feeling today?” Anthony asked, greeting his next patient. He led the ten-year-old girl and her mother down the hall to an examination room.
“I’m okay,” Bethany claimed, her soft voice perky. “I can’t wait to get my cast off. Will you do that today?”
Anthony stepped inside the room and turned left, pausing inside the door. He watched Bethany and Lorraine enter. Bethany immediately clambered up onto the examination bed. Lorraine stood beside it.
“Well, it’s only been two weeks, and it was a pretty bad break, Bethany,” Anthony reminded her. “You might have to keep it on for another week or two.”
While shifters could heal from most breaks in a couple weeks, Bethany was only ten. Her shifter genes hadn’t kicked in fully, yet, and it showed in her healing. The girl had been playing with friends on the beach, had been climbing on some slippery rocks, and she’d fallen, fracturing the radius and ulna bones in her right arm.
Anthony was pretty sure it would take longer to heal than two weeks, but he wanted to take another x-ray to be sure it was healing properly. Faster healing could sometimes have dangerous repercussions if bones didn’t set right. Pulling out a pair of heavy-duty shears, he got to work removing the cast.
Forty-five minutes later, Anthony escorted a newly casted Bethany—she’d chosen bright pink that time—and her mother out of the clinic. They had been his last scheduled patient for the day, but he planned to keep the doors open for another hour and a half. He’d postponed a few appointments by a couple days, after finding his mate.
Finished with that day’s appointments, he was nearly caught up on most of them.
Just a couple tomorrow afternoon, and it’ll be grand.
Anthony spotted Kaiser and Eban in the waiting room, and a fissure of unease worked through him. After nodding, acknowledging their presence, he set up another appointment for Bethany in two weeks, then saw them out. Turning, he smiled at the pair.
“Didn’t get injured on the job, did ya, Eban?” Anthony teased. From both men’s serious expressions, he figured that wasn’t it, but it was worth a shot.
Eban shook his head. “Afraid not.” The great white shark shifter rose to his feet and shoved his hands into the pockets of his navy green cargo shorts. “You knew that Solomon intended to head into town to run some errands and pick up his motorcycle, right?”
“I did.”
Anthony had offered to take Solomon to town after he’d finished with his patients. He’d even asked if he wanted to get a meal in town, like a real date. Solomon had explained that he needed to get to the bank before it closed as well as pick up a new phone.
When Solomon had told him he intended to put in his notice at his apartment, too, Anthony’s heart rate had spiked. He’d been so damn happy his mate was agreeing to move in with him, even if he hadn’t said the exact words out loud. Anthony would have agreed to anything.
Anthony had planned to set up a nice candlelit dinner, grill some steaks and veggies, and whip up some pasta salad.
“Well, Cuzco drove Solomon to his apartment complex so he could get his motorcycle,” Eban told him, his expression full of concern. “There was a detective and some cops waiting. Solomon has been arrested.”
“What?” Anthony’s heart felt as if it skipped a beat. “Why? What the hell?”
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