“You should have woken me sooner.”
“Why?”
She signaled him to move. “I want to freshen up.”
“Yes, of course.” Nik stood.
“Thanks.” She brushed her nice ass past him and headed to the bathroom.
He sat and peered out the window. How strange to return home. It had been six years since he visited Siberia. Bad memories, but good ones, too. Nostalgia and frustration at returning to Siberia where his pack had been massacred tormented him. He vowed never to return after his foster father, Oleg Sokolov, died of old age. No reason to return. His fellow soldiers had become his comrades and family. Now Team Greywolf, a pack of werewolves like him, were his true comrades. Ironically, the longest he ever stayed at LIA headquarters was a month. Rylee had sent him on a few team operations, but then allowed him to search for Saskia. Until she cancelled his primary mission. The more time he spent with Emma, the less concerned he was about pursuing the serial killer she-wolf. Still, by now Saskia must have found other victims to kill indiscriminately. Once she drained their blood, she ate the remains. The idea that she probably relaxed in a tub of human blood pissed him off.
Emma returned to her seat. “What’s wrong?”
Nik stood. “Nothing.”
She whispered, “Your fangs are showing.” She looked around. “You aren’t going to go canine in flight, are you?”
He covered his mouth and sat back down. Fortunately, the oth
er passengers were either sleeping or staring at their devices. The flight attendant nowhere in sight. “Of course not.”
Emma narrowed her eyes. “Could have fooled me.”
“Don’t worry, comrade.” Best that he reminded Emma of their relationship. Or rather, remind his wolf. His desire for the haughty female complicated the assignment. Such a conflict of interest interfered with his control. Worse, what if she didn’t feel the same way?
“I bet a nice cocktail or better yet some vodka might help.”
“Nyet. No.”
“Hmm. A Russian who refuses vodka?”
“I don’t drink.”
“As in ever?”
Nik sensed she already knew he didn’t drink. “Correct.” She probably thought he was an alcoholic. Close. Drinking brought out the beast. He’d never heard of other alcohol-triggered werewolves like him. Perhaps, he was the exception.
Emma smiled. “Good, I like my partners sober.”
“Then, as you say in America, you are in luck.” He winked and lowered his cap over his eyes. “I’ll take a short nap.” Listening to her heartbeat soothed him. Nik sunk into dream-filled slumber. In wolf form, he ran in an ancient Siberian forest. The snow beneath his paws felt good. The odor of Oleg’s fireplace drew him toward the cabin. As he approached, he caught the aroma of fresh spring flowers, of desire, of love. A female voice called to him.
Emma gently nudged him. “We are about to land.”
Nik straightened. “Already?”
“The pilot announced we are landing at Novosibirsk Tolmachevo Airport in twenty minutes.” Emma whispered, “Everything good?”
He cocked his head. “Yes, why?”
Emma shrugged and smirked. “Oh, nothing. Like a dog dreaming, your hands and feet moved as if you were playing.”
“Ha. Ha.” Nik crossed his arms. Lucky for her, I wasn’t dreaming of biting someone.
“I’m not joking. You twitched.”
He frowned. “REM sleep means I’m rested for action.”
“Got it.” Emma looked out the window. “Impressive.”