03-Strength of the Mate (21 page)

“Hey, kid!” Tim answered. “I’m glad you called. I heard things have been eventful at Camp Fallujah.”

That sick feeling in Adam’s stomach was back. “What did you hear?” he demanded. “And how did you hear it?”

“Dawson emailed Noah a sit-rep,” replied Tim. “He said he had to issue Challenge to fight for pack leader status. And you called out some shit-head for breaking werewolf law. I guess Noah’s going to have to pay you guys a visit and discipline some of his weres.”

“Yeah, Dawson had some sort of fight last night,” Adam said carefully. “Well, his wolf did, anyway,” he amended.

“I haven’t heard from Noah tonight,” Tim said softly. “I assume he won.”

“Yes, he did,” replied Adam. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”

“I can relate to that.” Tim chuckled. “So, Jeremy is in his home office, working on a blueprint or something. Do you have a computer handy, so we can Skype?”

Adam nearly protested. He didn’t want this to be a big deal. Except it kinda was a big deal. He was smart enough to know there were things about last night that were more than they appeared. Adam was right in the middle of this shit, whether he liked it or not.

“Yeah. Let me turn on my laptop,” he finally said.

Adam was amazed at how easy it was to communicate these days. He sat at the small desk inside his hooch, Tim’s face filling the screen of the computer in front of him. If he didn’t know, Adam would have no idea he was half a planet away from his brother.

“You look good,” Tim said with enthusiasm. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you with any facial hair.”

Adam rubbed his chin self-consciously. “I didn’t take time to shave this morning ’cause I wanted to call you before it got too late.”

“I’m glad you called.” Tim’s smile looked genuine. “And it’s not like you have a grooming standard to worry about. A couple days’ growth won’t get you in trouble.” He paused. “I admit, I was a little worried about you. I’m really happy to get to see you looking healthy and happy.”

“I’m fine, Tim.” Adam was surprised he wasn’t angry or resentful of Tim’s concern for him. It had always pissed him off in the past. “The weather sucks, but it really isn’t so bad here.”

“Dawson has a lot of good things to say about you, you know. You’re a skilled truck driver, you’re cool under fire, and you don’t like bullies.”

The praise spread warmth through Adam’s chest. He liked knowing Dawson thought highly of him. “So…Dawson mentioned me to Noah?”

“He didn’t have to, if that’s what you’re asking. There’s nothing inappropriate about the two of you being involved with each other. I also think he wanted me to know he’s taking things seriously.”

Adam snorted. He shifted in his chair. “That’s a little melodramatic. There’s nothing to take seriously.” He scratched at the rough whiskers on his cheek.

Tim regarded him intently for several seconds. Canting his head to the side, he said, “Yeah, actually, there is. Werewolves do things differently from us humans. And the ones in Noah’s immediate sphere of association seem to be especially earnest.”

Adam swallowed hard. He couldn’t seem to stop bouncing his knee. His blood chilled when he remembered the marks on his throat. Tim hadn’t called attention to them, but Adam knew he could see them. “We’re not just casually fucking, are we?” he asked, his voice strained. He dreaded Tim’s answer, even though he already knew what it would be.

“Not as far as Dawson’s concerned, no. Do you know what the love bites on your neck mean to the werewolves?”

“Since you and Jeremy sport them, from time to time, I’m guessing they’re more than just a clue that I got laid last night.”

“They don’t have anything to do with sex, per se. Lucas and Noah mark each other publicly sometimes. I admit, it’s more fun during sex though.” Tim grinned wickedly. “But as far as the werewolves are concerned, Dawson has announced that the two of you are going steady.”

Adam drew a breath, ready to act outraged. He’d deny it. He’d tell his brother he had no interest in Dawson past getting laid a couple more times.

“What have I gotten myself into, Tim?”

“A relationship, kiddo.”

Adam leaned back in his chair, staring sightlessly at the ceiling. Shit. “I don’t think I can.”

Tim stayed silent. He didn’t offer any hollow platitudes. He didn’t dismiss Adam’s feelings out of hand. He just sat very still, listening.

“Dawson’s a big deal,” Adam finally said, meeting Tim’s eyes through the screen. “He’s not just any werewolf. I’m not you. I don’t know anything about them.”

“No one expects you to be me—”

“Yeah, they do,” Adam interrupted with derisive laugh. “There’ve been so many times they’ve been surprised that I don’t understand something about werewolves. I’m your brother. I’m supposed to be an expert.”

Tim shook his head vigorously. “Dawson is very aware you know next to nothing about his culture. If you were me, you’d intimidate the hell out of him, and he wouldn’t have marked you.”

“Why me?”

“Seriously?” Tim looked like he thought Adam was losing his mind.

“Why not someone who knows about werewolves?”

“Adam, there is no connection between Dawson taking over as pack leader, and his desire to become involved with you. He isn’t settling for you, because he has to have somebody. Anybody.”

That stunned Adam into silence. He stared at Tim, his mind racing over implications and questions. He thought back over all of their interactions, in light of this new possibility.

“Do you like Dawson?” Tim asked quietly. “Are you attracted to him? If you took the Marine Corps and werewolves out of it, would you be interested in him?”

“Yes.” Adam didn’t hesitate. “But, if you took the Marines and shifters out of it, he’d be a different person, so I don’t want to do that.”

“Good answer.” Tim smiled knowingly. “You’re going to find out that the hardest thing to deal with, is how public the werewolves are with their intimate relationships. You have to let go of your human sensibilities.”

“Dawson mentioned something about that.”

“It’s not easy. I won’t lie to you. Just keep it in mind as things progress.”

“So, is there anything I need to know, now that Dawson is the pack leader out here?”

“You’re human, and a civilian, so your relationship to the werewolves is what you want it to be. It’s what the two of you agree to make it. It’s got more to do with your relationship to Dawson.”

“I have no idea what that even is.”

“The two of you have to talk about it and sort it out.” Tim snorted. “Which isn’t as easy as it sounds. Don’t be surprised if Dawson does a lot of hedging and talking around the topic.”

“Great,” Adam sighed.

“Pack leaders are really just the proxy for the True Alpha. You have the advantage of having met Noah. You have an idea of how he wants his werewolves treated, and how he wants them to behave. That’s going to be at the heart of how Dawson manages the weres on base.”

“They seem happy that Dawson took over.”

“Dawson is a very charismatic leader. He’s strong, competent, and fair.”

“Last night, one of the shifters told me something. He said the werewolves value their dominant pack members. Dawson picking me to…keep an eye on him…after a ritual is a huge responsibility and a big honor.”

“And how do you feel about that?” Tim surprised him by asking.

Adam sorted through all the things he was feeling about Dawson, and everything that had happened in the last couple of days. “Confused,” he finally replied. “I don’t understand half of what’s been going on. And I know Dawson could have successfully hit on a lot of other guys around here, so why me?”

“When you don’t understand the wolfie stuff, kick Rivers in the ass and make him explain it,” Tim said with a smile. “Oh, and if he tells you some long-winded story about werewolf mythology and expects that to be an explanation, kick him in the ass again and make him tell it right.”

Adam laughed. He couldn’t begin to picture himself bossing Dawson around, and getting away with it. “I wish I’d known that when he was going on and on about Joshua and Caleb. I still have no clue what that was all about.”

Tim laughed. “If I’m not mistaken, you were supposed to realize that, despite your differences, history has already proven that a pairing like the two of you can successfully guide the werewolves of your
sippe
where Noah wants them to go. And why you?” Tim shrugged. “Weres have access to senses, to skills, that we humans don’t. No one can explain how they do it, but the people they become attracted to are almost always beneficial to their home pack. They seem compelled to bond with people who help care for the pack members.”

Adam shook his head emphatically. “Then Dawson’s radar is way, way off.”

“If that’s what helps you sleep at night, Adam, you go right on believing that. But it doesn’t change the fact that Dawson needs you to help him lead the Camp Fallujah werewolves, so it’s time for you to man up.”

Adam sighed heavily. In the past, Tim’s words would have sent Adam over the deep end. They’d have had a nasty fight, and Adam would have disappeared for months, cutting off all contact with his family. “Well, until he figures out he made a bad decision, I guess I need to help Dawson with his new job. Is it okay if I reach out? If I get into a jam?” He’d never ask for Tim’s help for himself, but for Dawson, Adam was willing to take advantage of his brother as a resource.

“You know you can reach out to me,” Tim replied intently. “And you don’t need to be shy about contacting Jeremy, Noah, or Lucas directly, if any of them can help. You’re family.” Tim chuckled. “On both the human and the were sides.”

Adam snorted a laugh. “Would you mind emailing me their contact info? Just in case?”

“Consider it done.”

“And before I forget, thanks for the massive care packages. They were a hit.”

“I figured they would be. I’ll let you and Dawson get settled with the pack, and then I’ll send out another shipment.”

“Thanks. I appreciate it.”

They ended their conversation on an upbeat note, which had to be a first for the two of them. At least since Jase had died. It felt good. Adam didn’t miss the anger at all. It was also the first time he could remember, that he felt like he and Tim were on equal footing. Adam didn’t feel judged, for once.

He sat for several minutes, hand resting on top of his closed laptop, replaying the conversation in his head. He couldn’t hide out in his hooch. If wearing Dawson’s marks was an honor, he should hold his head up when he moved around the base. He should check on Dawson, before he went to see Armando.

Adam grabbed his ball cap, his shades, and a bottle of water. He’d act like today was just another day. With any luck, everyone would follow his lead.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

“Mr. Madison, good morning.” The very young private first class who sat in the outer office of Dawson’s building greeted Adam effusively. He stood up from his desk and was nearly vibrating with excitement.

Adam waved a hand dismissively. “My father is Mr. Madison. My brother is Major Madison. I’m Adam. It’s less confusing that way.” The young Marine’s name patch read ‘Peterman’. “I hope I don’t offend you by asking if you’re a werewolf?”

Peterman smiled, his face flushing slightly. “No, we don’t get insulted when humans ask. We know it’s the only way ya’ll can know for sure, unless a shifter tells you. And yes, sir, I am a werewolf.”

“Good to meet you officially, then,” Adam replied. “Is Gunny Rivers in his office?”

“Gunnery Sergeant Rivers is in, and he’s unoccupied. I’m sure he’ll be happy to see you.”

“Thank you, Private.” Adam gave Peterman a smile and a nod as he passed him, heading down the short hallway to Dawson’s office.

The door stood open. Dawson was flipping pages in a three-ring binder, as if he was searching for something specific. Adam rapped his knuckles on the door jam.

Dawson looked up. When he recognized Adam, a wide, brilliant smile filled his expression. Adam returned Dawson’s smile, feeling a little silly as he did. Warmth spread in his belly at Dawson’s immediate, pleased reaction to seeing him. Adam surprised himself, mirroring that same happiness at simply being in Dawson’s presence once more.

“Come on in,” he said, waving Adam forward as he stood from his desk. “And close the door behind you.”

“I don’t want to disturb your work,” Adam said truthfully. He pushed the office door closed.

Dawson came around his desk toward Adam. “I can spare a few moments. Especially since I’d like your input on some arrangements I need to make.” As he neared Adam, Dawson held his arms open.

Adam was shocked, but it didn’t stop him from stepping right into Dawson’s embrace. He nuzzled his face against the side of Dawson’s neck, inhaling the scents of soap, sweat, and baby wipes. Dawson’s wide frame was warm and firm, pressed against the entire length of Adam’s body.

“I know this is against the rules,” Adam murmured, letting his lips skim across the skin of Dawson’s neck as he spoke. “’Cause you’re in uniform and on duty.”

“You’d be right, ordinarily,” Dawson replied. He pressed a gentle kiss to Adam’s temple. “But the rules are different for a pack leader, the day after a major ritual. And because it’s you.”

It’s him? What did that mean? Was it because he’s human? He lost his train of thought when Dawson used his nose to nuzzle below Adam’s ear, inhaling audibly. He exhaled slowly, ghosting his warm breath over the shell of Adam’s ear.

Adam shivered in pleasure. Dawson tightened his arms around Adam’s back. It would be so easy for Adam to forget where they were. He wouldn’t mind closing his eyes and laying his head on Dawson’s shoulder.

“I wanted to check on you this morning,” Adam said. “Last night was very eventful for you.”

“But thanks to you, I got a fantastic night’s sleep.” Dawson sounded sincere. There was no hint of mocking in his tone. “I woke up energized, and I really appreciate it. Did you get enough sleep this morning?”

“I did.” Adam tilted his head as Dawson placed delicate kisses along the side of his neck. “I even had enough time to Skype with my brother.”

Pulling back only enough to be able to make eye contact, Dawson looked down at Adam. His lavender eyes were clear and curious. He really was a handsome man, and Adam’s entire system lit up under his scrutiny.