Coyote's Kiss

by Crissy Smith

  “There’s a shopping center a couple of blocks over. Let’s drive over there and talk out the next part. We need to get moving,” Cole ordered.

  “Got it,” Adam said before starting the van.

  Cole moved to the middle of the van to sit as he pulled out blueprints of the target house and his notebook. Mitch dropped down beside him before yanking out the bags that had been stashed inside. All their equipment was packed inside the duffel bags.

  When Adam rolled to a stop he shut off the vehicle before joining them in the back.

  “Brady, were you able to overhear anything before we left?” Adam asked.

  “What do you mean?” Cole asked.

  “While I was waiting for us to leave I might have hung around the hall where the others were planning,” Brady shared.

  “You did?” Jade questioned, impressed.

  “People don’t notice me. I hang around and they just overlook that I’m there,” Brady said. “It comes in handy.”

  “That’s awesome,” Jade complimented.

  “They have three mission points to accomplish,” Brady began. “They have to hide Luca. Also, a box is coming into the bus station that needs to be picked up and secured. Last, once they secure the package, Luca will give them coordinates to drop it off. If they get to the location and deliver the parcel while keeping Luca, they win.”

  “So if we get Luca, they don’t get the location and we have their hostage,” Jade supplied. “They’re screwed.”

  “And they’ll never find us at Zak’s,” Cole said.

  She was really starting to get excited. This was their first training exercise with the joint task force and if they could pull this off the other agents would have to admit that she and Cole had something to add.

  “From what I gathered, Zak and Jamie are going for the package with a few others. If we can get to Luca before they return, we’ll have a much better chance,” Brady said.

  “So we go now,” Cole stated. “They won’t know what hit them.”

  “How are we going to get close without being spotted?” Jade asked. “The birds will see us coming if we try to sneak in the back.”

  “We’re fast,” Adam added. “But she’s right. They have a cheetah shifter. If they get the warning, we won’t be able to take him. As soon as they see the van they’ll know it’s us.”

  “So we don’t use the van,” Cole replied.

  Jade knew that look on her partner’s face. It was the same as when they were about to hit a house serving a warrant. He had a plan.

  “You want to use our SUV?” she guessed.

  “Yes,” he agreed.

  “They’ll still see us coming. If we split up and take the front and back, there’s a good chance one of the birds will spot us,” Brady pointed out.

  “We’re not going to split up and we’re not going to sneak in,” Cole told them. “We’re going to hit fast and hard.”

  Jade, along with the rest of the team, stared at Cole in shock. Cole grinned back. “Come on, they’ll not know what hit them until it’s too late.”

  She had to give her partner credit. Cole’s plan was bold. If they could get to Luca before the other team was there, they had it made. “It’s worth a shot,” she said.

  “That’s the spirit.” Cole grabbed her shoulder. “We’ll surprise them and be gone by the time Zak and Jamie return. Afterwards we’ll split up and swap vehicles. Adam, Mitch and you will take Luca back to Zak’s in the van, while me and Brady drive the SUV around for a while. We’ll make tracks to the Coalition office first before heading to the FBI building. There we’ll switch out our SUV for another one,” he told Jade.

  Jade nodded. “Let’s do this.”

  “Okay, let’s get our equipment on and get ready to move quickly. We’ll grab our vehicle from the office. Adam, you and Mitch stay with the van and follow us to the drop-off point. From there we’ll all pile into the SUV and go.”

  The exhilaration coursing through Jade made it hard to remain seated. She was ready to go.

  Chapter Four

  Luca relaxed into the couch at their hideout as Zak, Jamie and Abilene prepared to leave. The first stage of the mission was to pick up a box from the bus station that needed to be taken to another location.

  Only Luca knew where the package would have to be delivered, but he couldn’t tell the team until they returned with it. Luca was playing the hostage and was already having fun with his friends. Even when Jamie had suggested tying him up. Luca knew that the others would never allow that. He did promise not to attempt escape, though. The training exercise was designed to use all their skills and he didn’t see the ATF and Coalition failing.

  Even with Sam and Patrick, the human agents, they had a better chance of completing the mission than the unit they were up against. Luca had to credit Cole and Jade with intelligence and passion for the work, but he was certain that they would fail. He’d been working with the Coalition for a while now and they were the best agents he’d had the pleasure of watching. They used their shifter senses so seamlessly that even he was learning more about his animal side. Which was one of the reasons he’d been considering a transfer. By having the Coalition, all of the shifters got to hone their skills in both human and shifter form. Luca wanted to soak up as much as he could from the others. Cole and Jade just didn’t have the same experience.

  Not that he would mind spending more time with Jade. He’d enjoyed talking with her the day before and the questions she’d asked about the previous missions had shown him that she was truly interested in the joint task force. She wanted to help the FBI shifter agents. He was curious in finding out more about why.

  “So you think you’ll get rescued?” Ryder asked him as he joined Luca on the couch. Ryder was part of Cody’s birds of prey division. Luca really liked the young agent, even if he was a little scary when it came to hand-to-hand battle. Ryder was dangerous, so Luca was glad that they were on the same side.

  “Not really,” he admitted. “What about everyone else?”

  “They don’t seem too worried. They’re taking off now to go collect the package. When they get back we’ll drop it off and have two points done. All we’ll have left is keeping you close,” Ryder informed him.

  “Are they taking the two FBI agents?” Luca asked. He hoped so. Unlike Cole and Jade, whom Luca didn’t mind, working with the feebies that had joined them just that morning was already getting on his nerves. The two humans kept to themselves and didn’t speak with any of them. They appeared to be just as bigoted as Luca had heard the rest of the FBI could be. If Cole and Jade surprised all of them, these other two didn’t.

  “They’re leaving one with us and taking the other,” Ryder said.

  Luca hoped that by separating the two he might actually find out that they were all right guys.

  “I’m going to shift and keep watch on the roof,” Ryder told him. “Don’t get taken on purpose. No matter how hot you think the Fed is.”

  Luca had to laugh at Ryder’s comment. It wasn’t really a surprise that people had picked up on his attraction to Jade. Abilene hadn’t managed to get him alone, but Luca knew that as soon as she did he was in for a lecture from his partner. Like he needed it. He was fully aware that Jade was human and worked for an organization that didn’t allow mating between humans and shifters. If he wasn’t careful she’d call his brother, and Sal would love to stick his nose into Luca’s business. “Just be careful,” Luca replied.

  Ryder walked off, leaving him alone in the living room. The house that they were using was one of the Coalition’s safe locations. According to the rules of the mission the other team already knew his location. They would come for him. He didn’t know if they knew about the package. Maybe they would go that route. Try to get both him and the parcel. That would be bold. And stupid. He’d be disappointed if they attempted both. There was no point in taking on more than they needed. The only reason to go after the box would be pride. But the feebies were arrogant so maybe they w
ould try.

  “We’re taking off,” Zak called from the doorway. “We’ll be back in less than two hours. Be ready to move then.”

  Luca nodded. “You got enough men staying?”

  “You’re covered. We’re split in half. I don’t expect them to go after the package, but you never know. We lose it, or you, and we’re screwed,” Zak replied.

  Luca stood and walked over to his friend. “Stay safe.”

  Zak grinned. “I’m just ready for the fun to begin. I know how the wolves work. The Fed might surprise me.”

  He knew that Zak was loving this. Luca motioned to his partner waiting by the front door. “Keep her out of trouble.”

  “But that’s how I like her,” Zak said. He winked at Luca before strolling away.

  Luca laughed, shaking his head. The door closed behind the agents as they left. Glancing over, he noticed the human feebie watching him closely.

  “Hey, man,” Luca called out. “Want to join me for a cup of coffee?” he asked Sam.

  Sam looked undecided for several seconds before finally nodding. Luca waved for Sam to follow him into the kitchen. Luckily the house was already stocked with a few supplies, which included coffee, creamer and sugar. Luca started a pot then turned to lean against the counter. Sam remained standing in the doorway.

  “I don’t bite,” Luca said. “Well, not without permission—and only women.”

  Sam didn’t even crack a smile at Luca’s joke. He did move to an island bar stool and take a seat, though.

  “So, I take it you didn’t volunteer for this assignment?” Luca said.

  Sam’s head snapped up and he glared at Luca. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  Luca shrugged. “It’s obvious that you don’t want to be here.”

  He surprised Luca by sighing. He started to shake his head. “It’s not that, really. I know it seems like it, but we have a lot of pressure coming down from our boss.”

  “What kind of pressure?” Luca questioned.

  “Just some…stuff. I don’t want to get into it, but we’re dealing with it.”

  Luca didn’t like the answer, but he knew better than to push. He turned to pull down two mugs. “How do you take your coffee?” he asked. He went ahead and added a small amount of sugar to his own. He looked around when Sam didn’t answer.

  “I don’t have a problem with shifters,” Sam told him. He’d lifted his head to meet Luca’s gaze. Luca believed him. It was weird, and he might end up being totally wrong, but he didn’t get a bad feeling from Sam.

  “Good to know,” Luca said. “Coffee?”

  “Black’s fine,” Sam replied.

  He poured steamy coffee into the two cups before sliding one carefully across the counter.

  “Thanks.” Sam smiled as he picked up his beverage and blew on it.

  Luca continued to watch him. He was average looking in his blue suit and tie. Nothing really stood out about him. He probably made a good Fed but Luca didn’t get the same dedicated and intense feel as he did from Cole and Jade. Actually, Sam appeared the complete opposite of them. When Cole and Jade walked into a room they demanded attention—Cole with his alpha dominance and Jade with her warm, sweet allure.

  They were a power couple in the government and would go far if they didn’t get mixed up in the shifter issues. Although, Luca didn’t believe that Jade would be able to avoid it. She was spunky and obviously cared about her partner. Cole was a little harder to read. He didn’t talk as much as Jade, and while Luca had been filling Jade in on all the previous training, Cole had just sat back and watched. They had a very interesting partnership. It was obvious in the way that Cole allowed her to speak for both of them that he respected her. Luca could see the tight connection between the two of them.

  At least he didn’t get the feeling that they were more than partners. Even if he decided not to act on the attraction between him and Jade, Luca really didn’t want to have to go up against Cole. Cole was obviously more dominant. There was no doubt that if Cole was in a pack he’d be high up in rank.

  Just because Cole was a wolf shifter didn’t mean that he was with a pack, though. It was rare for wolves to be rogue or on their own, but if anyone could handle living without family it would be Cole.

  Luca still considered himself part of his home pack even though he didn’t live close to his family any longer. He made certain to return to his parents and siblings at least every three months. They would shift and run together under the moon. While the moon wasn’t necessary to be able to transform, Luca’s father had always loved to play around with the old legends.

  He kind of liked it himself. When the shifters around the world had announced their presence, the entire Perez clan had gathered to decide whether they would join along. Luca and Sal had had no problem at the idea of being out in the open but their mom had been worried. She didn’t want her kids to get hurt by humans who feared what they didn’t understand. Luca had been lucky. His agency and friends had no problem with the shifter side of him. It was tougher for Sal, though. The FBI had actually suspended all shifters right after the announcement had been made. Both Sal and his partner were still fighting for their rights to be the same as their human counterparts.

  “Did you know Special Agent Babcock or Adams before this?”

  Sam’s question drew him out of his own thoughts and back to the present. “Sorry, no, we met them yesterday morning.”

  “Oh, you guys just seemed to get along really well already,” Sam said.

  Luca wasn’t sure how to explain why he was so comfortable with Cole and Jade. There was just something about them he liked.

  “Is it because Agent Babcock is a shifter?” Sam asked.

  “No, other than my partner, I’m used to working with humans at the ATF.”

  “So you’re partnered with another shifter? Is that mandatory at your agency?” Sam questioned.

  “We were already assigned to each other so it worked out well in the end,” Luca shared.

  “I lost my partner when he came out as a shifter,” Sam told him.

  Luca paused with his mug halfway to his mouth. Even at the ATF there had been a lot of partner exchanges when one found out about the other’s shifter status. But it was a major issue at the FBI according to his brother. He had to wonder why someone who had abandoned his partner would accept a position on the joint task force. He was at a loss for words. “Were the two of you close?” he asked with caution.

  “I thought so. I didn’t take it well at first. I was a prick to him. I think now I was just shocked and listened to some of the assholes around the office. I’m hoping that I can make it up to him, though. Ask for his forgiveness,” Sam stated. “I’m just not sure where to start.”

  Ah, so that was why Sam wanted to talk to him. Get some advice. Luca didn’t mind if it would help Sam’s partner. “Are you still both assigned to the same division?”

  “No. After the FBI was required to take the shifters back, they were all moved into one unit. Until I met Agents Babcock and Adams I didn’t know that any team was combined shifter and human. My boss told me it was against regulation when I enquired about getting Danny back.”

  It was such a shame that, even in the government, shifters weren’t getting the same rights as other workers. Luca was happy to be part of the unit trying to protect shifters’ rights and make sure that they were treated as equals. “What does he do now?”

  “Fieldwork,” Sam replied. “I’m not sure what, exactly. They don’t come onto our floor, and we have a separate locker room and gym they’re not allowed to use.”

  Luca saw red as anger filled him. That was such bullshit. No one deserved to be treated that way. He took several deep breaths before he could speak again. By the time his vision had cleared, Sam had his head bent over his cup, frowning.

  “Sorry, man, but your division is fucked up. I’ve not heard that things were that bad for the shifters.”

  “I don’t think it’s everywhere. I’ve tried to
discreetly ask around to some guys I was in the academy with, but they didn’t really want to talk to me about it. I think they’re afraid to take a side in the matter.”

  Someone needed to. If the shifters were being mistreated like Luca suspected they were, someone needed to step in. If it had to be Luca then so be it. He’d get hold of his brother and hopefully, with the help of Cole and Jade, they’d all figure out how to help. “What kind of shifter is your partner, uh, did you say Danny?”

  “Danny O’Brien,” Sam said. “And I don’t actually know.” Sam flushed in obvious embarrassment.

  Yeah, Sam must have turned his back on his partner quickly if he didn’t even know what kind of shifter the man was. But at least he was trying to do the right thing now. “How does your new partner feel about all this?”

  Sam looked over his shoulder as though he expected Patrick to be standing right behind him, listening. “Pat’s got a few things of his own he needs to take care of. Some mistakes he made. That’s not my story to tell, though.”

  “Do you think he’d be interested in joining in if I could come up with a plan to help the shifters in your office?” Luca asked, leaning closer to Sam. He didn’t want to promise anything too big, but there was no way now that he’d heard about Sam and his partner’s problems he could just let it go.

  “What?” Sam jumped to his feet. “No, man, I thought… I mean, I didn’t want… You can’t get involved.”

  Luca didn’t miss the way Sam’s hands shook before he stuffed them in the front pockets of his suit. “Hey, it’s okay, I just want to help. It sounds like the bosses might be up to no good. I just want to make sure everyone’s safe.” Sam was obviously worried about his ex-partner and Luca hoped he could get through to the young agent. “To make sure Danny isn’t being used or hurt.”

  “I—” Sam frowned as he started to back off. “I gotta take a piss.”

  Luca allowed him to leave, hoping that Sam could see that he just wanted to help. Luca didn’t know where the other agents were in the house. Ryder had gone outside and he suspected that some of the others were also spread out keeping watch. He picked up his cup and strolled to the glass door that opened into the front of the house. Just one of the two entrances that faced the street.