Page 59 of Red Marked

“I’m sure they are. If you don’t mind me saying, sir.”

I do mind.

Fuck!

“It has to be exhausting working all day and then heading on night training as well. I hear you plan on making such training maneuvers a regular fixture.” He widens his eyes. “I’m not sure I could do it.”

“I don’t need much sleep.” I shrug.

Go away!

“I still can’t believe that your team stumbled on the Draig females like that. What are the odds?” He smiles.

“I know.” I smile back.

Go away! Fuck!

He nods, waiting for more.

I’m starting to feel worried for Star. Hanging up there like that must be costing her. I doubt she’ll be able to last much longer.

“Anyway.” He lifts a hand. “I’d better⁠—”

He stops. His chin snaps up. His nostrils widen.

He sniffs the air.

No!

Fuck!

“Do you smell that?” He gets a confused look.

“Smell what?”

“Female.” He sniffs again, head turning, eyes tracking the walls at shoulder height, the doors, the floor. “I swear I’m catching the scent of a female…shifter, I think.”

It’s Star. If he follows his nose, he might find her.

“Rift came through here just before me.” I nod back the way I came. “Come to think of it, she might have brushed against me.” I sniff my jacket. “I’m sure you’re scenting her.”

“Oh.” He blinks. “Right, Rift.” Then his face changes. “Are you and Rift…? You know?”

“No.” I shake my head. “I’m her superior. It would be inappropriate.”

“Oh…um…of course. I didn’t mean… Please don’t take offense, sir.”

“It’s all good. I asked Rift to check in on the females. I thought they could use a female to help settle them.”

“Of course. That makes sense.”

He sniffs once more, slower, and I watch him start to buy it. Then the frown comes.

“That’s not Rift, though.” He tilts his head. “Rift smells like that body wash she uses. There’s jasmine in it.” He groans. “So fucking good.”

“I got her out of bed. I doubt she smells of her body wash anymore. Or maybe she used a different brand.”

“Of course.” He laughs. “That must be it.”