To Catch A Croc by Amber Kell Read Free Book Online

before Marty could make up a bullshit excuse for being on their doorstep. “The salties got hold of him.”
    “What salties?” Eaton asked. A scowl crossed his handsome face as Denton realized no one had briefed Eaton of this new predicament, least of all him.
    “I’ll tell you once we get Marty settled. Maybe you can do some of your healing on him?”
    On top of the possible mate healing, Eaton controlled a small bit of magic—all eagles did. He rarely used it because when he did it took most of his energy. Denton knew Eaton would expend it on Marty. He could tell from the softening of Eaton’s expression that he would do anything he could to help the hawk shifter.
    They hurried Marty into the downstairs bathroom where Denton then left the pair. “I’ll be in the dining room when you’re ready to talk.”
    He heard Eaton tell Marty to remove his shirt as he left. Denton didn’t want to be a third wheel, and frankly, the thought of watching Eaton drool over Marty turned his stomach a bit. He loved Eaton like a brother and no one wanted to see their brother’s crush naked.
    Denton grabbed a platter of food out of the fridge. Harris liked to cook between art projects. There was always something to snack on in the kitchen. Today it was a platter of fruit and meats.
    “Hey, Denton.”
    Harris entered the kitchen, his face splattered with paint.
    “Hey, Harris. We have an afternoon appointment for a landscape job. Are you interested in coming with me?”
    “What time?”
    He could tell by the faraway look in Harris’s eyes that his friend had already turned his attention back to his art. Denton made a quick decision.
    “How about we reschedule? I’m sure we could do next week.”
    “Are you sure? I don’t want Mr. Anderson mad at us.” Harris focused briefly on Denton.
    “I’ll call him. Okay?” Anderson would understand. He was a huge fan of Harris’s work and had a bit of a crush on the bear shifter.
    “Okay, if you think it’ll be all right?” Harris’s anxiety hung in the air like a dangerous viper waiting to strike.
    Denton gave into the sudden urge he had to give the bear shifter a hug. When Harris engulfed him in his large arms, Denton gave a contented sigh.
    “I hope I’m not interrupting anything.” The edge in Isaac’s voice could’ve cut the air and probably slice Denton in two if given the chance.
    “Hi, Isaac,” Harris said in his deep, dream-soaked voice.
    Denton firmly believed his bear shifter friend lived on a different plane than the rest of the world. Unless one of them was in trouble, Harris rarely moved his attention from his paints. The angry vibe buzzing around Isaac like an irate queen bee completely escaped Harris’s attention.
     
     

 
     
     
    Chapter Four
     
     
    If Isaac didn’t like the big bear shifter so much, he’d let his inner puma out to tear the man apart. How dare he touch Denton?
    His Denton.
    A low growling noise rolled up his chest, shocking Isaac. His inner puma was trying to come out so it could shred the competition. Isaac took a long deep breath to calm his beast.
    “Are you doing yoga?” Harris asked curiously. “I really like yoga.”
    “Let me go, Harris,” Denton said quietly.
    “Oh, sorry.” Harris opened his arms and let the smaller man loose.
    Denton patted Harris on his upper arm. “Thanks, buddy. Why don’t you go back to painting? I’ll let you know if there’s a problem with Anderson.”
    “‘kay, Den, if you’re sure.” Harris nodded his big head at Isaac and wandered out of the kitchen.
    Isaac didn’t relax until he couldn’t scent the bear shifter any more. Competition for his mate’s affections of any kind right now could push him over the edge. Until he claimed his mate, he wouldn’t be comfortable with him touching other people.
    “Why was he hugging you?” Damn, he’d meant to be smoother than that. It wasn’t really his business. He just stopped by because the man he set to watch over Denton called and