Amber Kell Banded Brothers 02 To Catch a Croc

Protect those you love, annihilate everyone else.

For as long as he could remember Denton Stills
has followed his friend Carey around. When
Carey gets a mate Denton starts to consider maybe
it is time for him to find his forever man. However
the only one sniffing around is an obnoxious
puma who seems to think Denton is as good as
his. When saltwater crocodile shifters try to move
into Denton’s territory he takes a page from
Carey’s father “protect those you love, annihilate
everyone else. Will Denton be able to hold back a
shifter invasion with his friends or will he have to
ask for help from the one man who makes him
thinks happily ever after might be possible?

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To Catch A Croc

ISBN: 978-1-77111-467-7

Cover art by Scott Carpenter

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To Catch a Croc

Banded Brothers Book Two

Amber Kell

This is in honor of road trips. Without that side trip to
the reptile farm this book might never have been made.

Creative license made them crocodiles instead of

alligators. Shh don’t tell Denton!

Chapter One

ater surrounded him—colder than his kind
generally tolerated. However, Denton Stills

had lived in the Northwest most of his life and
adapted years ago. Temperatures most crocodiles
couldn’t tolerate no longer bothered him. He
snapped playfully at a fish swimming by. He’d
eaten a large dinner of spaghetti before
swimming. Probably not his smartest move, but
he’d been hungry and the pasta had it coming.
Not to mention Harris had cooked and Denton
didn’t have the heart to turn down anything the
bear shifter prepared for him.

Harris might be a big guy, but he had a gooey

marshmallowy center and Denton loved him like a
brother. He’d eat enough pasta to make himself ill
if it would make Harris smile.

Lashing his tail to propel through the water,

Denton spied a white object at the bottom. A milk
carton had lodged itself in a layer of silt. While
Denton’s ecological heart bemoaned the added
pollution, his creative side smiled, since the

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container was probably the remainder from last
summer’s milk carton derby. He always enjoyed
watching people try to cross the lake on at least
fifty halves of the flimsy cartons. Of course his
favorite part was when they sank and they bobbed
in the lake like soggy party favors.

Humans did the stupidest things sometimes in

the pursuit of fun. Crocodiles didn’t need
anything more than a nice body of water and a
heated spot afterward. The urge to return to his
heated bit of sand sent Denton circling around to
head back to shore. Although it was dark, after
one bad encounter with a white haired lady and
her yippy Chihuahua, Denton used more care
when approaching shore.

He floated to the surface and took a good look

around before walking to the edge and letting the
transformation take him. A tingle like a thousand
bug bites went across his skin as the reptile
submerged beneath the surface to be taken over by
Denton’s human form.

Denton sloshed the last few feet out of the lake

and grabbed his clothes from the shrub he’d
stashed them under. Another quick glance around
proved no one had spotted him yet. Good. He also
didn’t need another ticket for indecent exposure.
Carey’s head would explode if he learned Denton
had wandered to Green Lake alone at night to
grab a swim. His friend always went on about

To Catch A Croc

how dangerous shifting in public was, as if a
human knew about that sort of thing. Carey might
be a superior human, but even he didn’t
understand the shifter compulsion to wallow in its
natural environment. Well, as natural as a lake in
the middle of a city could be. Formed by the
Vashon glacier fifty thousand years ago, the two
hundred and fifty-three acre Green Lake always
gave Denton a cozy feel. And unlike Lake
Washington, it didn’t have idiots in speedboats
trying to run over an innocent floating crocodile.

The cold breeze made him shiver. Denton hated

winter. His sun-loving reptile half preferred
warmer climates, but he wouldn’t leave his friends
for all the toasty sand in the world. He just needed
to go some place for vacation. Soon. He’d have to
ask his friends what they thought about going to
the Caribbean. Surely they could put all their
pennies together and afford a little trip. Denton
thought about all the hot locations they could
visit—maybe go back to Australia. Memories of
his parents’ horrible death at the hands of
saltwater crocodile shifters halted that train of
thought.

Maybe not.
For all he knew, his family house still stood in

all its bloodstained glory. He’d never gone back to
check and he didn’t have any plans to do so now.

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Hard objects rolled up Denton’s throat and

filled his mouth. He played with them a bit with
his tongue before spitting them onto the ground.
The stones helped him sink lower in the water as a
crocodile and luckily came back up when he
returned to his two-legged form. Rocks in his
human half would only result in a trip to the
emergency room.

As he emerged from the shrubbery, the scent of

people approaching made Denton freeze in his
tracks. He hadn’t smelled that kind of shifter in a
long, long time and in the cool Northwest country
he’d never thought to smell them again. What
were they doing here? Why had they invaded his
home? Brutal memories sent fear icing over his
chest and grabbed him by the throat. He started
shaking again but this time not from cold.

“Hello there, Freshie,” a hard voice said.
Two large shapes appeared from the darker

area of the park.

Crap! Saltwater crocodile shifters!
He’d hoped for once his nose had been wrong

and that his gun wasn’t still in his Jeep. The
saltwater or Indo-Pacific crocodiles were much
larger than freshwater and it reflected in their
human form. Denton knew he couldn’t take them,
especially two of them. In his animal state, Denton
would be several feet smaller than the strangers
before him. Not to mention as a human, Denton

To Catch A Croc

was thin and lanky, nothing like the muscular
beef-meisters standing before him. His mind raced
as he tried to remember if anyone had mentioned
salties moving into the area. He was pretty sure
information like that would’ve stuck in his head.

It annoyed him that Carey had been right. He

never should’ve come to a public lake to swim in
his crocodile form. He’d hoped to escape detection
in the dark. Apparently, although the humans
didn’t see him, the other crocs knew exactly where
to find him.

“Hello,” Denton said, keeping a wary eye on

the salties. He didn’t trust saltwater crocs—they
moved into territory and killed everything in their
path. Sure, they couldn’t live in freshwater but
that didn’t stop them from keeping everyone else
from living there either, especially if an area had
both.

“We came to give you a friendly warning,” the

man on the left said. He had muddy brown hair
and eyes that changed from black to brown in the
dim street lights scattered around the park.

The man on the right stepped forward. “We

thought you should know there’s a new bask in
town and we don’t want no freshies tainting up
the waters.”

“I see. Thanks for the warning, but aren’t you

guys a little north for crocs?” Most croc shifters
didn’t like to leave the warmer climates. Denton

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only lived in Seattle because that’s where his
friends were. If given the choice, he’d go live in
Florida or someplace hotter. Only his heated rock
and almost scalding baths got him through the
cold winters.

Denton kept his body facing them, not wanting

to show the salties his back. Both of the men were
wider and more muscled than him. He didn’t care
to give them the chance to pounce him unaware.
He knew how to protect himself, but with two
men so much bigger and potentially more lethal,
he didn’t stand a chance.

“Now that’s for us to say, isn’t it?” the croc on

the left growled.

“I suppose it is.” Denton tried to keep his voice

level and non-confrontational. He hoped to get
away with minimal damage. His adoptive father,
Aden Gale, was going to kick his ass once he
learned Denton had traveled without a weapon on
him.

One of the salties stepped forward, and Denton

stepped back. Fear had his heart beating a rapid
staccato in his chest. A bask of salt water crocs had
destroyed his family when he was a young
hatchling. Denton only escaped because he’d been
out swimming. Coming home to find his family in
pieces had gutted him.

He’d clung to the new friend he’d met at the

watering hole. Carey, who was in Australia on

To Catch A Croc

vacation, persuaded his father to take Denton
home with them. For some reason the tough
mercenary couldn’t say no to his son who had him
wrapped around his little kindergartener’s finger
in an inescapable bind. To this day, he didn’t
know how they’d smuggled him into the country.
He didn’t want to know how they got him legal-
looking paperwork.

He wished he’d told someone where he was

going. Anyone. Instead he’d snuck out of the
house without saying a word.

Idiot.
Now Denton yearned for his friend’s presence

with the ferocity of a young child wishing for a
pony for Christmas.

“The boss said we couldn’t leave any bodies

lying around, so we’re only here to deliver a
friendly reminder for you to get out of town.”

Before he could react, one huge fist punched

Denton in the eye and sent him tumbling down to
the ground.

“Fuck.”
Laughing, the saltwater crocs approached.

“You have one day to evacuate.”

Still stunned by the first hit, Denton didn’t

scramble out of the way fast enough. One giant
steel-toed boot slammed into his ribs. He heard
the crunch and snap of his bones shattering. He

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didn’t remember much after that because
everything went black.

When Denton came to, the sky was still black.

Since he lay across the middle of a popular
jogging path, he doubted he’d been lying there
twenty-four hours or someone would’ve had his
body hauled away by now.

Sitting up made spots appear before his eyes.

His stomach heaved from the pain. He had to
stand. He tried for a little internal pep talk but his
body apparently knew he was full of shit and
ignored him.

Finally, Denton rolled over and crawled to his

Jeep. Luckily, he’d found rare street parking close
by. His hands were bleeding from the bits of
gravel by the time he made it to his car. If he
shifted now, his bones might reshape wrong or
force him to stay a crocodile until he was
completely healed. His face throbbed along with
the pain throughout the rest of his body.
Everything hurt.

He glanced around the Jeep to make sure there

weren’t any unpleasant surprises waiting for him.
A sniff didn’t reveal any strange scents. He didn’t
know how the salties found him and he wasn’t
sure if they were still watching him.

His first instinct was to go home but, with

Eaton on his blind date. that would leave him with

To Catch A Croc

the bear shifter all alone. Harris would lose his
temper if he saw Denton all battered and broken.
Harris generally had a calm, artistic nature but he
protected his friends with the fierceness of a
mama bear with her cub. Denton didn’t have the
energy to deal with that.

Normally, he would turn over problems like

this to Carey but as soon as it became legal in
Seattle, Broden had proposed to Carey, married
him, and dragged him up to Victoria for a
honeymoon.

Carey deserved time away without Denton

crying to him because the bigger crocs had beat
him up. He needed an alternative plan. The image
forming in his mind of a tall dark-haired puma
shifter gave him comfort. Isaac Graham would
help him out. Denton knew Broden had asked
Isaac to keep an eye on Carey’s friends while the
alpha pair was gone. For the moment Denton
needed a safe place to heal and some help
investigating where the crocs were staying.

Isaac was perfect.
Maybe he could get Isaac to hunt around a bit.

Crocodile shifters, especially salties, weren’t
known for their subtlety. Denton was strange for
his breed. He liked to be in the background unless
he was playing in the band. He preferred to write
songs and design earth-friendly landscaping for
people. He didn’t want to bring trouble to his

Amber Kell

friends, but he knew if he disappeared they would
be more hurt than if he filleted them with a knife.

Denton needed to figure out where the salties

had their home base and what they were doing
here. The water was too cold and the weather
wasn’t warm enough for saltwater crocs. Hell, it
wasn’t warm enough for freshwater crocs, either,
but after so many years Denton was used to it.

He needed a plan and he had a feeling Isaac

was just the man to help him. With his idea fixed
in his mind, Denton climbed into his Jeep and
headed for Isaac’s house.

It took half an hour to drive to Isaac’s house in

West Seattle. Isaac had a million-dollar home by
Alki Beach with sound and mountain views.
Denton hadn’t gone to the beach on his one visit
when Isaac had thrown a house warming party,
but he’d enjoyed the salty air and sound of the
gulls calling to one another. Isaac’s Mediterranean
villa sort of stuck out among the other architecture
but Denton found it charming. His fingers had
itched to prune back Isaac’s overgrown roses but
he’d resisted. He’d figured it would be poor
manners to hack a man’s bush without
permission.

It was late enough that Denton easily found a

coveted street-side parking spot. Sighing, he slid
his Jeep into a spot between a convertible and a

To Catch A Croc

car big enough to be an urban tank. Why anyone
needed such a large vehicle on Seattle’s narrow
streets, Denton didn’t know. A mom who used it
to haul her kids to and from private school and
soccer practice probably owned it. From the
pristine paint job, Denton doubted it had ever
gone off road.

His mind focused on his injuries and the salties’

invasion, Denton almost stumbled across Isaac
sitting on his front steps.

“Oh, sorry, I didn’t see you there,” Denton

moved back down a few more steps. He clutched
the railing as the world spun around him.

Isaac rose to his feet. “What’s wrong?”
Denton gasped for breath as he fought to gather

enough air in his probably punctured lungs.
“What makes you think something is wrong?”

Isaac wrapped an arm around Denton’s waist.

“I’ve got you, babe, let’s get you inside and you
can tell me who I need to kill.” The world spun as
his body left the earth.

“Hey, put me down.” The world continued to

spin as Isaac carried him across the front door’s
threshold as if he were a new bride.

“Don’t fight me,” Isaac growled. “I need to

check and see how badly you’re injured.”

For the first time since the salties’ attack,

Denton felt safe. He rested his head on the puma
shifter’s chest, glad he’d come here to Isaac.

Amber Kell

Although he’d only met the puma shifter a few
times before, something about Isaac’s confidence
appealed to Denton.

He tried to unobtrusively sniff Isaac. Taking in

Isaac’s scent, further calmed down his inner
crocodile. The reptile wanted to bite down on the
salties and snap their thick necks. Unfortunately,
Denton knew how that would end. He’d never be
able to beat them in crocodile form. Fortunately,
he had a couple of high-powered rifles and a
sharp shooter at hand. Right now, he needed to
heal and find out the location of their base.

Soft leather met Denton’s scraped hands as

Isaac placed him on the world’s softest couch.
“Oh, this is nice.” He rested his neck on the
padded arm and the room stopped spinning for a
bit.

“What did they do to your beautiful face?”

Isaac crouched beside Denton, tracing his eye with
the gentlest touch. “I’m definitely going to kill
them.”

“Saltwater crocs,” Denton blurted out. “They

found me down by the lake and told me to get out
of town.”

“I wonder why they didn’t kill you,” Isaac

mused.

Denton would’ve taken offense but he’d

wondered the same thing. Maybe they thought he
wouldn’t tell his friends and slink out of town.

To Catch A Croc

“Maybe they’re afraid of Carey,” Denton

whispered.

“Hmm, maybe. It’s well known he took down

the wolves. They might hope to scare the rest of
you off before he comes back.”

Denton knew Harris was safe at the mansion

and Eaton could escape if cornered. With his
history with the salties, Denton was the obvious
choice to strong-arm first.

“And if you were too afraid to stay, you might

be able to take everyone with you. But if they
killed you, Carey would want revenge…” Isaac
mused.

“They’d all die,” Denton finished.
“What they didn’t know is that I’m going to kill

them anyway,” Isaac growled. The venomous tone
in the puma shifter’s voice made Denton blink to
see through his puffy eye.

“Why?” Denton knew Isaac was devoted to his

alpha, but there was no reason for him to have
that level of animosity toward the salties.

“Because they touched what belongs to me,”

Isaac said in the same hard voice. “I need to take
off your shirt.”

“Cut it!” Denton demanded. No way was he

lifting his arms. He also didn’t have the energy to
figure out what Isaac was talking about. Denton
didn’t belong to anyone. Not that he’d mind if
Isaac wanted to claim Denton as his, but they’d

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barely seen each other, much less dated. Surely it
would take more than that for a claiming? The
pain distracted Denton from too much
introspection.

“I’ll be right back.” Isaac stood and left the

room.

Without the puma shifter to distract him,

Denton closed his eyes. His chest hurt the worst of
anything and without Isaac there he could feel
every ache, distinctly.

“Stay still.” Isaac demanded, rushing back into

the room.

Denton held off the smart-ass comment

hovering on his lips, mostly because voicing it
would take more effort than he was willing to
expend.

Metal scissors slid against his skin, sending

shivers down Denton’s spine. The domed touch
pads on his crocodile skin were flattened in his
human shape but he still had the enhanced
sensation. Denton whimpered when his quickly
drawn breath caused his ribs to hurt.

“I said stay still,” Isaac scolded.
“I can’t help it. Crocodiles have super sensitive

skin,” Denton snapped.

“I’ve read that but I thought it was just your

jaw and face.” Isaac’s gaze focused on him as if
Denton were the most fascinating person in the
world.

To Catch A Croc

“No, that’s alligators. For crocs, it’s all over the

body.” Lust poured off of Isaac and smacked
Denton in the nose. His body hardened, increasing
his rate of misery. “Stop that.”

“Stop what?” Isaac turned his attention back to

cutting away Denton’s shirt but he could still
smell Isaac’s desire as it saturated the air with his
scent.

“Making me hard. I hurt enough.” He didn’t

want Isaac to know how much he lusted after him.
His crush was more than a little embarrassing.

Finally, his shirt was dropped to the floor and

Isaac examined Denton’s chest. “Did they kick you
anywhere lower?”

“N-No,” Denton stuttered as Isaac’s fingers

brushed across his nipples.

“Good. I’ll kill them quickly instead of drawing

it out, then. I hate to say it, but you should
probably sleep as a human tonight and wait to
change until tomorrow.”

Isaac’s compassionate expression broke him.

He’d been fine through the examination, but that
little bit of sympathy released the floodgates. Sobs
tore out of him, compounded by the pain the
motion caused.

“Honey, it’s all right. I can kill them slowly it if

will make you feel better.” Isaac lifted Denton up
and settled him back down with Isaac beneath
him.

Amber Kell

He curled into the larger man, unable to bear

looking into his eyes.

“Shh,” Isaac rubbed the base of Denton’s back

in long soothing circles. “We’ll just rest a bit, then
I’ll take you to bed where you belong.”

Too tired to understand what Isaac was

jabbering about, Denton pressed his nose into
Isaac’s neck, absorbing the scent until it became a
part of him. He never thought he’d find the smell
of a cat shifter appealing, but Isaac smelled of
comfort and home. Immediately, Denton’s inner
crocodile calmed. Both halves of Denton knew
that he was where he needed to be.

“I’ll look into the location of the salties

tomorrow. Let’s get you into bed.” Isaac’s voice
rumbled in his chest like a soothing balm to
Denton’s ragged soul.

“I bet you say that to all the boys,” Denton

teased.

“Only to the pretty ones.” Isaac kissed Denton’s

forehead.

Once again Isaac’s strong arms lifted him. “I

can walk, you know. Probably.”

“Uh, huh. When you’re more certain of that

fact, you can climb the stairs on your own.”

Satisfied with that compromise, Denton

snuggled in close. He enjoyed the floating
sensation of being carried. He doubted he’d feel it
again anytime soon. Tomorrow, he could return to

To Catch A Croc

his usual brash, snarky self. Tonight, he needed
Isaac.

“I’ve gotta call home—Eaton and Harris will

wonder what happened to me.”

“You can call when I get you upstairs.” Isaac

said.

Denton took a deep breath. “You know this

won’t work, right? I mean, you’re a puma and I’m
a crocodile. We’re one animal away from a bar
joke.”

Isaac tilted his head. “What would be the third

animal?”

“It doesn’t matter,” Denton snapped. He could

feel his eyes change.

Isaac glanced down and desire wafted off of the

cat shifter like a heady perfume.

“That’s so hot,” Isaac whispered.
“You like it when my eyes change?” Denton

had heard that particular effect described as
creepy, eerie and downright frightening. Hot
wasn’t something he usually heard.

“Oh, yeah.” Isaac said, his cheek against the top

of Denton’s head like the big cat he was. His
erection, wide and long, rubbed against Denton’s
hip as he carried him. Denton curled his fingers
against the urge to reach out and touch. He didn’t
want to startle Isaac and be dropped on his ass.

Luckily, they entered the bedroom and Isaac

placed him on a blissfully soft bed.

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“I think this is a very bad idea,” Denton said as

Isaac’s face came closer. “You are such a bad
idea.”

Denton’s attraction to Isaac overwhelmed him

and made him pliant to Isaac’s advances. He
couldn’t say no even if he wanted to—his
crocodile had chosen Isaac as theirs and Denton’s
human half wasn’t strong enough to deny them
something they both wanted.

“Probably.” Isaac wrapped a hand around the

back of Denton’s neck and crawled onto the bed
beside him. “But you are too gorgeous to resist.”

Unbidden, Denton began rubbing the bridge of

his nose across Isaac’s jaw. A low rumble rolled
up his chest, a mating noise he’d never before
emitted, as his animal half tried to coax his mate
into becoming his.

A blush rose on Denton’s cheeks.
“Sorry,” he mumbled against Isaac’s throat.
“Don’t be. I like that both halves of you are

attracted to me. Scoot up.”

With Isaac’s assistance, Denton curled up on

the bed alongside Isaac’s larger frame.

Isaac’s laid-back attitude appealed to Denton,

who always had a fine layer of stress running
through his body. Denton sighed and let Isaac take
his weight against him. Anyone with that much
heat should be used to bask on.

To Catch A Croc

A low rumble went through Isaac’s body,

making Denton lift his chin up to check out Isaac’s
expression. Isaac’s eye sparkled with amusement.
“Comfortable?”

“You’re warm,” Denton said, as if that

explained everything.

It must have, because Isaac pulled him closer.

“Those salties really scared you.”

Denton nodded. Even more frightening was his

new determination to kill every one of them
before they could hurt anyone else. Better to let
Isaac think he needed protection than to admit he
just wanted them found so he could hunt them
down. Yep, he’d go for the poor little croc routine.
He snuggled in closer. A shiver went through him,
but it wasn’t fear.

“Call your friends, little croc, and then we can

get some sleep.”

He knew he should be annoyed with the little

croc comment but it would completely ruin the
poor little me routine he had going on if he said
anything. “Okay,” He gave Isaac a shaky smile.
The Oscars should be calling to give him an award
for his acting prowess.

Reaching into his pocket, he dialed Eaton.
“Hey, Denton, where are you?”
“I’m at Isaac’s place. I’m gonna spend the

night.”

Amber Kell

A loud hooting sound came from the other side.

“Gonna get some kitty tail? What is it with
everyone going for cats lately? I prefer my men
fine and feathered.”

Denton smiled. “How was your last blind

date?”

The pain rushing through his body made

Denton not really care about his friend’s latest
dating adventure, but if he didn’t ask, Eaton
would know something was wrong.

“Let’s just say he wasn’t fine or feathery

enough.”

Barely holding back laughter, Denton made

reassuring noises. “I’m sure you’ll find someone.”

“Hmm, maybe. I heard the hawks were coming

back into town.” The eagerness in Eaton’s voice
made Denton’s chest ache. He’d hoped Eaton’s
crush on the gang leader would fade with time,
but in this case it appeared absence did make the
heart grow fonder. Denton would have to take
care of that little problem once he could breathe
easier again.

“Stay away from Marty. He’s no good,” Denton

snapped, even as he knew the words were futile.

Eaton sighed. “But he looks so good in black

leather.”

“You don’t want to be another feather on his

belt,” Denton warned. While some men collected
phone numbers, rumor had it that Marty kept a

To Catch A Croc

feather from the shifted form of each bird shifter
he’d had sex with. Denton had heard the man was
looking for a complete set and didn’t have a
golden eagle one yet.

Fucker.
“I’ll do my best, but I’m not making any

promises. Now go enjoy your pussy. I’ll see you
later.” Eaton hung up before Denton could say
anything more.

“Damn bird always has to have the last word,”

Denton muttered.

“Problems at home?” Isaac asked, frowning at

Denton’s tone.

“No. Eaton’s going to get his fool heart broke,

that’s all,” Denton growled. He didn’t like the
biker gang leader or the rough crowd he traveled
with. After he finished healing, the first thing he
was going to do tomorrow was have a little word
with the hawk shifter.

“I’m sure he’s old enough to look out for

himself,” Isaac said. His tone indicated he actually
thought Denton would stay out of Eaton’s
business.

Denton made a scoffing sound in the back of his

throat. “Eaton’s the type to give his heart to
whoever asks for it.”

Eaton might be an amazing sharp shooter and

have a brilliant mind, but emotionally he didn’t
have a lot of experience with men. If a man sweet-

Amber Kell

talked the beautiful eagle shifter, he’d probably
believe his lies. Denton would definitely talk to
Marty tomorrow. There couldn’t be any mistake.
Eaton wasn’t going to be anyone’s feathery
trophy. With Carey out of town, it was up to
Denton to watch out for their friend.

Isaac rubbed Denton’s back in a soothing

motion. “Let’s get the rest of your clothes off, then
we can get some sleep.”

To Denton’s disappointment, Isaac actually

meant taking off clothes so he could sleep. He
didn’t make even one inappropriate gesture.

To Catch A Croc

Chapter Two

enton fell asleep as soon as his head hit the
pillow. Poor battered thing needed his rest.

Systematically, Isaac removed the rest of Denton’s
clothing. He could give him another shirt in the
morning, and he’d put the rest of his clothes in the
wash. After quickly taking care of that matter,
Isaac pulled off his own attire and climbed in
beside Denton.

His inner puma gave a happy growl at the

closeness of their mate. He’d dreamed of this
moment. For months, he’d imagined having
Denton right here beside him in bed. However,
none of his fantasies involved the croc shifter
being injured. Those saltwater crocs better get
their crusty scales out of town before Isaac got
hold of them.

No one hurt his mate.
Over the past six weeks, Isaac had read

everything he could about crocodiles and how
they behaved. He’d tried to get information from

Amber Kell

Carey to help his cause, but since he didn’t
formally declare himself interested, the human
refused to help. Carey claimed that Denton would
appreciate a more direct approach, but Isaac had
his doubts.

Isaac forced himself to keep a distance between

them on the bed. As much as he wanted to tuck
Denton close, he didn’t want to add to his
discomfort. By morning, Denton’s bones
should’ve reset and after a quick shift he’d be as
good as new.

Isaac smiled at the thought of his surprise.

When he’d thrown the open house last month, he
hadn’t displayed the house’s best feature because
renovations weren’t quite finished. The real reason
he’d bought this house was the atrium attached to
the back. It held an extravagant heated sandy
bottom pool. Isaac had plants placed along the
sides and heat lamps installed intermittently along
the shallow edge.

Isaac hoped Denton appreciated his mating gift.

It might not be a shiny diamond ring like Broden
gave Carey, but Isaac was trying to appeal to both
halves of his sexy shifter. To cover his bases, he
had also bought a plain platinum band for
Denton’s human form. Now he just had to run a
group of saltwater crocs out of town and claim his
mate.

Smiling, Isaac followed Denton into sleep.

To Catch A Croc

Isaac woke from the most wonderful dream

only to find reality a little startling. An eight foot
crocodile lay across him. Its scaly hide rubbed
against Isaac’s skin, a surprisingly soft sensation.

The crocodile’s teeth were a little too close to

Isaac’s face for comfort. “Hey, croc buddy, I don’t
suppose you can turn back into your human form?
Not that you’re not a handsome fellow, but I
prefer my lovers in their bipedal shape.”

The crocodile’s intelligent gaze swept over

Isaac and he froze as he was weighed and
measured. If the reptile didn’t approve, Isaac
would never get to claim Denton. He stayed still,
careful not to show fear. Fortunately, Australian
freshwater crocs weren’t as aggressive as their
relatives. The chances of being bitten were much
less with the smaller crocs.

“Denton, come out, come out,” Isaac called. “I’ll

make you breakfast.”

As he watched, leathery hide turned to skin and

yellow eyes turned to beautiful green.

The green eyes closed and before Isaac’s

amused gaze, Denton fell back asleep.

Smiling, Isaac stroked the expanse of smooth

naked skin.

How had this beautiful, giving man gone

untouched for so long? Were all the shifters in
town completely crazy?

Amber Kell

A smug smile tilted his lips. Stupid bastards.

He wouldn’t make the same mistake. Denton was
his. Isaac’s inner puma clawed at him. The cat
wanted to bite Denton and claim the croc shifter as
his own. It didn’t like the pretty guitarist
wandering around unmarked where anyone
might think they had a chance at keeping him.

Denton belonged to Isaac.
He’d never felt this connection before, this

strange urge to keep someone. His relationships
before were always more of a catch and release
process. Go to a bar, lure a guy to his side, fuck
him and let him back out into the dating pool.

The thought of anyone else kissing Denton’s

soft mouth or having the joy of being the source of
heat for the man’s reptile half, sent spikes of fury
through Isaac.

“Shh,” Denton petted Isaac. “Everything’s

okay.”

Isaac smiled. Even asleep, the crocodile shifter

tried to soothe him. It spoke of an empathic
personality. Everything about Denton appealed to
Isaac—his looks, his tough guy manner that hid a
sweet soul underneath and the tender way he
accepted Isaac as the only one who could take care
of him.

Denton had a skittish air to him that told Isaac

he needed to move slowly. If he were a more

To Catch A Croc

generous man, he’d encourage Denton to find
other shifters and get more sexual experience.

His puma growled low and mean as if the inner

cat would take over if Isaac’s human half
continued to be so stupid.

“He’s too young,” Isaac whispered. Great, now

he was arguing with himself. Soon he’d be losing
arguments, too.

Denton snapped awake, immediately alert. His

green eyes were clear and unclouded from sleep.

“Whoa, babe. I didn’t mean to wake you,” Isaac

rubbed Denton’s back as he went into high alert.
Denton’s eyes went reptilian for a second and
Isaac froze again. He could feel the crocodile
peaking out at him again.

Luckily after a few blinks, Denton’s eyes went

back to their usual mossy green. “Morning,” he
said in a scratchy voice.

“Good morning.” He ran a hand down

Denton’s hair and across his bare back, relishing
the smooth skin beneath his fingers just because
he could. A low purr rolled unbidden up his chest.
Denton’s body against his was like finding that
one piece of the puzzle and sliding it exactly
where it belonged.

“It’s not your fault for waking me. Crocs don’t

have rem sleep, so I’m an extremely light sleeper.”

Amber Kell

Isaac frowned. Surely, Denton didn’t mean that.

“What are you saying? You never dream? You’ve
never even had a dream?”

Denton blinked at Isaac as if he didn’t

understand Isaac’s shock. “No, I’ve never
dreamed. It’s not a big deal. I don’t miss it, or
anything.”

Isaac figured Denton couldn’t miss what he

never knew. “Sorry, I guess I never thought about
how other shifters sleep.”

Mostly, Isaac had kept his love interests to

other cats or humans. He’d never had to deal with
a reptile species before. However, Denton
fascinated Isaac and he’d be willing to do a whole
lot more investigation before he’d let the sexy
guitarist out of his grasp. He planned to keep
Denton for a long time. His puma purred at the
thought.

“Feeling better?” Isaac asked. The swelling had

disappeared from Denton’s eyes, but that hadn’t
been the worst injury.

Denton’s smile could’ve powered the city. “I

feel amazing. Thanks for letting me crash here last
night. I wouldn’t have imposed, but you were the
first person I thought of.”

Joy surged through Isaac as he recognized he

wasn’t the only one who felt the connection
between them. Whether he knew it or not,
Denton’s crocodile half had chosen its mate. Isaac

To Catch A Croc

barely restrained himself from jumping up and
down and doing a happy dance. Instead, Isaac
pulled Denton closer and rubbed his cheek across
Denton’s head, marking Denton with his scent.

“You’re very cuddly in the morning,” Denton

commented.

“How can I not be? I’ve got a lot to snuggle.”

Isaac doubted he’d ever again be satisfied with
another cat or a human. The crocodile shifter in his
arms was it for him.

Denton laughed. “I can feel how happy you are

to wake up beside me.”

Isaac’s erection, pinned between them, was

probably digging into Denton’s stomach. The croc
shifter didn’t make any complaints, so Isaac didn’t
pull away. Isaac kissed Denton’s forehead. His
gaze caught on the clock.

“Oh, damn, I have to go.” His erection didn’t

get the memo about Isaac going to work, because
the damn thing hardened enthusiastically against
Denton.

“Not all of you is in on that plan,” Denton said

with a smirk.

“Well, all of me will have to be disappointed. I

promised Broden I’d take care of business while
he was gone, and part of that is keeping up with
his meetings. I have an appointment with a new
client in an hour and morning traffic can be a
bear.”

Amber Kell

Denton frowned. “I’ve never understood that

saying. I live with a bear and he’s the most laid
back person in the world. Bears get a bad rap,”
Denton complained.

“Not all bears are artists with a zen-like calm,”

Isaac replied. “Some growl and attack.”

“Harris only does that when you hide his

watercolors outside and forget a storm is coming,”
Denton replied.

“And you would know that from firsthand

experience?” Isaac asked.

“Living with Carey, I’ve learned important

survival skills, and one of them is never confess to
a crime if they don’t have any proof.” Denton’s
open smile made Isaac laugh.

He never knew what Denton might say next.

Isaac found that fascinating.

There was so much more he needed to learn

about his mate. What did Denton like? What did
he dislike? Did he have any allergies? Did he want
a bossy controlling man to run his life for him?
How much did the crocodile control the human?
Considering he’d woken up with a croc on his
chest, he hoped it only happened when Denton
was injured. He didn’t think he could handle that
jolt of shock every morning.

“I thought you had to go to a meeting?” Denton

asked, tipping his head toward the clock. The croc

To Catch A Croc

shifter rolled over onto his back, exposing his
cock, which appeared happy to see Isaac.

Maybe one day they could see how it felt to

have Denton inside of him. Isaac had never been
fucked before because he’d never met anyone he
trusted enough to let inside. Denton, he would
trust. The patient way the croc shifter handled his
crazy friends told Isaac more than words how
he’d take care of being a more dominant partner.

Isaac took a deep breath and shoved down the

surge of lust even as his puma half growled over
the delay. “Yeah, you’re right. I do need to get
going.”

Unable to resist the sight of Denton splayed out

before him, Isaac leaned over and kissed him. A
low hum vibrated his lips and he realized it wasn’t
his cat half purring but a noise coming from
Denton.

“What is that sound your making?” Isaac

asked.

Denton’s blush gave his cheeks an adorable

pink. “It’s a mating call.”

Isaac couldn’t stop the smile crossing his face

even if he wanted to. “Are you trying to lure me to
your side? Because I have to tell you, it’s working
beautifully.”

Before Denton could speak, Isaac kissed him.

The sound started up again but this time, Isaac
didn’t stop their embrace to ask about the action.

Amber Kell

He knew what it was now and he found it
insanely flattering.

After a few more kisses, Isaac pulled away from

Denton’s tempting body and slid off the bed. “I’ve
really got to get to work now.”

Denton surprised him by getting out of bed too.

“I’ve got to get going, too. You don’t know me
well enough to leave me alone in your house.”

“Your good friend married my good friend and

we just slept together. I’m pretty sure that allows
me the comfort of thinking you won’t rob me
blind if I leave you here alone,” Isaac said.

Denton narrowed his eyes. “You’re too trusting.

Not that I would do anything but you shouldn’t
make a habit of leaving strange men alone in your
house.”

Isaac didn’t know how he’d become the naïve

ingénue in their relationship, but it wasn’t going
to last. “Baby, you might be strange but you’ll
never be a stranger.”

Stepping forward, he wrapped his arms around

Denton and kissed the passionate man. He
couldn’t believe someone hadn’t taken Denton up
on the affection he offered freely. Most people
might find a reptile shifter too cold, but not Isaac.
He found Denton’s prickly personality a
challenge. He liked to poke beneath the surface
and uncover the beautiful man underneath, even

To Catch A Croc

if it had the crocodile eyeing him from time to
time.

“I’ll get your clothes.” Isaac licked his lips,

absorbing the flavor of the delicious shifter. In all
his years of dating, he’d never been this attracted
to anyone before. It wasn’t just Denton’s good
looks and cocky attitude that pulled at Isaac, but
the vulnerability just beneath the surface, a
sensitivity that came out in the songs Denton
wrote and the occasional look in his eyes when he
didn’t think Isaac was watching. It had taken Isaac
months to get Denton in his bed. He needed to
plan his next step carefully. His long-term goal of
keeping Denton would take more work than he’d
ever put forth before. If he tried to hold on too
tightly, Denton would run.

“Thanks, man. I’ll be out of your hair in two

shakes of a croc’s tail,” Denton said.

Isaac shook head in amusement and forced

himself to focus on the task at hand and not the
naked man standing before him. It would be way
too easy to forget about work and drag the croc
shifter back to bed, but he’d made a promise, and
if there was one thing Isaac prided himself on, it
was keeping his word.

With one last wistful look at Denton, he turned

and left the room. It took more effort than it
should have to walk and not run to the washer.
Good thing he had one of those all in one washer-

Amber Kell

dryers so he didn’t have to worry about switching
it out… His puma insisted that he rush back to the
beautiful, complicated man in his bedroom. Isaac
straightened his spine and walked away. Denton
needed his clothes no matter how nice he looked
naked.

Taking a long, slow breath to calm his raging

hormones and a pissed off inner puma, Denton
grabbed Isaac’s clothes out of the dryer. He took a
sniff and an unreasonable sorrow hit him that
Denton’s scent had vanished in the wash. His
fingers tightened on the cloth as he focused on
soothing his inner animal while reminding himself
that Denton still stood in his bedroom waiting for
him to return.

“You alright?” Denton’s question sent Isaac

spinning around, startled that he hadn’t heard the
crocodile shifter approach.

He gaped at all of Denton’s exposed skin.

“Babe, you can’t walk around naked in my house.
There are too many windows.” Denton had to
have passed through his living room with its wall
of uncovered glass in order to come down to the
laundry.

“If anyone can see me, they have to be looking

through binoculars on a boat and if they’re going
to that much effort, they probably deserve a free
show.” Denton’s laughing gaze coaxed Isaac to
join in on his amusement. Isaac had an

To Catch A Croc

uncomfortable feeling Denton could get him to
agree to just about anything.

Isaac smiled. “Here.” He held out Denton’s

clothes to him, plus the shirt he’d thrown
alongside them in the wash.

“Thanks.” Denton accepted the offering and

dressed with the same casual elegance he infused
in all of his movements. For a reptile, he could
move as languidly as a cat.

Watching Denton dress and undress could be a

new favorite hobby of Isaac’s. Of course,
undressing would be the best part.

Without warning, Denton snuggled up to Isaac,

making as much body-to-body contact as he
could. “What are you doing?” Isaac asked,
scooting slightly away. Damn, that much body
contact along with the scent of Denton would
break down Isaac’s resistance more than anything.

“Getting warm.” Denton shuffled closer again.

“You give off the best heat. I never knew cat
shifters were as good as a space heater.”

Isaac laughed. “You just want me for my

body.”

“You make that sound like a bad thing.”

Denton pouted. “Don’t you like to be useful?”

“I thought I’d be useful by making you

breakfast.”

Denton tilted his head as if to consider his

options. “Heat or breakfast? Choices, choices.

Amber Kell

Hmmm.” Denton settled his head on the crook of
Isaac’s shoulder. A wave of affection rolled
through Isaac. If he could, he’d hold Denton close
forever and protect him from all unfriendly
shifters and the horror of cold toes.

“Remember my meeting?” Isaac prompted.
Denton stepped away like Isaac knew he

would. “I remember. I can just make myself some
coffee and toast. I don’t usually eat a heavy
breakfast.”

“How about I throw in an apple, too. You need

more nutrition than that,” Isaac scolded. The croc
shifter, with his fine muscled abs, bordered on
skinny. He bet Denton burned through calories in
ways bodybuilders only dreamed of.

“Fine. I’ll eat an apple.” Denton rolled his eyes

before turning and heading toward the kitchen.

Apparently even Isaac annoying him wouldn’t

chase him away. A wave of relief almost wiped
out Isaac’s resolve to head off to work. The idea of
staying home in bed and cuddling his croc shifter
appealed immensely.

“What do you do during the day? Carey didn’t

mention you taking his shift.”

Denton laughed so hard he had to clutch the

counter to stay upright. “Me take Carey’s place?”
Isaac grabbed the bread and set two slices in the
toaster while he waited for Denton to finish
wiping the tears from his eyes.

To Catch A Croc

“It was a perfectly reasonable question,” he

replied, calmly.

“Um…no. I won’t be taking Carey’s place. I

don’t do computers and my singing would scare
off the rest of our fans. The most I have to do is
make sure the house doesn’t fall apart while he’s
gone. Anything else I do for Carey is above and
beyond the scope of the expected.”

“Well, if you don’t work on computers like

Carey, what is it you do?” Isaac asked. He
couldn’t remember anyone saying what Denton
did besides write amazing songs for the band and
play almost every instrument.

“I’m a landscape designer, but I know plants

and Harris has an eye for how they’ll look all
together. It usually goes better if we team up,”
Denton explained.

“Do you have your own company, or do you

work for someone?” Isaac asked as he sliced up an
apple. Curiosity ate at him. Neither Broden nor
Carey would tell him anything. They insisted he
needed to have an actual conversation with
Denton.

He hated that they might’ve been right.
“We subcontract for a couple of architects. They

understand we prefer to work together without
interference. They’re human, but they know that
Harris and I have another form. They think it
gives them a competitive edge.” Denton shrugged

Amber Kell

as if he didn’t understand their logic but was
willing to humor them, since they paid the bills.

“That could be true,” Isaac said after thinking it

over. Some people might want to hire the duo just
to have the quirk of saying shifters worked on
their home. The city of Seattle might have over six
hundred thousand people, but the shifter
community was relatively small. Besides the wolf
pack, Denton’s friends, and the shifter security
staff, there weren’t a lot of others in the city.
Denton heard a small group of vampires lived in
the Fremont district, but so far that hadn’t been
verified.

Denton shrugged. “We don’t do a lot of work

for them. After we polish the design, we contract
the labor out. I don’t like the idea of being tied
down to a regular job. I like coming home and
sunning if I want and Harris likes to paint at odd
hours. We pretty much set our own schedule. I
just need to alert Harris in plenty of time if we
have an appointment.”

“Sounds like it works for you,” Isaac wondered

if he should be more concerned by Denton’s
apparent lack of motivation—but then as long as
the croc shifter did something he enjoyed, who
was he to tell him it wasn’t enough? Not everyone
sought to run their own company. Some people
were content working for others. Denton appeared

To Catch A Croc

to be that person. Isaac wouldn’t change him for
the world.

“It does, at least for now. I haven’t decided if I

want to do it full time, you know, as a career.
Harris only does it to help me out. He’d rather
hide in his studio and never come out. I think it’s
good for him to leave the mansion once in a while.
He’d become a hermit if we let him,” Denton
explained.

Isaac hid his expression by preparing a pot of

coffee. The fact Denton saw nothing wrong with
rearranging his life to pull his friend out of his
shell melted Isaac faster than a an ice cube in the
desert.

Finished with the toast and coffee, Isaac carried

them over to the bar in the kitchen. He pulled out
a high stool for Denton to sit on. The croc shifter
rolled his eyes at Isaac’s gallantry before settling
down.

“Where do you think the salties came from?”

Isaac asked.

“Besides Australia?” Denton shrugged. “I’m

not sure. They didn’t have an accent, but they
could’ve been transplants. Crocs are all over the
world. The real question is why come up to colder
country. Crocs aren’t exactly known for liking
areas with cold water, and the sound never really
gets super warm.”

Amber Kell

Isaac nodded. “That’s true. Have you heard any

rumors about other crocs in the area?”

Denton shook his head. “No. Not a peep. That’s

why I was surprised when they showed up. I
don’t exactly have my finger on the pulse of the
shifter world, but Aden would’ve warned me.”

“Aden? Carey’s dad? Why?” Isaac didn’t

understand why a full human would even think
about the shifters much less track them.

“He keeps track of anything he believes might

be a danger to us. I think big saltwater crocs trying
to take over the city would fall into that category.”
Denton bit into his toast and licked the crumbs
from his butter-coated lips with a flick of his
tongue.

That shouldn’t have been half as sexy as it was.

Isaac’s cock perked up, adding its vote about
Denton’s appeal.

Isaac cleared his throat and tried to focus on the

conversation. “Did they give you any clues about
their origin when they talked to you?”

Denton sighed. “No, just that they wanted me

out of the way.”

“Why would they single you out? I mean,

you’re just one croc shifter and not even a very big
one. You’re not an alpha in any way, and although
you are dangerous in your own way, surely you
can’t do much damage to an entire bask or a

To Catch A Croc

float.” Isaac frowned. “What is a group of
crocodiles called?”

“Bask outside the water. Float inside the

water,” Denton said absently. From his practiced
tone, Isaac suspected Denton said that phrase
often.

“Reptiles are weird,” Isaac replied.
“Yeah, because coughing up a fur ball is so

much better. Are you going to help me or not?”
Denton scowled at Isaac.

“I’m thinking. You guys aren’t usually super

territorial, right?”

“Not generally, but full crocs and human

shifters don’t necessarily work the same. Freshies
and salties don’t always get along in croc form,
and in human form we tend to hate each other.
Salties try to take the best areas because they are
so much bigger. They’re kind of the bullies of the
reptile world.”

“Hmm, well, we have enough firepower to

make sure they aren’t too pushy in the human
one.” Isaac scooted closer, sliding his fingers into
Denton’s hair. He tucked his thumbs beneath
Denton’s chin and pushed it up until Denton faced
him. “I won’t let them hurt you,” Isaac vowed.

Denton jerked out of Isaac’s hold. “I’m not

worried about them hurting me. Carey is on his
honeymoon. I don’t want to have to call him and
tell him I’ve got a problem. What kind of friend

Amber Kell

would do that? I want him and Broden to have a
nice time sipping tea or whatever the hell they
want to do.”

Isaac smiled as understanding struck him. “You

want to deal with this without bringing Carey and
Broden into it.”

Denton clapped his hands together. “Now the

gentleman gets the predicament. If I call Carey
and tell him crocodiles are invading the Pacific
Northwest, he’ll either fall over laughing or he’ll
drag his mate back here to deal with the issue. I
don’t want a pissed off fur ball telling me for the
rest of my life that I ruined his honeymoon.”

“Okay, okay. I get it. I’ve got a couple of staff

members who don’t have much going on. I’ll send
them into town to sniff around. You can’t have a
bunch of reptiles come into town and no one
notice.”

Denton let out a relieved breath. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” Now wasn’t the time to tell

Denton how much he was willing to do to keep
him happy.

“Carey deserves his time alone with Broden.”
“We’ll do the best we can to make sure they

don’t need to come back home before they’re
ready.” Isaac stepped closer and wrapped a hand
around the back of Denton’s neck. “I’ve got you. I
won’t let you fall.”

To Catch A Croc

Isaac meant that in many ways. He’d never

leave Denton to handle any problem alone again.
They were meant to be together.

“I appreciate your help, Isaac, and I can pay

you for your time. I don’t have a lot of cash, but I
recently finished a big job and should get a check
soon.”

Isaac pulled Denton tighter against his body.

“You don’t need to pay me—you’re practically
family. I don’t charge family.”

Denton relaxed against Isaac. “Thanks. I’m sure

I can think of some way to thank you.”

“Mm, I’m sure you can.” Isaac replied. He

would help Denton anyway but he knew he’d
have special appreciation for kicking the crocodile
shifters’ ass for touching his mate.

Isaac slapped Denton’s ass. “Let’s get going. We

both have a lot to do today. I’ll call you if I learn
anything new.”

Denton took a last sip of coffee before gathering

all the dishes and putting them in the washer.
“Cool. I appreciate that.”

They parted with a kiss. Isaac could get used to

leaving every morning with a brush of affection
still tingling across his lips.

Amber Kell

Chapter Three

enton hummed his latest song in the confines
of his Jeep. Still in a good mood from his

morning with Isaac, he drove down Aurora
Avenue to the little dive up north where he knew
he’d find Marty and his feathered friends. The
place reeked of shifters, mostly of the feathered
kind. Marty had purchased the bar a little over a
year ago and he always made it his first stop when
he arrived back in Seattle.

It took him several long slow breaths before he

trusted himself to set foot in the bar. He came for
information and to warn Marty about what would
happen if he touched Eaton. The beautiful eagle
shifter didn’t need scum like Marty flapping
around him and trying to get into his pants.

His crocodile half, barely hiding beneath the

surface, was ready to attack some birds. Since the
smoking ban went into effect, even the grungiest
bars no longer stank of nicotine but Denton could
still detect a whiff of smoke as he entered the

To Catch A Croc

dimly lit building. It took a great deal of effort not
to sneer at the bunch huddled around the pool
table. This time, he’d brought his Glock tucked
into the back of his pants. He knew they could
smell the gun cleaning oil, but they had no way of
determining how many weapons he carried.

Another glance around confirmed his

determination that there was no way he would let
Eaton hang out with this crowd. His nerd bird
friend would be eaten alive and not in a good
way.

Marty lounged in a corner by the bar. His

brown hair lay in soft layers across his head in an
imitation of his wings. Denton clenched his fingers
to prevent from giving into his urge to yank the
silky strands from his head. The bastard looked up
and gave Denton a smug smile as if he knew why
Denton was there and he wouldn’t be able to do
anything about it.,

“Hey there, Denton. I bet you came to warn me

away from your bird friend,” Marty didn’t appear
the least concerned about Denton’s appearance at
his bar.

Denton stopped a foot from the hawk shifter.

Glancing around, he verified that none of Marty’s
gang was waiting to pounce on him. He might be
able to take on the hawks, but he didn’t dare give
them the element of surprise.

Amber Kell

“I want you to leave Eaton alone. He’s too good

for you.” Denton believed in putting all his cards
on the table.

“He is,” Marty agreed. “But I’m gonna have to

claim him. He’s mine.”

Anger burned through Denton. “He’s not your

mate.” Denton denied.

Marty nodded. “He is. I tried to deny it, but

running from problems never made them go
away.”

“How hard did you try?” Denton asked even as

he remembered Marty leaving last year as if the
Hell’s Angels were on his ass.

“Fuck if I didn’t try my hardest. I don’t want to

ruin that boy. You’re right—he is too good for me,
but I can’t let him go, either.” Marty’s gold eyes
had a weary cast as if the leader had used up all
his energy and was clinging to the ledge with his
fingernails in order to stay awake.

Denton sniffed.

Blood.
None of the gang members appeared

aggressive, but they might be after the fight.
Denton noticed none of them approached to give
Marty help either.

Crap!
Eaton would freak if he learned Denton left

Marty to bleed to death on a bar stool in his
rundown bar.

To Catch A Croc

“You’re bleeding. What happened?” Denton

asked. He didn’t even try to appear sympathetic.
He just wanted the facts so he could decide what
to do next.

“I got in a fight with the wrong shifter,” Marty

grimaced as he wiggled into a different position.
The quick inhale of breath had Denton suspecting
Marty felt pretty much like Denton did last night.

“Who?” Denton knew Marty’s answer before he

spoke.

“Well, croc, I reckon they’re friends of yours.

They were crocs and all.” Marty raised his
eyebrows as if he expected Denton to break down
with a confession.

“Fucking salties!” Denton snarled. “Do you

know where they went?”

Marty shook his head. “Not for sure. I heard

them talking about storing stuff at the docks, but
you didn’t hear it from me. I don’t want to get
involved in their shit.”

Denton didn’t point out the obvious. If the

salties were attacking him, Marty was already
involved.

“They’re trying to get me to leave town,”

Denton confessed.

“Crap!” Marty paled. “Don’t take Eaton.”
If the hawk’s voice had been more demanding

and not so broken, Denton might have been able

Amber Kell

to steel his heart against the weird surge of
compassion that struck him.

“Why haven’t they taken you to see a doctor?”

Denton nodded toward the rest of the useless
gang.

“Because I told them not to. I will heal—

eventually.” Marty proclaimed.

“Why don’t you then?” The answer came to

Denton even as he asked the question. “They
broke your arm, didn’t they?”

The only injury a flying shifter couldn’t easily

recover from was the arm. Transforming from a
solid human arm to hollow bird bones could be
catastrophic if the bones weren’t in good
condition.

“Yeah,” Marty looked away, apparently finding

the fuzzy television in the corner worthy of
renewed interest.

Denton ground his teeth together. “Tell you

what. You tell me where you think the salties are
based, and I’ll let Eaton help heal you.”

If Eaton truly was Marty’s mate, being near him

would speed the healing process. Even as the
thought passed through his head, he knew what
his croc had been trying to tell him. Isaac belonged
to him. They were mates.

“Really? It’s not a trick?” The hope in Marty’s

face almost made Denton sorry for being a
bastard.

To Catch A Croc

“As much as I’d prefer to keep you two apart, I

need to find the salties more. Those bastards are
setting up base here for something and terrorizing
everyone,” Denton explained. “Tell me where they
are.”

Not stopping the salties in whatever crooked

business they were setting up would only make
things worse in the long run. In Australia, the
salties cornered the market on drugs and
prostitution. Denton’s biggest fear was that they
were spreading their territory to the US and
starting a similar operation in Seattle. He wouldn’t
tolerate those bastards in his territory. He
desperately wished he had Carey to watch his
back.

“I’d answer the man,” a cold voice spoke

behind Denton. Most men would shiver at the
sound of Aden Gale behind them. For Denton, it
was better than a warm hug. Carey’s father, who
Denton had long ago claimed as his own, had
never let Denton down a day in his life. Although
some might question the man’s mental stability,
his loyalty was unwavering.

“Afternoon, Dad,” Denton said.
A large hand clamped down on his shoulder, a

reassuring sign of support. “Did you forget what I
taught you about back up?” The question might be
casual but the heavy weight of disapproval filled
every syllable.

Amber Kell

“Sorry, sir.” Denton didn’t offer any excuses.

He knew he’d made a tactical mistake. The only
saving grace was he didn’t think the hawks would
turn on him. They might not like him much, but
Marty wanted into Eaton’s pants bad enough not
to hurt Denton. Eaton might be cerebral and lost in
his own world most of the time but he was fiercely
devoted to his friends.

Marty paled.
Denton didn’t know if it was from blood loss or

the sight of Aden but the hawk shifter didn’t look
so good.

“Why don’t we get him to the house and you

can question him in private,” Aden suggested.

A quick glance around the room proved

everyone was pointedly not looking in their
direction. Denton was more than a little surprised
that the other hawks weren’t supporting their
leader, but none of them even glanced Marty’s
way.

“Okay,” Denton nodded his head toward the

door. “Come with us.”

Marty didn’t argue. He moved slowly, but

nothing in his walk showed any damage to his
legs that would hold back his mobility.

Denton cast another glance around the room,

surprised at the lack of resistance. Last time he’d
seen the pack, they’d been tighter than a virgin’s
vagina. Something had changed.

To Catch A Croc

The three of them returned silently to Denton’s

Jeep.

“I left you a present under your seat,” Aden

said. He slapped a hand on Denton’s back. “I’ll
catch up with you later. If you have any problems,
you know how to get hold of me.”

“Thanks,” Denton said.
“You know I look out for my boys.” Aden

stated it as a fact—of course, he’d bend over
backward to help out when Denton needed it.

Denton smiled as he climbed into the Jeep. He

reached beneath his seat as Marty clambered
inside. A box of plastic explosives slid out from
where it had been stashed.

“What the fuck is that?” Marty asked, his jaw

dropping open.

“I believe that is my backup,” Denton said,

pushing the box back where he found it. “Ready?”

Marty nodded. His mouth tightened and

turned white around the edges. “Yeah, get me to
Eaton and I’ll be fine. I’m not going to say a word
until I see him.”

Denton was beginning to doubt that Marty

would tell him anything but calling him a liar
probably wasn’t the best way to get assistance.
Besides, it wasn’t like Eaton wouldn’t hear about it
if Denton left Marty bleeding and injured in the
bar—the hawk shifter would probably tattle on
Denton himself.

Amber Kell

They traveled home in silence, neither man

having anything to say to the other.

As they approached the mansion, an eagle

soared overhead. Denton laughed when Eaton
buzzed the Jeep. A wave of envy filled Denton. He
didn’t want to be an eagle, but the truth was Eaton
was the only shifter in the house who could travel
freely in his other form without anyone
questioning him. A crocodile would entail a call to
animal services, as would a free ranging bear.

A golden eagle, however, only had to worry

about being filmed by his legions of nature
photography fans.

“He’s so fucking beautiful.” The awe in Marty’s

voice jerked Denton’s attention back to the hawk
shifter.

“Yeah, he’s a pretty bird,” Denton agreed.
“He’s beautiful anytime,” Marty corrected, his

eyes never leaving the sight of Eaton soaring
overhead.

Denton wondered if maybe he’d miscalculated

Marty’s affection for the eagle shifter. The tone of
wonder he heard didn’t sound like a guy just
trying to get into a pretty boy’s pants.

“He’s probably having problems with his

dissertation,” Denton mused. Whenever Eaton
became frustrated, he took to the sky. He claimed
nothing cleared his head like catching a breeze.

To Catch A Croc

“I bet he’ll figure it out. He’s brilliant.” Again

the admiration coming from the hawk leader
distracted Denton.

Deciding to ignore it for now, he pressed the

button and opened the gates.

“Fancy,” Marty said.
“It’s home.” Denton knew they lived better

than they should. Carey’s grandmother had left
them the home in her will. Well, she’d left it to
Carey, and he’d split it between the four of them
because he said it was their home and not just his.
Denton’s life might have had a rocky start, but
he’d landed under a lucky star when Carey
dragged him home.

Denton loved the old mansion. Stress dropped

off his shoulders whenever he crossed the
threshold.

Parking the Jeep in front of the house, he

jumped out, leaving Marty to follow behind. He
didn’t bother offering a helping hand. He knew it
wouldn’t be accepted.

Eaton whipped the front door open as they

reached the top step. He was shirtless, barefoot
and with the top of his jeans unsnapped—it didn’t
take a genius to figure out he’d rushed to dress
after he shifted.

“Marty? What are you doing here?” Eaton’s

eager gaze ate the hawk shifter up as if Marty

Amber Kell

were his favorite brand of candy and Eaton was
on the third day of a new diet.

“He’s hurt,” Denton said 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.

To Catch A Croc

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.

Amber Kell

“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.

To Catch A Croc

Chapter Four

f 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.

Amber Kell

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 told him that
his lover had wandered into a well-known biker
bar and left with another man.

“Because we’re good friends and I wanted a

hug,” Denton’s scowl conveyed his annoyance.
“What are you doing here? I thought you had to
work.”

“Who did you bring home?” Isaac asked. He

knew he was blowing the entire thing. His
accusing tone probably didn’t help anything, but
he couldn’t stop himself. He had planned to
approach the entire thing much more smoothly,
but finding Denton in another man’s arms and
hearing he’d picked up a different man had
thrown him off course.

“I brought home a hawk shifter I need to

question. How did you know I brought someone
home?” Denton narrowed his eyes as he
interrogated Isaac in return.

To Catch A Croc

“Because I had you followed, of course. You

didn’t think I was going to let you wander around
town unprotected when a gang of saltwater
shifters were after your ass, did you?” Isaac
couldn’t keep the outrage from his voice.

Denton smiled. “You were worried about me?”
“Of course I was. You came to me last night all

battered. I won’t take the chance it’ll happen
again.” He would do everything in his power to
make sure it never happened again. No one would
touch his mate and live.

“Why don’t you go to the dining room with the

others? Here, carry this. I’ll bring the tea.”

Others?
He quickly accepted the platter Denton handed

to him and headed to where he remembered the
dining room to be.

His unspoken question was soon answered

when he followed Denton into the living room to
find Eaton and a man fitting the description he
was given of the person Denton brought home.
From the way Eaton was fussing over the
newcomer, Isaac had nothing to worry about.

A quick sniff told him the stranger was a hawk

shifter.

“Marty, this is Isaac Graham, Isaac this is

Marty.”

“No last name?” Isaac asked.

Amber Kell

Marty shrugged. If he had one, he wasn’t

sharing it with the room at large.

“Marty was attacked by the same salties I

encountered last night, or at least I think so. I
brought him here to let Eaton patch him up and to
ask him questions,” Denton explained.

“Why didn’t you have Eaton patch you up last

night?” Isaac asked. Not that he didn’t appreciate
being the person Denton turned to, but it
would’ve made more sense to go home.

“Eaton was out on a date and I didn’t want to

ruin it,” Denton explained.

From the expression on Marty’s face, that

wasn’t an acceptable answer. “Who were you on a
date with?” Marty asked. The scowl on his face
should’ve made Eaton rethink answering the
question.

If the eagle shifter cared even a bit for the

person he saw last night, it was apparent to Isaac
it would be better not to tell Marty any details.

“Some guy I met on a dating website,” Eaton

said casually.

“How did it go?” Marty asked.
Isaac glanced at the hawk shifter and could

practically feel the animosity oozing off of him. If
Eaton had two brain cells to bump together, he’d
deny having a good time even if it was the best
first date in the history of dating. Isaac didn’t
know the eagle shifter well, but he was

To Catch A Croc

supposedly brilliant—hopefully that carried over
to his dealing with men. It didn’t take more than a
little observation to realize the hawk shifter had a
thing for Eaton.

Eaton shrugged. “There wasn’t any chemistry

and the guy was human.” Eaton’s dismissive tone
clearly made Marty relax again.

“Good.” Marty smiled.
“Tell me about the Salties,” Denton demanded.

The croc shifter quickly assembled a sandwich as
he waited for his answer.

That explained why Marty was there. Isaac lost

interest once he realized the shifter wasn’t after his
croc. Now he could turn his attention to the
important aspect of tracking down those damn
salties.

Marty pulled apart the piece of bread he’d

placed on his plate. His fingers betrayed the
nerves not reflected in his voice.

“As far as I know, they came into town last

week. I hadn’t heard anything about them until
then. They walked into my bar as if they owned
the place and demanded protection money.”

“Seriously?” Isaac had never heard of a group

of shifters trying to shake another group of shifters
down. It was downright rude. To demand
protection was to declare the other shifter
incompetent and unable to care for his people, the
ultimate shifter insult.

Amber Kell

Marty scowled. “Of course, seriously. Why

would I make something like that up?”

Eaton placed his hand on Marty’s shoulder as if

trying to remove some of the tension growing
there.

“Sorry. I just never heard of anything so stupid

in my life. Do they actually think you’re going to
pay? You guys don’t even stay in town very long.
You only own that bar because it’s convenient,”
Denton said.

As long as he’d known, hawk shifters left every

year for migration.

“Like I told my boys, I’m sticking around from

now on. My traveling days are over,” Marty said
firmly.

Eaton made a noise Isaac didn’t understand.
“When you said no to the protection, they beat

you up? Why didn’t your gang step in?” That was
the most puzzling part for Isaac. Most flocks were
pretty tight knit. For them to step back while a
bunch of crocs hit him shocked Isaac a bit.

Marty wiggled uncomfortably in his chair.

“They’re mad at me because I’m quitting the gang.
They’re fighting amongst themselves to find a new
leader. Helping me would be seen as weakness.”

“Bastards!” Eaton said. The words sounded

strange coming from such an angelic looking man
but, from what Isaac had learned, the sweet-faced

To Catch A Croc

eagle had a sniper certification. Looks could be
deceiving in many ways.

“What do you know about the crocs’ home

base?” Isaac asked, desperately trying to keep
Marty on track. The hawk easily strayed from his
conversation if it looked like Eaton would be
interested in what he had to say.

“I heard them talking about their ship. It

sounded like one of those that hauled containers
to me. If they came in under radar, they could
smuggle in practically anything,” Marty said.

Isaac had to agree. “There are only a few places

you can land a container ship and have it
offloaded for you. They’d have to bribe the crane
operator to have any containers removed from
their ship but, if they have a hand in the union
pocket, it would be possible.”

“Or if they’ve threatened the right people,”

Marty said. “They seem like the kind of people to
use the stick instead of the carrot. They’d count on
people being too afraid to say anything.”

“Their mistake,” Isaac said. The thrill of the

hunt raced through his veins. He loved
deciphering a mystery. “I’ll send out some of my
boys to investigate where the crocs might be
hiding out. Container ships aren’t tiny. They can’t
be hiding just anywhere.”

“That would be great. It would be nice to get an

idea of how many salties are here, too. If they are

Amber Kell

just a vanguard, then we might be able to scare
them off before they can make inroads into the
Seattle market. We have enough of our own
criminals and drug dealers. We don’t need them
imported,” Denton snarled.

“That’s it, then. I’ll call around. Denton, you

figure out what we’re going to do once we find
them and you two, decide how you want to help
out.”

“Who put you in charge?” Marty snapped.
Isaac didn’t hesitate. He had to strike when he

could. “Denton did when he agreed to be my
mate.”

Denton’s mouth dropped open. Isaac decided

that was the perfect moment to leave. He gave
Denton a quick kiss and left the mansion before
Denton could deny he ever said any such thing.
Isaac didn’t even make it to his car before Aden
intercepted him.

“You hurt that boy and I’ll have a new puma

skin rug in my cabin,” Aden said without
bothering with the niceties of a greeting.

“Nice to see you again, sir. I have no interest in

hurting Denton. I want him for a mate.”

Aden frowned at him. “You think a puma and a

crocodile can be mates?”

“I think I’m willing to do anything to make it

happen,” Isaac countered. He wanted to tell
Carey’s father to go fuck himself but the fact

To Catch A Croc

Denton considered the man his father held him
back. Well, that, and truthfully, Aden was one
scary man. If eyes were truly the windows to the
soul, then Aden’s had permanently iced over,
until no emotion could cross the wintry tundra of
his being.

“Good. Denton’s a good boy. A little wild, but I

figure it’s the croc in him. It needs to bite every
once in a while to prove its still wiggling. If you
love him, don’t let his snap scare you away.”

Isaac barely prevented his jaw from dropping.

That was actually good advice. “Thank you, sir,
I’ll keep that in mind.”

“You do that.” Aden walked away and

vanished around the side of the house. If the man
had disappeared while Isaac had still been
watching, he wouldn’t have been surprised about
that, either. Aden did eerie with a certain panache.
Luckily, his son didn’t have that same skill.

Isaac ruthlessly suppressed the urge to give in

and call Broden. He missed his boss and best
friend with a surprising ferocity. They’d never
been apart for so long before. Luckily, he had
Denton to keep him distracted.

Pulling out his phone, Isaac began his calls. He

needed to find those damn croc shifters before
they caused any real harm.

Amber Kell

Chapter Five

enton almost called Isaac back into the
house.

“He really likes you,” Eaton said, a wide smile

crossing his beautiful face.

“Did we go back to high school? Are you going

to pass me a note next?” Denton asked, raising his
eyebrows.

“Yep and it’s going to say Isaac loves Denton,”

Eaton said in a sing-song voice.

“Remind me to beat you later.” Denton grabbed

a piece of cheese only to have Marty grab his
wrist.

“You touch my boy and I’ll snap your neck,

lizard man.” Marty’s tone had none of the teasing
that had accompanied Denton’s threat.

The hawk’s grip tightened when Denton didn’t

respond immediately. The soft click of a gun’s
hammer being pulled back sounded as loud as a
firecracker in the stillness of the room.

To Catch A Croc

“I’d advise you to release Denton before I put a

bullet through your thick skull,” Aden said in his
deep drawl.

Marty slowly loosened each finger and

carefully lifted his hand to show he’d released
Denton. “Sorry, sir, I lost my temper for a
minute,” Marty replied respectfully.

“I don’t believe I’m the one you owe an

apology to,” Aden growled.

Denton propped his left elbow on the table and

set his chin on his fist. “I’m ready.” He batted his
eyelashes outrageously at Marty as he waited for
his apology.

“I’m sorry I threatened to break your delicate

bones,” Marty said through gritted teeth.

“Now that wasn’t so hard, was it?” Denton

grinned.

Aden lifted the gun from Marty’s head and

Denton heard Eaton take a deep breath.

“Sorry, Eaton,” Aden said.
“That’s okay,” Eaton waved it off, even though

the frightened expression his eyes told a different
story.

“Sorry, Eaton?” Marty’s shock made Denton

laugh.

“Well, he’s not going to apologize to you. You

were the one hurting his boy.” Denton pointed to
himself in case Marty didn’t get the message.

Marty rolled his eyes. “I see how this works.”

Amber Kell

Eaton scooted closer to Marty.
To Denton’s surprise, Marty’s hard gaze

softened at the eagle shifter. Maybe the hard ass
shifter did have a soft spot for Eaton.

Aden sat at the table. “What’s the plan?”
“Isaac is going to find out where the crocs are

hiding out. They seem to like playing boogieman.
First they jump me, then they try to get protection
money from Marty, and those are only the ones
we know about. There are bound to be more
people they’re threatening who we know nothing
about. They aren’t randomly picking shifters—
they are picking them for a reason.”

“True. We need to get numbers. Maybe your

man can get them for us. I’ll give him until the end
of the day.” Aden stood up and walked out of the
room.

“I wonder how he gets through security.” Eaton

asked, watching Aden leave.

“He created it—he probably has a passkey or

something,” Denton said. He had doubts even if
they bought a new system and installed it that
anything could keep Carey’s father out. Not to
mention they didn’t want to. It might be eerie how
he wandered in and out of the house, but the ex-
Special Forces soldier had protected them since
childhood. Denton wouldn’t be the one who told
Aden they didn’t need him anymore. He’d rather
shoot himself in the foot.

To Catch A Croc

“He’s kind of creepy,” Marty said.
Eaton and Denton burst into laughter. “You

have no idea,” Denton said.

Denton’s phone rang. He didn’t recognize the

number. Curious, he answered the call.

“Hey, babe, I think I’ve got a line on the crocs.

Chester called and told me there’s a container ship
just off Harbor Island. I think it might be the crocs.
No one wanted to talk about it. I figure we should
check it out tonight.” Isaac enthusiasm came over
the line.

“Okay. What time to you want to pick me up?”
“Be ready by seven. We can get something to

eat afterward.”

“Will do.” Denton hung up before he gave into

the urge to be mushy. Isaac might have decided
they were mates, but good meshing of
personalities didn’t necessarily mean a good
bonding.

“So you and Isaac? When did that happen?”

Eaton asked.

“Last night.” Denton replied. “I’ve had my eye

on him for a while but we hadn’t done anything.”

He might have drooled a bit on Isaac’s feet but

he hadn’t acted on his interest.

“How was it?” Eaton asked, leaning forward as

he waited for Denton’s reply.

Denton gave Marty a leery glance.

Amber Kell

“Oh, don’t worry about me. Go ahead with

your girl talk,” Marty waved a hand for them to
continue.

“Don’t you have a bar to return to? I can drop

you off,” Denton offered.

Eaton wrapped a protective arm around

Marty’s shoulders. “I told him he could stay a few
days until he gets everything straightened out. If
you don’t mind. There’s the spare room on the
third floor.”

Denton took in Eaton’s anxiety. The eagle

shifter nibbled his lip as he waited for Denton’s
verdict. Carey had left him in charge. He didn’t
have it in him to be a complete jerk, not with
Eaton. If it was merely about kicking Marty to the
curb, he could do that with a clear conscience, but
he’d never seen Eaton this wound up about
someone before.

“Sure, that’s fine.” He gave Eaton a reassuring

smile. He didn’t like to upset his friend. Eaton
asked for so little when he pulled his head out of
his books. If Eaton wanted Marty, he’d tie the
damn bird up and leave him in Eaton’s bed.

“Spare room?” Marty’s expression made

Denton wonder if maybe Marty wouldn’t mind
being left as Eaton’s present.

“You don’t want to stay here?” Eaton asked.

His puzzled frown had Denton biting the inside of
his cheek to hold back the laughter. Poor Marty.

To Catch A Croc

Marty sighed. “No, that’s fine. Thanks for

thinking of me.”

“Good.” Eaton bounced up and kissed Marty

on the cheek. “I’ve got to go work on my
dissertation. Eat something. Denton could you…”

“Yes, I’ll show him the spare room,” Denton

agreed.

“Thanks.” Eaton raced away, his mind probably

already filled with some obscure equation only six
other people on the planet could decipher.

“Is anyone really that naïve?” Marty asked.
“It’s not that he’s naïve, he just doesn’t

understand that anyone could find him
interesting. He lives in his head,” Denton
explained.

“But he’s stunning,” Marty argued.
Denton shook his head. “You still don’t get it.

Eaton doesn’t see a beautiful young man when he
looks in the mirror. He sees the son rejected by his
parents when he came out. He sees someone who
needs to protect the people he loves. When he says
he wants you to stay, he’s telling you he cares
enough to put you in his nest.” Denton didn’t
know how to tell Marty what a big step this was
for Eaton.

“So even though he didn’t invite me into his

bed, he still wants me?” Marty’s doubtful
expression had Denton ready to yank out his hair.
When did he get appointed feather fucking

Amber Kell

godmother? He took a deep breath to control his
annoyance and grabbed onto his patience with a
tight fist.

“Yes. If you want to keep Eaton, you’ll have to

use words. He’s not the subtle type. You, me, and
your entire gang might figure out you’re staying
behind for Eaton but it would never occur to him
that there was anything behind your not wanting
to travel anymore,” Denton explained.

Marty didn’t speak for a long moment. “I’ll

think about what you said. The direct approach is
usually my thing anyway.”

“Good, then you shouldn’t have any

problems.” He glanced at the clock on the wall
and sat up. “I’ve got to get dressed. I’m going with
Isaac to investigate a lead.”

“Do you want me to come?” Marty asked in a

friendlier tone.

“No. You’re still injured. Eaton will kill me if

you get hurt worse,” Dent explained.

Marty snorted. “I can’t believe you’re afraid of

Eaton. What kind of badass crocodile are you?”

“The kind that knows one of my best friends is

an excellent sharp shooter and will take a chunk
out of my ass if he thinks I put his love interest in
danger,” Denton said. He didn’t feel shame or
remorse for respecting his friend.

“He’s really that good?” Marty asked. “I

wouldn’t have thought he could focus.”

To Catch A Croc

Denton shook his head. “You really don’t know

him at all, do you? The reason Eaton appears so
absentminded all the time isn’t because he’s an
airhead. It’s because he has so much going on
inside. When he focuses, it’s awe-inspiring.”

“I knew he was smart,” Marty said proudly.
“Did you know he got a medical degree by

nineteen because he wanted to know what it felt
like to be a doctor? Three years later, he decided to
be a physicist. He’s written papers I can barely
understand the titles of, much less the words
underneath.”

Marty held up his hands. “I get it. He’s brilliant

and too good for me.”

“Yes, he is,” Denton answered honestly. “But if

you’re the one he wants, the one he’s focused on,
then you might as well surrender. Because Eaton
always gets what he’s after. Always!”

Marty frowned. “I’m usually the pursuer in any

relationship. I just wanted to get everything lined
up before I came to claim him. He’s special, you
know. I can’t just grab him and tell him he’s mine.
He needs a gentler touch.”

How had he missed that Marty had a romantic

streak? The hawk shifter had been getting his nest
all ready before he invited Eaton to be with him.
From all the things he’d learned about Marty, not
one person had ever said the man had a softer

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side. Hard ass gang leader? Yes. Lovelorn suitor?
Not so much.

Denton folded his arms. “I don’t think Eaton

needs any big gesture. Be honest with him and tell
him what you want.”

Marty groaned. “Fuck. I wanna lock him in a

cage where no one can fucking touch him, or hurt
him or anything else. Is that so wrong?”

Denton took his time in answering. “The

protecting part is good. You might want to rethink
the cage thing.”

“Not a real cage,” Marty flashed him a scornful

look. “You know, a figurative one.”

“Ahh. Eaton is still young. Give him time. He’ll

come around. I can tell he likes you, and I’ve
known him a long time.”

Marty narrowed his eyes, pinning Denton with

a cold glare. “You ever touch him?” he asked in a
growly voice that would’ve made his puma
proud.

“No, Marty, as far as I know, Eaton is still as

pure as the untouched snow. Happy?”

“Ecstatic,” Marty snapped. “Hey, why don’t I

scout around for you? I can at least do some
checking out. My arm might not be up to flying
but I can take my motorcycle.”

Denton hesitated. He didn’t want to involve

Marty, but it could be really helpful to know
ahead of time if the crocs were there. Not to

To Catch A Croc

mention, it would save him from having to be the
lovelorn advisor, a position that really didn’t suit
him.

“I guess a quick check wouldn’t be too much to

ask. Isaac said he thought they were on a container
ship by Harbor Island. Check and see if it’s parked
at Terminal Eighteen. They can hold up to five
container ships there.”

Marty nodded. “I’ll be back in a few hours. I’ve

got to go back to the bar and grab my bike. I don’t
trust those bastards not to do anything to it while
I’m gone. Lance has been aching to get hold of it.”

“Is he one of the guys who’s trying to take your

alpha position?” Denton didn’t know much about
the hierarchy of hawks, but most alpha spots were
only claimed by the strongest.

“Yeah, he’s kind of a shit, though. I’ve had to

smack him down quite a bit over the years. The
gang doesn’t like that I’m just going to quit. They
want me to fight and determine the next alpha.”
Marty flexed his right arm, showing off his
bulging muscle. “Like I’m going to throw a fight
to make them feel better. Idiots. I’ll just grab a bus
back to the bar. We’re not that far away.”

“Do you want me to come with you?” Denton

asked. The hairs on the back of his neck rose up as
he thought of Marty fighting the hawks on his
own. That couldn’t end well. Eaton would kill him
if Marty had the snot beat out of him. He didn’t

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doubt the alpha could take them one-on-one, but if
they attacked as a group, Marty could be in
trouble.

Marty made a scoffing noise in the back of his

throat. “The day I can’t take on my own flock is
the day I don’t deserve Eaton. See you later,
alligator,” Marty stood up to leave.

“That’s crocodile,” Denton snapped. “We’re not

the same thing, pigeon.”

Marty laughed. “You know, when your eyes go

all reptile, it’s kind of creepy. I like it.”

Chuckling, Marty walked out the door.
Denton wondered if Eaton would really mind if

the guy he had his eye on disappeared.
Permanently.

At least Marty was out of his hair for a bit.

Denton placed a call to Anderson and, as
suspected, the guy didn’t care if they delayed their
quote on the next job as long as Harris was
working.

“We’ll do it next Monday,” Denton assured

Anderson after promising to let him get a sneak
peak at Harris’s work. The man was more than a
little obsessed, but since he always treated Harris
nicely, Denton hadn’t stepped in. Not to mention
that the little blush Harris always got when
Anderson was mentioned was freaking adorable.

Looking at the clock, Denton decided he had

time to work on his songs for a bit before he met

To Catch A Croc

up with Isaac. Plenty of time to smooth out that
last stanza that was bugging him.

Amber Kell

Chapter Six

saac pulled in front of the mansion, happy once
again that Broden had left him the security

remote to access the grounds without having to
bother anyone. Since Harris was usually the one at
home, he hated to disturb the artist when he might
be in the middle of a creative surge.

He frowned when he found the front door

unlocked. Generally, they were more security
conscious than that. The sound of music lured him
to the back of the house where he discovered
Denton playing the guitar on a couch with pages
of sheet music surrounding him. Denton paused
halfway through the song and jotted down a few
notes.

Love for Denton caught Isaac by the throat and

threatened to strangle him. He took a slow,
measured breath. Damn, Denton was beautiful.
From his elegant fingers plucking the guitar
strings to his bent dark head, the perfection of his
mate struck Isaac hard.

To Catch A Croc

“Hey, when did you get here?” Denton said.

His welcoming smile drew Isaac forward to greet
him.

Without a word, he cupped Denton’s face

between his hands and kissed him. Heat poured
between them as Denton’s soft lips slid across
Isaac’s. There was little he wouldn’t do for his
mate—except give him up. Unable to resist the
lure of skin, he slid his fingers beneath Denton’s
shirt and absorbed the smooth glide of silky skin
beneath his hands.

“I need you,” he whispered against Denton’s

mouth.

“Mmm, good. That makes it mutual.” Denton

growled in a deep voice. He fisted Isaac’s shirt
with one hand and yanked him closer. Isaac
braced his forearms against the back of the couch
so he wouldn’t crush Denton’s guitar.

“This would probably work better in your

bedroom,” Isaac offered.

“Hmm. Yeah.” Another kiss wiped away every

thought in his head like an eraser to the
blackboard of his mind.

Denton bit Isaac’s bottom lip, making it throb.

The small sting translated to his cock as need more,
now. “Bed,” he gasped against Denton’s mouth.

He wouldn’t take Denton here in the open

where anyone could wander by. His puma snarled

Amber Kell

at the thought of another person seeing his Denton
naked. That couldn’t be allowed.

Leaning back, he carefully lifted Denton’s

guitar and set it aside.

“Hold tight,” he warned. Denton wrapped his

arms around Isaac’s neck. Isaac grabbed Denton’s
ass and lifted him up, forcing the croc shifter to
wrap his legs around Isaac’s waist.

“Mmm, I like you wrapped around me,” Isaac

said. He gripped Denton tighter, making sure he
had a firm hold on his lover. Dropping Denton
wasn’t going to happen.

“You might want to put me down. My room is

upstairs,” Denton said, smiling.

“Are you saying you don’t think I can carry you

all that way?” Isaac challenged.

“I’m saying I don’t want you to throw out your

back,” Denton teased.

“Hmm, maybe you’re right.” With a flex of his

arms, Isaac pushed Denton up and across his
shoulder. He slapped Denton’s ass with a loud
smack.

“Hey!”
“Don’t wiggle, it might injure me. I’m fragile.”

Isaac headed for the grand staircase. “Am I going
left or right?”

“Right. I can walk, you know.”
Isaac patted Denton’s ass. “I know, but I like

you this way.”

To Catch A Croc

“Upside down?” Denton’s body shook with his

laughter.

Isaac clamped an arm across Denton’s legs so

his mate wouldn’t fall.

“No. With your ass easily accessible,” Isaac

admitted.

“I think I’m getting dizzy,” Denton complained.
“We’ll be there soon.” Isaac followed the scent

of his crocodile man down the hall until he
stopped in front of the door that smelled most like
his lover.

He turned the knob and pushed his way into

the room, mindful of his mate’s precarious spot on
his shoulder. The bedroom had amazing light with
dark wood furniture and a big bed with a green
velvet comforter that he knew would match
Denton’s eyes.

Isaac dropped Denton onto the surface. He

grinned as his mate bounced.

“I give you a seven for your dismount,” Isaac

said.

Denton pulled off his shirt and tossed it to the

floor. “Really, only a seven?”

Isaac’s mouth watered at the sight of Denton’s

muscled stomach and chest. The man had little
body fat. “Dismount seven, body ten.”

“Good answer,” Denton remarked.
“I thought so.” Isaac stripped out of his clothes

with more speed than he ever used getting into

Amber Kell

them. By the time he was done, Denton had
removed the rest of his outfit also.

Denton’s gaze darkened as he watched Isaac

climb over him, staying on his hand and knees
above Denton’s body.

“I want to be your mate, Isaac. Will you accept

me?” Denton’s vulnerable gaze pierced Isaac’s
soul, keeping him frozen in place.

“How could you not know you are everything

I’ve ever wanted?” Isaac said. He wondered where
he went wrong that Denton didn’t know how
much they were fated to be together. “I don’t
believe in love at first sight, but my other half has
wanted to claim you since you sashayed up on
that stage as if you owned the world and everyone
else was only there to serve you.”

Denton blushed. The crocodile shifter was an

intriguing combination of brash confidence and
shy uncertainty. The stars would dim and tumble
from the sky before Isaac tired of his complicated
lover.

“You mean that?”
“Absolutely. Will you be my mate, Denton

Stills?” Isaac asked. In the wild, pumas took what
they wanted, but attacking Denton and biting him
without warning could result in a crocodile
mauling—something Isaac planned to avoid for
the rest of his life, if possible.

To Catch A Croc

“Yes.” Tears shone in Denton’s eyes. He

ignored them in favor of kissing his mate. Denton
agreed to be his!

Their kiss was a tangling of tongues and a

meeting of breath as two strong personalities
merged and became what the other person
needed.

Isaac kissed, licked and nipped his way down

Denton’s neck until he reached the juncture
between shoulder and neck. “Are you sure?”

After that bite, the claiming mark, Denton could

never be with another person again. “I will be
your one and only for the rest of your life.”

Isaac had to be sure. He wouldn’t tie Denton to

him until he knew they were both ready. He’d
been ready since the first sight of the cocky
guitarist, but he’d had lovers before. To be
someone’s first and last was a position he never
thought he’d find himself in.

“Make me yours,” Denton replied. His voice,

strong and steady, had no hesitation, no doubt,
nothing trembling in soft answer. Denton knew
what he wanted and he wanted Isaac.

Isaac’s inner puma gave a victory howl. His

mating teeth dropped and he chomped down on
Denton’s shoulder.

“Oh, fuck!” Denton cursed. The filthy words

pouring from Denton’s mouth hardened Isaac’s

Amber Kell

cock until he worried he’d spill before he sank into
the hot body of his mate.

The connection between them flashed like a

solar flare into Isaac’s mind. Denton’s emotions
poured into him as if he was the only receptacle
capable of accepting the overflow of his lover’s
mind and body. Joy, love and a clawing need
rushed through him, twisting and turning through
his body until he didn’t know who had the
original thought or emotion. Isaac cradled Denton
close. He accepted everything as he accepted
Denton as his own.

“I need to bite.” Denton’s words came out more

of a hiss than a growl. Releasing the mauled flesh
from between his teeth, Isaac lapped at the wound
until the marks faded slightly and went from
angry red to a paler, healthier tone.

Denton’s eyes had gone reptilian. Isaac

shivered beneath the gator’s regard. Taking a deep
breath, he bent down and tilted his head up,
exposing his throat.

The hand Denton wrapped around the back of

Isaac’s neck had more strength than he’d expect
from the slim shifter, but then the human part no
longer had control. Isaac focused on his mate—on
Denton’s courage, his strength, and the big heart
he gave away to his friends without hesitation.

“I’m yours,” Isaac promised. The bite, when it

came, sliced through his skin with surprising ease

To Catch A Croc

and little pain. The connection between them
jolted him for the second time that night. He’d
heard of shifters who bonded together on a deeper
level but he never thought he’d be one of them.

Keeping enough tension in his arms to hold

himself up, Isaac relaxed into Denton’s embrace.
After a long minute, Denton released his toothy
hold on Isaac’s shoulder. He didn’t lick or soothe
the wound.

Isaac raised an eyebrow. “Aren’t you going to

heal me?”

“No,” Denton replied, his eyes still glowing

their reptilian sheen. “I want you to remember
that you’re mine with every breath you take.”

“I don’t think it’s something I’m going to

forget,” Isaac soothed. He could feel the
crocodile’s yearning to bite and bite again.
Fortunately, Denton didn’t give in to his inner
animal’s compulsions.

“Fuck me, Isaac!” Denton demanded. “Make

me yours.”

“Babe, you’re already mine.” Isaac grabbed the

lube sitting on the table beside Denton’s bed. The
tube was slightly crushed and half full but when
Isaac squirted some on his fingers, he found
plenty still inside.

Denton grinned. “It’s my jack off lube.”
“Good quality,” Isaac mused, spreading it

across his fingers.

Amber Kell

“My cock deserves only the very best,” Denton

replied, grinning.

“Mm, I can’t argue with that.” Isaac scooted

back and spread Denton’s legs wide. Denton’s
sweet ass beckoned to him. “Turn around. I want
to fuck you hard and this way I won’t have you
pull a leg muscle or anything.”

Denton laughed, a loud joyous sound that

grabbed Isaac in the gut. He’d never get tired of
hearing that particular noise. If he could make
Denton happy for the rest of his life, then he’d
have a life well lived.

With more care than necessary for a shifter, he

prepped Denton. Circling Denton’s rim, he coated
it with a generous supply of lube before dipping
in one finger.

“Yesss,” Denton hissed.
“You sound more snake than crocodile,” Isaac

teased.

“You’re lucky I’m not a snake—I’d strangle you

with my tail.” Denton shook his ass. “Now show
me how well a pussy can fuck.”

Isaac slapped Denton’s ass, pleased at the

handprint he formed on the pale skin.

“I don’t think you’re doing that right,” Denton

mused. “I know I’m not super experienced and all,
but I’m pretty sure you are supposed to fuck my
ass, not slap it.”

To Catch A Croc

“I’m multi-talented. I can do both.” Isaac

shoved two lubed fingers inside before slapping
Denton’s other cheek until both sides were flushed
pink.

“You’re a kinky bastard, aren’t you?” Denton

didn’t sound overly worried about the prospect.

“Not usually,” Isaac admitted. “You bring out

the kink in me.”

He coated his erection with enough slick for

four men and lined the tip of his cock to Denton’s
opening. With a slow push, he squeezed inside.

“Oh, fuck, you’re so tight you’re strangling my

dick.” Isaac worried he’d come before he even got
halfway inside. The heat and silky smoothness
surrounding his erection yanked a whimper from
his throat.

Never had anyone wrapped around him with

such perfection, filling him with comfort as if he
were coming home after a long arid trip across a
lonely desert. Isaac’s heart ached as he realized
what he’d missed all this time. No one would ever
be good enough again. After sex with Denton, he
was ruined for anyone else. This mating, this
bonding would last him for the rest of his life as he
lived in a state of complete perfection.

“If you don’t fucking move soon, I will fucking

kill you,” Denton snarled.

Isaac bit his lip hard enough to draw blood in

order to hold back the laughter since he didn’t

Amber Kell

want to die from a crocodile mauling. Gripping
Denton’s hips tightly enough to leave bruises,
Isaac pulled out slowly before snapping his hips
back inside, making sure to hit the spot that sent
Denton scrambling for purchase on his soft
comforter.

“Was that good enough?” Isaac froze halfway

inside Denton as he waited for his answer.

Denton slammed his body back until his ass

met the root of Isaac’s erection. “Lazy cat. Do I
have to do all the work?”

The sarcastic tone would’ve worked better if

Denton didn’t gasp between words or finish off
with a long, low moan.

Isaac placed a wet kiss in the middle of

Denton’s back, then between his shoulder blades
and finished with wet lick across the bite mark on
his neck.

Denton whimpered.
“Easy, babe, we aren’t running a marathon,

we’re making love. Good sex takes time and
commitment. I’ve got plenty of both.” In fact, Isaac
planned to spend the rest of his life proving to
Denton how good things could be between them.

“You’re going to be committed if you don’t get

on with it,” Denton muttered through gritted
teeth.

Isaac gave more kisses as he moved slowly in

and out of Denton’s body, making sure to bump

To Catch A Croc

the perfect spot each time. He slid his hands across
Denton’s luscious skin, mapping out every inch
until he knew, if blindfolded with twenty men to
pick from, he would still know which one was his,
even without the divine scent of his mate
distracting him.

Denton clenched his ass, yanking a gasp from

Isaac. “Tricky croc,” he scolded.

“Fuck me!” Denton insisted.
Isaac gave a mock sigh of frustration while

grinning madly. The plus side of Denton being
face down was he couldn’t easily see Isaac’s
expression.

“I know you’re grinning. Now do your duty to

your mate.”

“I am. I’m worshipping you.” Isaac tentatively

pumped his hips just enough to tease Denton.

“I’m more of a hands-on deity. I prefer to be

fucked until I can’t remember my name,” Denton
instructed.

“Ahh. Well, your wishes are my dirty

fantasies.” Isaac slammed into Denton, forcing the
croc shifter to brace with his forearms or be
shoved face first into the mattress.

Isaac continued his brutal rhythm, carefully

monitoring Denton’s comfort level. When the croc
shifter’s passion flared hotter than a beach bonfire,
Isaac bit Denton’s neck again.

Amber Kell

Denton shouted out his release. The sound

echoed in the room and shattered Isaac’s
concentration. Satisfied he’d pleased his mate,
Isaac gave in to his needs and pumped his seed
into Denton before collapsing against his back. It
took all his remaining strength to pull out
carefully and roll over to lie beside his lover.

Gasping, he turned to meet Denton’s satisfied

expression with one of his own. “What’s your
name?”

“Could be George.” Denton frowned. “Or

Barney.”

“Barney was a dinosaur, not a crocodile,” Isaac

corrected.

“If I don’t know my name, how should I know

my species?” Denton’s eyes glowed with a teasing
light.

“Hmm, good point. I rescind my correction,

Barney George.”

Denton laughed.
The bedroom door slammed open.
“Guys, have you seen Marty?” Eaton’s

concerned expression threw cold water on the
warm ashes of their desire.

“He was going to check out the container ship

after he went to the bar to retrieve his bike,”
Denton said.

Eaton nibbled his bottom lip. “How long ago

was that?”

To Catch A Croc

Denton’s gaze went to the alarm clock on the

table. “Shit! Five hours ago. He should’ve been
back by now. Did you try calling him?”

“Five times. He’s not answering.” Eaton

frowned. “You don’t think he’s ignoring me, do
you?”

“No.” Denton sat up completely, his entire

focus on his friend. “He’s completely in love with
you. Trust me on this. We’re going to take a
shower, then we’ll go after Marty. Call Aden and
see if he knows anything.”

Isaac watched, fascinated, as Denton went from

melted lover to take charge leader. Denton’s
strong personality appealed to Isaac. People
always thought he wanted to be in charge because
of his size, but if Denton ever wanted to take
control of their lovemaking, Isaac would easily
give up control.

“I’ll call Aden.” Eaton left the bedroom without

another word, apparently confident Denton would
take care of everything now.

Although the shower involved dripping naked

bodies, Isaac resisted the urge to pin Denton to the
cold tile wall. If he tasted Denton’s mouth again,
they wouldn’t get out of there and Eaton would
probably march into the bathroom to demand
where they were.

“Have you and Eaton ever fooled around?”

From previous discussions, Isaac knew no one else

Amber Kell

had ever breached Denton anally, but there were a
lot of things to do in between.

“No. Eww.” Denton’s disgusted expression

made Isaac laugh.

“What? He’s cute.”
He knew he’d said the wrong thing when

Denton froze and his eyes took on an inhuman
shine. “You think he’s cute?”

“For a blond,” Isaac rushed to say. “I prefer my

men darker and not feathered. I don’t think a
puma and a bird would make good mates.”

Denton reached for his clothes without saying a

word. Isaac slowly dressed, not wanting to add to
the unnerving silence filling the room. Apparently
the crocodile didn’t have a sense of humor about
anyone but Denton touching Isaac.

“We should see if Eaton learned anything from

his phone calls,” Denton said, still not turning to
look at Isaac.

He had to see Denton’s face. Isaac reached out

and spun Denton around. “Don’t make more of
this than there is. I was concerned about anyone
else touching what is mine. I’m not interested in
Eaton. In case you didn’t notice, I’m interested in
you.”

“Okay.” Denton didn’t look convinced but he

nodded and tried to pull away. He frowned when
Isaac didn’t release him.

To Catch A Croc

“I didn’t buy Eaton a house with a fucking pool

when I don’t like to swim. Understand?” Isaac’s
heart leapt to his throat as he waited for his words
to sink in.

Joy filled Denton’s face. “You bought that

house for me? Wait, what pool?”

“The house is your mating present. The atrium

has a sandy-bottomed pool with heat lamps.”

“When were you going to give it to me?”

Denton asked, his eyes troubled.

“When life stopped being such a crisis. The way

things are going, apparently when you turn fifty.
You do want to live with me, right? I know this is
your home…” he trailed off because he didn’t
know what to say from there. If Denton preferred
the Queen Anne mansion to Isaac’s house, he
couldn’t blame him. It was a beautiful place that
Denton had called home for years.

“No! I want to be with you. This place is great,

but I can always come visit. The best part of this
house is the people inside it and they’ll always be
my family.” Denton’s expression didn’t show any
regret. Isaac hoped Denton would always feel that
way.

“Good. Let’s go talk to Eaton and figure out

what happened to Marty,” Isaac said.

“That’s a good idea.” He could tell from the

excited expression on Denton’s face that the living
together hurdle had been bypassed successfully.

Amber Kell

They finished dressing and found Eaton curled

up on the couch, his cell phone clutched in one
tight fist.

To Catch A Croc

Chapter Seven

ne look at Eaton’s expression and Denton
knew everything wasn’t all right.

“What happened?” he asked softly. Eaton

looked like he might break apart if he had to deal
with one more thing.

“The gang said Marty came and got his

motorcycle but then disappeared. No one has
heard from him since. They said it was four hours
ago. He should’ve been back by now.”

Denton wanted to say something nice and

reassuring but he came up dry. Eaton was right,
Marty should’ve returned. “Maybe he found
something interesting and is waiting for us to
come. He knew we’d be there later.”

Eaton and Isaac both gave him looks that said

they knew he was an idiot but they cared about
him anyway. He wondered if they practiced their
synchronicity.

“Something has happened, I can feel it,” Eaton

persisted.

Amber Kell

“Can you think of anywhere else he might have

gone?” Denton asked. He didn’t know if Eaton
and Marty had a connection or not. Was it possible
for Eaton to really know something had happened
or was he just projecting?

“Isaac and I will follow his footsteps and see if

we can find him, okay?” Denton said.

“I can’t reach Aden either. He’s not answering,”

Eaton said, shaking his phone at them. “I can’t get
hold of anyone.”

“You didn’t try Carey, right?” Denton glared at

his friend, daring him to confess.

Eaton shook his head. “I wouldn’t do that.

Carey doesn’t like Marty and I don’t want to ruin
his honeymoon. Broden would never forgive me.”

Denton thought Eaton’s assessment was

probably right. When it came to upsetting Carey,
Broden didn’t forgive much.

“Okay, keep your phone close by and we’ll go

investigate,” Denton said.

“But I want to come too,” Eaton whined. “I can

fly overhead and see if I can spot Marty’s bike.”

“And what will you do then?” Denton asked.
Eaton hung his head in defeat. “I could come in

human form and watch your back.”

“If we need a sharpshooter, we are past the

surveillance stage. We’re just going to explore
whether the salties are at the port. If they aren’t,
we’ll come back home and try to find them

To Catch A Croc

elsewhere. If they are, then we discover how many
are hiding out and plan accordingly.”

“If they took Marty, I will get him back.”

Eaton’s pretty face took a hard edge. Denton knew
from experience that Eaton might be a mild-
mannered genius, but if he needed to protect his
family, he did so with lethal force.

Somewhere along the way, Eaton had chosen

Marty as his. If anyone was responsible for taking
the hawk shifter, Denton hoped they had their will
in place and their papers all in order.

“I’ll call,” Denton assured his friend.
Eaton nodded. “I’ll be waiting.”
Now that he knew how much Eaton cared for

Marty, Denton knew his friend was placing a great
deal of trust in him. He followed Isaac out of the
house. A black SUV squatted on the drive. “Let’s
take your car. It will blend a little better,” Denton
said.

“You just love me for my heated seats,” Isaac

teased.

“Yep.” The first time he’d ridden in the SUV,

Denton had discovered the beauty of heated seats.
He thought about having them added to his Jeep
but for now it was cost prohibitive.

Denton climbed into the passenger seat and

quickly fiddled with the settings until his ass
turned toasty. Sighing, he leaned back his head
and soaked in the comfort.

Amber Kell

“You look like a happy reptile,” Isaac observed.
“It’s like a heated rock,” Denton smiled.
“Crocodiles don’t bask on rocks,” Isaac said.
“How do you know? I’m the crocodile.”
“Because I did my research. You’re a freshwater

croc. You like murky water and lying in the sand
to heat.”

“I could lie on a rock.” Denton folded his arms

and looked out the window. Now wasn’t the time
to tell Isaac about his basking rock. He wondered
if he could swipe it from the mansion to take it
with him to Isaac’s house without the inquisitive
kitty noticing.

“You can lie on whatever you want as long as

you do it near me,” Isaac said.

“Thanks.” Denton felt better. The drive to the

bar passed relatively quickly, though Denton was
quick to note that Isaac lost every bit of his sanity
after he got behind a wheel. When they reached
the bar, it was all he could do not to jump out and
kiss the earth in excitement. No longer was the
world spinning out of his control.

“You are a little melodramatic, aren’t you?”

Isaac asked dryly.

“No. You shouldn’t be licensed to drive a golf

cart, much less a full-sized motor vehicle.” Denton
scolded. “I’d better drive the rest of the way.”

“Over my dead body,” Isaac snapped.
“Don’t make it necessary,” Denton replied.

To Catch A Croc

Isaac tossed over the keys. Denton knew his

mate would pick the fight back up another time.
Right now, Marty was on the clock. Who knew
what the salties were doing to him while they
exchanged light banter?

They entered the bar shoulder to shoulder.

Denton made sure to meet each shifter’s gaze
before moving on. Not one of them looked guilty.

Crap.
“Is Marty still gone?” One of the hawks stepped

forward.

Denton had no idea of his name. The feathered

ones all blended together with their black leather
and cropped hair, like little clones that joined the
dark side as one group.

“Yes. We’re still looking for him.” Denton

agreed. He didn’t give details—it wasn’t their
business. Not anymore.

“I’d like to help,” the strange hawk replied.
All the clone hawks nodded their agreement.
“At this point, we’re trying to determine if he

made it to Terminal Eighteen or not.”

“I can fly there and come back quickly,” the

helpful hawk shifter offered.

Several others added their agreement.
“I think an entire flock of hawks would attract

too much attention. A couple of you should do the
trick, if you’re willing.”

Again lots of nods were his answer.

Amber Kell

100

“What’s your name?” Denton asked the eager

hawk.

“Benji. This is Tim,” he pointed to the shifter on

his right. “We’d both like to go.”

“Okay. Fly there and report back. Look for

Marty’s motorcycle and for salties.”

“Will do.”
The two men eagerly left the bar to do their

work.

“Who do you think you are to order my men

around,” a snarly voice asked.

Denton turned to face this new speaker. A

black-haired man with the usual biker leathers
marched through the crowd. From the scornful
looks he received from the rest of the flock,
Denton knew this must be Lance, the guy Marty
said was going for his alpha position.

“I asked you a question,” Lance replied.
Denton opened his mouth to speak when a

whiff of scent crossed his nose. “When did you
last see Marty?”

Lance folded his arms and looked down at

Denton. “What business is it of yours?”

“Four hours ago,” another helpful hawk

offered.

“How come the scent of Marty is fresher on

your skin then?” Denton narrowed his eyes
suspiciously.

To Catch A Croc

101

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Lance scowled at him. “Why would you come
here and try to cause problems?”

“You may not know this, but crocodiles have a

keen sense of smell and I can smell Marty all over
you.” Denton stepped forward. Lance spun
around and Denton knew he was going to try and
fly away. “Someone stop him.”

Before any of the hawk shifters could do

anything, a large puma rushed past Denton and
pounced on Lance. The beige cat let out a loud
snarl when Lance tried to wiggle out of his hold.

“I wouldn’t do that, if I were you,” Denton said.

The cat stood almost three feet tall from floor to
shoulder.

When Denton approached the puma, it rubbed

its cheek against Denton’s hip. “Good kitty, yes,
you are. When you change back, I’ll give you a
treat later.”

He scratched beneath Isaac’s chin, pleased

when the big yellow eyes half-closed in bliss.

“I killed him. He deserved to die!” Lance

shouted.

Immediately Denton’s attention returned to

their captive. He crouched down until Lance met
his eyes. He felt his eyes shift as he looked at the
trapped hawk. “You better hope he’s not dead,
because his mate is good with a gun and will take
it very badly if you killed Marty.”

Amber Kell

102

Fear clawed at Denton. His friend would be

mateless for the rest of his life if Lance really had
killed Marty.

“Where is he?” Denton demanded.
“I’ll never tell!” Lance vowed.
Denton stood up. “Do you want to eat him or

should I?”

Isaac-puma tilted his furry head.
“I thought we’d start at his feet, and hopefully

he won’t bleed to death before he confesses. My
croc will enjoy the toes, I think.”

Truthfully, he had to concentrate very carefully

not to puke on the bar floor.

Denton focused and let his mouth stretch in a

manner worthy of the best horror movie master.

Screams deafened his hearing before he had a

chance to do anything more.

“I’ll talk. I’ll talk! He’s underneath. Underneath

the bar! P-please, please don’t eat me.”

The smell of urine filled the room. Denton

transformed back to full human. He ran his tongue
over his teeth to verify they were back to their
normal shape. “Show us!”

Isaac stayed in his puma form as they followed

Lance behind the bar.

With shaking hands, Lance pulled back the

rubber mat exposing a hatch below. He pulled it
open. Marty lay still and pale on the ground

To Catch A Croc

103

underneath. From the angle of his arms, Denton
wondered if he’d ever be able to fly again.

“Fuck, you broke him,” Denton whispered.
The sound of glass shattering was the only

warning he had. Blood spurted from a hole in
Lance’s forehead.

“Where is he?” Eaton stood in the middle of the

bar. The rest of the hawks were lined up as far
away from him as possible. Denton couldn’t
blame them. Eaton had enough weapons and
ammo strapped to his body to make Rambo green
with envy.

“He’s down there,” Denton pointed.
“I’ll get him,” a soft voice spoke.
When had Harris arrived?
Denton raised an eyebrow at his friend.
“I couldn’t let Eaton come alone,” Harris said

softly.

Denton wisely refrained from commenting. He

dragged Lance out of the way so Harris could get
in there. The space behind the bar didn’t have a lot
of room.

Harris hopped into the small access hole and

scooped Marty up in his arms. “He’s breathing,”
he told Eaton.

“Good.” Eaton’s hands shook a bit when he

caught sight of Marty. “Let’s get him home.”

Amber Kell

104

Denton shoved Lance into the hole, closed the

hatch, then slapped the rubber mat back over the
opening.

“Hey, what are we supposed to do about

Lance?” one of the braver hawks asked.

Denton shrugged. “How should I know? It’s

not my bar.”

The bar door burst open and Benji and his

friend rushed inside.

“They’re there. No sign of Marty but I saw

salties all over the port, at least two-dozen,”
Benji’s words all rushed together, but Denton
deciphered them easily.

“Thanks, you two did great.” He resisted the

urge to pet them like the eager puppies they
seemed.

He headed for the door with his puma

following close behind.

“What do we do now?” Benji asked.
“You find a new leader and do what you

usually do?” Denton replied.

“But your eagle friend is our new leader, since

he killed Lance,” Benji said.

Denton almost laughed but he doubted the

hawks in the room would appreciate that action.
“Okay, here’s the deal. Eaton is going to take care
of Marty. While Marty heals, you guys can help
me with my little project.”

To Catch A Croc

105

Epilogue

enton floated blissfully in the warm water.
He loved his pool. As a mating gift, it didn’t

get any better than this. He lazily flicked his tail
back and forth, enjoying the silky water across his
skin.

He enjoyed the house he shared with Isaac.

He’d moved in as soon as the hawks began living
in the Queen Anne mansion. Turned out they
didn’t have any place to sleep. Their old landlord
had sold their apartments the last time they left
and all their belongings were in boxes.

Eaton took pity on them, but said Carey would

have the final say.

They had earned their keep, though. The

saltwater crocs couldn’t overcome the large
quantity of plastic explosives the hawks
transported to the cargo ship. It was enough to
destroy their containers, kill most of the crocs but
not sink the ship. Denton hadn’t wanted to be
responsible for an oil spill if the ship sank, since he

Amber Kell

106

didn’t know what else the crocs might have
wanted to bring ashore.

Sadly, after five days, Marty still hadn’t

recovered. Eaton sat beside him daily, hoping he’d
come out of his self-induced coma, but nothing
yet.

“Come out, come out, little croc,” Isaac’s voice

reached Denton through the water.

He lazily swam over to his lover.
“Shift. I want to speak with the man, not the

swamp monster,” Isaac scolded.

Denton shifted. “I’m not a swamp monster,” he

protested.

“Not a very good one, anyway. I think the

goldfish are mocking you,” Isaac teased.

“There aren’t any goldfish.” He took a quick

look to verify. Isaac did like to leave surprises. He
let Isaac put the platinum ring back on his finger.
They weren’t married, but Isaac said it reassured
him when humans knew Denton was taken.

“There,” Isaac said, satisfaction oozing from

him.

“Now that you have me properly claimed, what

did you want?” Denton asked.

“This.” Isaac wrapped Denton in his arms and

kissed him as if they hadn’t made love in the past
hour.

Denton willingly surrendered to his mate. The

worry in the back of his mind that the salties

To Catch A Croc

107

wouldn’t give up so easily ate away at him. He’d
have to be careful to keep an eye out. Especially
now that he had a mate. On the plus side, if he
needed to go swimming anywhere other than his
pool, Isaac promised to take him.

Filled to overflowing with love, Denton let

Isaac lead him out of the swimming area. The bed
was calling and it was time to remind Isaac what it
meant to be lucky enough to catch a croc.

About the Author

Amber Kell lives in Seattle, WA with her husband,
two sons, three cats and one extremely stupid dog.
She loves to hear from her fans at
amberkellwrites@gmail.com

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