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backseat of his SUV and prepared to head home to catch up on his sleep.

    The hair on the back of his neck stood up. He knew without looking that it was Noah. He wasn’t surprised when Noah’s voice was right behind him.
     
    “Thank you for your support,” he said stiffly. Lucas suspected he didn’t say those words often.

    Lucas gathered the courage to turn and meet Noah’s eyes. “You’re welcome. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

    “Yes, sir.” There seemed to be something else Noah wanted to say. Instead, he climbed into his Jeep and drove away, leaving Lucas staring longingly after his brake lights.

CHAPTER FOUR
    Lucas had no idea how the werewolves did it. Hubbard didn’t even sound out of breath as he called the cadence. Chandler and Grant were at the front and the center of the platoon, respectively, calling out encouragement to their fellow Marines.
     
    This time, when Catinella fell behind, it was Noah who dropped back. Lucas wanted to move closer, curious about what the sergeant was saying and how someone like Noah would motivate a young Marine to perform at a higher level. He kept his distance, though. Some things were better kept between the enlisted men.

    Noah shortened his long stride to match Catinella’s and leaned in slightly to murmur something. It appeared effortless, and Lucas felt a sharp stab of envy.
     
    To his amazement, Catinella’s stride lengthened, and he steadily gained ground on the rest of the platoon.

    “See, that’s easier, isn’t it?” he heard Noah ask.
     
    “Yes, Sergeant, it is.” Catinella’s reply was firm, if slightly winded.

    Lucas had Sergeant Viejo take up the cadence. He watched as Hubbard dropped back in the pack, to accompany and encourage Catinella. Noah picked up his pace and passed them all to take up the lead.
     
    Lucas enjoyed using Noah as his focal point. It was easy to track him, blond head and broad shoulders rising so far above everyone else. He looked completely at ease and supremely competent. Lucas had no idea how he was going to get such a man to submit to his command willingly.

    When they reached the parade ground, Gunny McAlister was there to help Lucas remove his pack. He rolled his shoulders and was surprised to find a cool bottle of water thrust into his hand. He glanced up into Noah’s blue eyes.

    Lucas pushed the bottle back at him. “You first, Sergeant.”

    “I’m fine, Lieutenant,” Noah replied calmly. “You need to maintain combat and command effectiveness.”

    “The men first,” Lucas insisted, handing off the bottle to a nearby Marine.

    Several minutes later, Lucas glanced over his men, reassured that none of them were going to keel over from heat stroke or dehydration.

    “Hey, Gunny?” he heard Noah call. “Has the Lieutenant hydrated, yet?”

    “That’s a negative, Sergeant,” Vince shouted his reply.
     
    A bottle of water flew through the air, and the Gunny caught it with one hand.

    “Please advise the Lieutenant that his platoon’s needs have all been seen to.” Noah spoke to Vince but he was looking at Lucas.
     
    “Roger that,” Gunny said.

    Lucas took the bottle from Vince, even as he watched Noah upend his own bottle and drain it in just a few swallows. He met Lucas’ eyes challengingly the entire time. Lucas couldn’t help but smile as he finally quenched his own thirst.
    § § §
    “I want you to run them through more scenarios involving civilian contact,” Lucas told Noah as they strode down the hallway side-by-side. “This deployment is going to be about the hearts and minds shit, and I want to make sure they understand that.”

    “Roger that, sir,” Noah replied.

    “Lieutenant Young.”

    Lucas turned at the sound of Captain Stanley calling his name. “Sir.” He stopped walking, completely aware of Noah pulling up to stand beside him.

    “There’s a need for more boots on the ground so the battalion’s deployment date has been moved up,” Stanley said.

    Dread settled in